A hand saw is one of the most basic and versatile tools in woodworking and carpentry. It can be used to cut wood, metal, plastic, and other materials with precision and ease. However, using a handsaw correctly requires some skill and practice.
In this article, we will show you how to use a handsaw effectively, from choosing the right type of saw for your project to making smooth and accurate cuts to maintaining your saw in good condition.
What is a handsaw?
A handsaw is a tool that consists of a blade with sharp teeth along one edge and a handle at the other end. The blade is usually made of steel or metal alloy, while the handle can be made of wood, plastic, or metal. The teeth of the blade are designed to cut through the material as you push or pull the saw along the surface.
There are many types of hand saws available, each with different features and purposes. Some of the most common types are:
Crosscut Saw
A crosscut saw is a hand saw that is used to cut wood across the grain. The teeth of a crosscut saw are angled and have a beveled edge, which allows them to slice through the wood fibers. A crosscut saw is ideal for cutting boards, planks, or panels to length.
Rip Saw
A rip saw is a hand saw that is used to cut wood along the grain. The teeth of a rip saw are straight and have a chisel-like edge, which allows them to rip through the wood fibers. A rip saw is ideal for cutting boards, planks, or panels to width.
Coping Saw
A coping saw is a hand saw that has a thin and flexible blade that is attached to a U-shaped frame with a handle. The blade can be rotated and tensioned by turning a screw at the end of the frame. A coping saw is used to cut curves, shapes, or intricate patterns in wood or other materials.
Back Saw
A back saw is a hand saw that has a stiff and narrow blade that is reinforced by a metal spine along the top edge. The spine prevents the blade from bending or twisting during cutting. A back saw is used for making precise and straight cuts, such as dovetails, tenons, or miters.
Hacksaw
A hacksaw is a handsaw that has a fine-toothed blade that is held by a metal frame with a handle. The blade can be adjusted and replaced by loosening a wing nut or lever on the frame. A hacksaw is used for cutting metal, plastic, or other hard materials.
How to Choose a Hand Saw
Choosing the right-hand saw for your project depends on several factors, such as:
Blade Length and Thickness
The length of the blade determines how deep you can cut with the saw. A longer blade can cut deeper than a shorter one, but it may also be more difficult to control and maneuver. The thickness of the blade determines how rigid and durable it is. A thicker blade can withstand more pressure and wear than a thinner one, but it may also create more friction and resistance during cutting.
Teeth per inch and shape
The number of teeth per inch (TPI) on the blade affects how fast and smoothly you can cut with the saw. A higher TPI means more teeth per unit length, which results in finer and smoother cuts. However, it also means slower cutting speed and more effort required. A lower TPI means fewer teeth per unit length, which results in faster and coarser cuts. However, it also means more splintering and tearing of the material.
The shape of the teeth also affects how the saw cuts. There are three main shapes of teeth: rip, crosscut, and universal. Rip teeth are straight and have a chisel-like edge, which is designed to cut along the grain of the wood. Crosscut teeth are angled and have a beveled edge, which is designed to cut across the grain of the wood. Universal teeth are a combination of rip and crosscut teeth, which can cut both along and across the grain of the wood.
Handle Material and Design
The material and design of the handle affect how comfortably and securely you can hold the saw. The handle can be made of wood, plastic, or metal, each with different advantages and disadvantages. Wood handles are natural and warm to the touch, but they may also crack or warp over time. Plastic handles are lightweight and durable, but they may also be slippery or brittle. Metal handles are strong and stable, but they may also be cold or heavy.
The design of the handle also affects how you grip the saw. There are two main types of handle designs: pistol grip and straight grip. Pistol grip handles have a curved shape that fits your hand like a pistol, which allows you to apply more force and control to the saw. Straight grip handles have a flat shape that aligns with the blade, which allows you to use more wrist movement and flexibility with the saw.
How to Prepare for Cutting with a Hand Saw
Before you start cutting with a hand saw, you need to do some preparation work, such as:
Mark the cut line.
The first step is to mark the line where you want to make the cut in the material. You can use a pencil, a ruler, a square, or a tape measure to draw the line. Make sure that the line is straight and accurate, as it will serve as your guide for cutting.
