Tune-Up Required: Spear & Jackson 9540B-91 Tenon Saw

Spear & Jackson Traditional Brass Back Tenon Saw
$31.71
A sturdy, brass-back tenon saw that offers great value and stable cuts after a bit of tuning. Ideal for budget-minded woodworkers who don’t mind sharpening and reshaping the handle.
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07/31/2025 10:20 pm GMT

Specifications

Feature
Details
Blade Length
10 in (25.4 cm): precise length for accurate tenon cutting
TPI
15 PPI (14 TPI): fine teeth for smooth cuts
Blade Material
Hardened and tempered carbon steel: durable edge retention
Handle Type and Material
Wooden handle secured by rivets: comfortable, sturdy grip
Spine type
Brass back: added rigidity for straight cuts
Weight
1.27 lb (0.58 kg): light enough for easy handling

The Good

  • Balanced Weight: The brass back adds heft that stabilizes the saw, letting cuts track smoothly with minimal effort.
  • Strong Value: Multiple users praise its low cost relative to performance, making it ideal for beginners on a budget.
  • Sharpenable Teeth: Teeth aren’t hardened, so they can be reset and sharpened repeatedly to maintain cutting quality.
  • Customizable Handle: Plenty of extra wood lets you reshape and sand the grip for a tailored, comfortable fit.

The Bad

  • Out-of-Box Tuning: Factory tooth set is aggressive and teeth burs require filing and resetting before precise work.
  • Handle Fit: Stock handle often sits high or is too small for average hands, needing significant reshaping for comfort.
  • QC Inconsistency: Some blades can arrive bent or with misaligned teeth, indicating uneven quality control across batches.
  • Rough Kerf: Blade thickness and coarse factory teeth can cause skip-start and rough cuts until tuned.

What did others say?

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Scores

Feature
Details
Score (1-10)
Blade Length (in)
10 in (25.4 cm)
4
TPI
15 PPI (14 TPI)
10
Handle Design
Wooden handle secured by rivets
8
Blade Steel
Hardened and tempered carbon steel
10
Spine
Brass back
10
Overall Score
8.4/10
Learn how we scored it with the help of our tool!

How does it compare with others?

Tenon Saw
Blade Length Sc. (1-10)
TPI Sc. (1-10)
Handle Design Sc. (1-10)
Blade Steel Sc. (1-10)
Spine Sc. (1-10)
Overall Score
Spear & Jackson 9540B-91
4
10
8
10
10
8.4/10
4
6
8
9
6
6.6/10
8
8
10
10
10
9.2/10

Should you buy it?

Spear & Jackson Traditional Brass Back Tenon Saw
$31.71
A budget-friendly tenon saw that rewards a bit of setup.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
07/31/2025 10:20 pm GMT

Buy If:

  • You want brass-back heft for stable, straight cuts.
  • You’re comfortable filing teeth and resetting the saw.
  • You value low cost relative to saw performance.
  • You plan to reshape the handle for a custom grip.

Don’t Buy If:

  • You need precision cuts right out of the box.
  • You can’t tolerate reshaping or tuning work.
  • You have larger hands and need a roomy handle.
  • You require flawless blade alignment without QC tweaks.

This saw delivers excellent value and adaptability for beginners willing to invest time in tuning. If you prefer a ready-to-use, high-precision tool, a higher-end model may suit you better.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can it cut through metal?

No. This tenon saw is built for wood and wood-based materials. Its hardened carbon steel blade and universal teeth aren’t intended for metal, so attempting metal cuts will dull or damage the teeth.

Is it designed to minimize vibration during operation?

Yes. The brass back adds weight and rigidity to the spine, keeping the blade straighter under pressure and reducing flex or chatter for smoother, more controlled cuts.

Is it suitable for cutting across or along grain?

Yes. It features universal, precision-ground teeth that handle both rip (along the grain) and crosscut (across the grain) work, making it versatile for joinery and general wood cutting.

Is it suitable for cutting thick materials?

Only up to its maximum depth of cut, typically around 3 in (76 mm). It excels on small workpieces and tenons but isn’t meant for very thick planks or large beams.