Woodworking Class: Make a Dovetail Saw + Tenon Saw with Tom Calisto (2 Days)

If your desired class becomes sold out click here to get added to the wait list. People may cancel, we may add more slots, or we may decide to add another class date if enough students request it.

If you'd like to pay for class registration with a check or cash, please contact us here.

In this two day class you will make your own custom, open-toat, 18th century dovetail saw, and tenon saw! Using fine wood for the handles, a brass back, brass nuts, and spring steel for the saw plate, you’ll have finer saws than can be purchased in any store. Master tool maker, Tom Calisto, will work closely with you through the process of shaping the handle, fitting the saw plate to the brass back & handle, boring holes for brass nuts, punching the teeth with his retoother, and finally shaping and sharpening the saw to perfection.

DAY 1:
• Clean up handle blank and mark for the plate and back
• Cut slot and mortise for the plate and back
• Bore stepped holes through handle for the traditional flush saw nut
• Begin shaping handle to suit students hand for a custom fit

DAY 2:
• Tooth the saw plate using a vintage Foley Belsaw retoother
• Set and Sharpen saw plate
• Punch saw plate for saw nuts
• Prepare and install brass back
• Assemble saw and tune as necessary
• Polish/finish metal and wood components

Read about this instructor on our page: "Meet the Instructors".

A class material fee of $50 covers the dovetail saw making kit, and is payable to the instructor before or on the day of the class. Most students make a second saw (either a tenon saw, or a carcass saw, for example) within the two days, so any additional saw materials can be purchased from the instructor during the class. Tenon saw kits are $65. You are not required to bring any of your own woodworking hand tools to this class, but can do so if you wish.

No students under 18 years of age are allowed. A PDF document with the full class policies and a liability waiver will be available after you register. All students are required to sign this document, and bring it on the first day of class.

Anyone can cancel a class up to 3 weeks prior to the class for a full refund (minus a $45 fee that covers credit card processing fees and administrative work). Cancellations under three weeks before a class begins will be given a refund (less $45) if we can find someone else to fill the slot. If we can't find a replacement for a cancelled spot (under 3 weeks before class), we will not issue a refund or give credit for a future class (even in the event of illness or injury).

If we have to cancel a class for an unforeseen emergency, inclement weather, instructor illness/injury, or low number of registrations, a full refund will be given to students. We encourage students to not book non-refundable flights, car rentals, or lodging in case of these cancelations.

See our return / refund policy here.

After you’ve registered for a class, you are eligible for a discount from Lee Valley (Veritas) and Taylor Toolworks. Lee Valley offers a 15% discount, and a discount form PDF will be available for download in your Wood and Shop dashboard after your purchase. For a 10% discount from Taylor Toolworks fill out this form and upload a photo or screenshot of your class order email (under the “Student ID” section). The discounts may not be available after the end of the class, so try to place your orders before then.

Please read our page: "Getting Here and Where to Stay".