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dovetail saw

dovetail saw

7.5
A small saw with a stiff back and fine teeth for cutting small angled joints in wood
  • noun
  • /ˈdʌvˌteɪl sɔː/
  • Specialized
translation icon : sierra de cola de milano
  • A dovetail saw is essential for detailed woodworking such as making drawers.
  • use a dovetail saw

Examples

  • The fine teeth of a dovetail saw allow for clean, accurate cuts in hard woods.

  • He used a dovetail saw to create precise joints in the oak cabinet.

  • The carpenter used a dovetail saw for the project.

  • I bought two dovetail saws for my workshop.

  • To create strong joints in your project, you will need a dovetail saw for precise cuts.

  • After marking the joint locations, carefully use the dovetail saw for accurate angles.

  • A dovetail saw is essential for woodworkers who want to achieve a professional finish on their projects.

Synonyms

saw
vsdovetail saw
54 1.0

A tool with a thin toothed blade used to cut wood or other materials

is the specific small reinforced tool for fine joint cutting
crosscut saw
vsdovetail saw
  • Specialized
1 5.1

A hand saw for cutting wood across the grain

is used for fine precise joints rather than cutting across the grain
back saw
vsdovetail saw
  • Specialized
6.0

A saw with a stiff top edge used for making small, precise cuts in wood

is smaller and made especially to cut fine interlocking wood joints

How Precise

scroll saw
  • Specialized
2 7.3
dovetail saw
  • Specialized
7.5
handsaw
3 2.3

Surface Forms

dovetail saw singular
dovetail saws plural

Morphology

dovetail + saw

The meaning 'a saw used for cutting dovetail joints' is directly and compositionally derived from 'dovetail' (a type of woodworking joint) + 'saw' (a cutting tool). This straightforward noun–noun compound follows common English compounding patterns and would be understandable to a B1 learner who knows both constituent words.

Etymology

Dovetail saw is named after the joint called a dovetail, which looks like a dove's tail. The small saw with a fine blade is made to cut that exact shape, so the name shows the tool's job of making tight wood 'joints'.