Knew Concepts 3" Mk.IV Heavy Duty Fret Saw – Lever Tension

Experience greater blade control, reduced vibration, and fast blade changes with the Knew Concepts 3" Mk.IV Heavy Duty Fret Saw with Lever Tension. Designed for jewelers, metalsmiths, model makers, and precision craftspeople, the Mk.IV combines the lightweight feel Knew Concepts saws are known for with a heavier-duty frame engineered for higher blade tension.

The Mk.IV is designed to apply 50–60 pounds of tension to the blade, helping reduce blade vibration and providing a rigid, responsive feel while sawing. Compared with the lighter Mk.III frame, the Mk.IV is thicker and slightly heavier, bringing it closer to the familiar feel of a traditional jeweler's saw while remaining remarkably lightweight.

Its cam-lever tensioning system is especially useful for piercing and other work that requires frequent blade changes. Release the lever, reposition and clamp the blade, return the lever to its cutting position, and the preset blade tension is restored without having to readjust it each time.

Features & Benefits

• 3" throat depth for jewelry, piercing, and precision sawing
• Heavy-duty Mk.IV frame provides increased rigidity
• Designed to produce 50–60 lb of blade tension
• Higher tension helps reduce blade vibration
• Cam-lever tensioning makes repeated blade changes fast and convenient
• Preset tension remains consistent when releasing and resetting the blade
• Particularly convenient for piercing work
• Constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum
• Weighs only 179.1 grams
• Durable red powder-coated finish
• Scratch- and damage-resistant frame finish
• Supplied with a #7 Fix Blue premium fret saw blade
• Excellent for jewelry making, metalsmithing, model making, and precision fabrication
• Made in the USA

Specifications

Micro-Tools confirms the SKU, MPN, UPC, brand, and USA manufacture, while Knew Concepts confirms the construction, weight, tension system, and included blade.

Heavy-Duty Mk.IV Frame

The Mk.IV Heavy Duty is designed for users who want more rigidity and a more substantial feel than Knew Concepts' lighter Mk.III saws.

The frame is thicker and slightly heavier, allowing it to support considerably higher blade tension while still maintaining the weight advantage of its aluminum construction.

For precision sawing, that increased rigidity can translate into a more controlled relationship between your hand, the blade, and the workpiece.

50–60 Pounds of Blade Tension

One of the defining characteristics of the Mk.IV is its ability to pull 50–60 pounds of tension on the blade.

A properly tensioned blade vibrates less during the cut, giving you a more responsive feel at the bench.

This is especially valuable when you're making:

• Fine straight cuts
• Tight curves
• Detailed pierced designs
• Interior cuts
• Repetitive precision cuts
• Intricate jewelry components

Fast Cam-Lever Blade Changes

If you do a lot of piercing, the cam-lever tensioning system may be the feature you'll appreciate most.

Piercing requires repeatedly disconnecting the blade, feeding it through a drilled opening in the workpiece, reconnecting it, and returning it to proper tension.

With the Mk.IV lever system, you don't have to manually recreate the blade tension every time.

Release the lever to remove tension, reposition and clamp the blade, then return the lever to the cutting position. Your tension setting remains consistent.

Excellent for Piercing Work

Intricate piercing can require dozens—or even hundreds—of interior blade changes over the course of a complex design.

A tensioning system designed around rapid, repetitive blade changes can make that process considerably more efficient.

That makes the 3" Mk.IV particularly attractive for jewelers working on:

• Pierced pendants
• Earrings
• Decorative metal panels
• Filigree-inspired designs
• Intricate sheet-metal patterns
• Small sculptural components
• Detailed fabrication

Reduced Blade Vibration

Higher blade tension isn't simply about making the blade feel tighter.

Knew Concepts specifically designed the Mk.IV so the higher tension results in less blade vibration than its Mk.III saws.

Reduced vibration can give the blade a more precise, predictable feel as it travels through the workpiece—particularly valuable when following fine layout lines or navigating intricate curves.

Aircraft-Grade Aluminum Frame

Despite being the heavier-duty model, this isn't a conventional heavy steel saw frame.

The Mk.IV is constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum, combining frame rigidity with low weight.

The complete 3" Mk.IV with blade weighs approximately 179.1 grams. Knew Concepts' published weight table confirms that figure for model 124.003C.

That relatively low weight can be particularly welcome during long periods of detailed bench work.

Durable Powder-Coated Finish

The distinctive red frame isn't simply cosmetic.

Knew Concepts applies a powder-coated finish designed to be highly resistant to scratching and damage.

For a hand tool that may see daily use at a busy jewelry or fabrication bench, that durable finish helps keep the frame protected.

3" Throat for Precision Work

The 3" frame is a practical choice for smaller workpieces and detailed bench sawing.

Its compact dimensions make it particularly appropriate for:

• Jewelry fabrication
• Piercing
• Small metal components
• Model making
• Fine craft work
• Precision fabrication

For jewelers whose projects rarely require the deeper reach of a 5" or 8" frame, the compact 3" configuration keeps the saw manageable and responsive.

Includes a Premium Saw Blade

Knew Concepts currently specifies that the 124.003C comes loaded with a #7 Fix Blue premium fret saw blade.

That's worth adding to the Micro-Tools description because the current page doesn't tell customers that a blade is supplied.

Made in the USA

The Knew Concepts Mk.IV Heavy Duty Fret Saw is made in the United States. Both Micro-Tools and Knew Concepts identify USA manufacture for this model.

Ideal For

The Knew Concepts 3" Mk.IV is an excellent choice for:

• Jewelry making
• Jewelry fabrication
• Piercing
• Metalsmithing
• Silversmithing
• Goldsmithing
• Model making
• Precision metal cutting
• Fine craft work
• Professional jewelry studios
• Jewelry schools
• Serious hobbyists

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the throat depth of this saw?
This is the 3" Mk.IV, providing a 3-inch throat for jewelry, piercing, and other precision sawing applications.

How much blade tension can the Mk.IV produce?
Knew Concepts designed the Mk.IV to pull approximately 50–60 pounds of blade tension.

What is the advantage of higher blade tension?
Knew Concepts states that the Mk.IV's higher tension results in less blade vibration than its Mk.III saws, providing a rigid and responsive cutting setup.

What does the lever tension system do?
The cam lever lets you release and restore blade tension quickly without having to reset the tension every time you reposition the blade.

Is lever tension useful for piercing?
Yes. It's particularly useful for piercing because interior cuts require frequent blade release and reinstallation.

How much does the saw weigh?
Knew Concepts lists the 124.003C at 179.1 grams with the blade installed.

What is the frame made from?
The frame is made from aircraft-grade aluminum with a red powder-coated finish.

Does a blade come with the saw?
Yes. Knew Concepts currently specifies that the saw comes loaded with a #7 Fix Blue premium fret saw blade.

Is this the swivel-blade-clamp version?
No. 124.003C is the 3" Mk.IV with lever tension. Knew Concepts separately identifies 124.003CS as the model with lever tension and swivel blade clamps.

Where is this saw made?
It is made in the USA.

Micro-Tools makes every attempt to provide accurate information for each item. Actual packaging and/or specifications may be slightly different from the information and picture provided.