Secure the workpiece.
The next step is to secure the workpiece that you want to cut on a stable surface, such as a workbench, a sawhorse, or a clamp. This will prevent the workpiece from moving or slipping during cutting, which can cause inaccurate or unsafe cuts.
Position yourself and the saw
The final step is to position yourself and the saw in relation to the workpiece and the cut line. You should stand or sit in a comfortable and balanced posture, with your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent. You should hold the saw firmly but not too tightly, with your dominant hand on the handle and your other hand on the blade near the tip. You should align the blade of the saw with the cut line, with the teeth facing away from you.
How to Make a Cut with a Hand Saw
Once you have prepared everything, you can start making a cut with a hand saw by following these steps:
Start the cut
To start the cut, you need to create a small notch or groove on the edge of the workpiece along the cut line. This will help you guide and stabilize the saw as you cut. You can create the notch by placing your thumb or knuckle of your non-dominant hand on the edge of the workpiece near the cut line and using it as a guide for your saw. Then, gently pull or push the saw back and forth over your thumb or knuckle until you form a shallow notch.
Alternatively, you can create the notch by placing your non-dominant hand on top of the workpiece near the cut line and using it as a support for your saw. Then, gently tilt or angle your saw slightly away from you until only one or two teeth touch the edge of the workpiece. Then, lightly push or pull your saw forward or backward until you form a shallow notch.
Maintain the angle and pressure.
After creating the notch, you need to maintain a consistent angle and pressure as you cut along the cut line. The angle of your saw depends on the type of saw and the type of cut you are making. For example, if you are using a crosscut saw to cut across the grain of wood, you should keep your saw at an angle of about 45 degrees between the blade and the workpiece. If you are using a rip saw to cut along the grain of wood, you should keep your saw at an angle of about 60 degrees between the blade and the workpiece.
The pressure of your saw depends on how hard or soft your material is. For example, if you are cutting hardwood or metal, you should apply more pressure to your saw than if you are cutting softwood or plastic. However, you should not apply too much pressure to your saw, as this can cause your blade to bend or twist, which can result in crooked or rough cuts.
Use long and smooth strokes.
As you cut along the cut line, you should use long and smooth strokes with your saw. You should try to use at least 90% of the length of the blade in each stroke, as this will allow you to cut faster and smoother than if you use short and jerky strokes. You should also try to keep your strokes consistent and even, as this will help you maintain a straight and smooth cut line.
Finish the cut
To finish the cut, you need to slow down and ease off the pressure as you approach the end of the cut line. This will prevent the workpiece from splitting or splintering at the edge. You should also support the workpiece with your non-dominant hand or a clamp as you complete the cut to prevent it from falling or breaking. After finishing the cut, you should remove the saw from the workpiece and inspect the cut for any defects or irregularities.
How to Care for Your Hand Saw
To keep your hand saw in good condition and extend its lifespan, you need to care for it properly, such as:
Clean the blade.
After each use, you should clean the blade of your saw with a cloth or a brush to remove any dust, dirt, or debris that may have accumulated on it. You should also wipe the blade with a rag or a paper towel that is moistened with some oil or WD-40 to prevent rust and corrosion.
Sharpen the teeth.
Over time, the teeth of your saw may become dull or damaged due to wear and tear. This can affect the performance and quality of your cuts. Therefore, you should sharpen the teeth of your saw regularly with a file or a sharpening stone, following the original shape and angle of the teeth. You should also check the alignment and set of the teeth, which are the distance and direction that they protrude from the blade. You can adjust the alignment and set of the teeth with a hammer or a saw-set tool.
Store Properly
When not in use, you should store your saw properly in a dry and cool place, away from moisture and heat. You should also protect your saw from dust and dirt by covering it with a cloth or a case. You should also hang your saw vertically by its handle or lay it flat on its spine to prevent warping or bending of the blade.
By following these tips and steps, you can use a hand saw effectively and safely for your woodworking and carpentry projects. A hand saw is a simple but powerful tool that can help you create various cuts and shapes with ease and precision.
