How to Choose and Use a Handsaw: PM Tool Tips

July 14, 2009

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How to Choose and Use a Handsaw: PM Tool Tips

Looking at them today, it’s easy to underestimate how important handsaws were to the development of civilization. They originated thousands of years ago, in an era when most wood-cutting and shaping was done with an axe or a hatchet. Handsaws were a revolutionary leap forward in speed, efficiency and accuracy. They quickly developed into a multitude of forms to deal with the variety of cuts woodworkers made to build houses, ships, wagons and coaches, furniture and barrels. Although many highly specialized saws have long since gone out of production, the common ones for making rough or fine cuts are still with us.

Crosscut Saw

Also called a panel saw, this smooth cutting tool has fine teeth (eight to 12 per inch) that are offset on both sides of the blade. Each tooth has a beveled cutting edge that shears through wood fibers.

Backsaw

With a heavy spine and deep blade, this saw excels at cutting joints. Large versions are normally used in miter boxes, which allow the user to cut stock at precise, preselected angles.

Toolbox Saw

These small saws with hardened teeth that cut on both the pull and push strokes are handy accessories to a carpenter’s power-tool arsenal. They make cuts that power saws can’t reach.

Japanese Saw

Japanese saws cut on the pull stroke, so the blade needn’t be heavy and stiff. This model has one edge designed for fine work, while the other edge has a coarse, graduated pattern for faster cutting.

Expert Tips

1. Hold your pencil at 45 degrees to the blade of the square to ensure that the line is marked right against the blade.

2. Lightly draw the saw back once or twice before the forward stroke. Then make long, smooth strokes at about a 45-degree angle for crosscuts. Use a steeper angle for ripping.

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