The right hand saw can make a huge difference to your woodworking experience. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced craftsman, finding the perfect hand saw is important for the quality and safety of your work.
The main factors to consider when choosing a saw are tooth count, orientation and blade thickness. These features will determine how easy it is to cut different types of wood and how cleanly the cut will be.
Blade
A hand saw is a versatile tool, capable of a variety of uses. However, it is important to choose the right one for your task.
A good blade should be able to withstand the pressure of daily use without breaking easily. This means that you should pay attention to the build quality of the blade as well as its design.
The teeth on a saw blade should be able to be set to either cut along the grain of the wood or rip it. This allows you to work with a wide range of materials, including hard and softwoods, plywood, and plastic.
You should also avoid using a blade that is not well designed for your specific project. A poor design could mean that you can’t make precise cuts and your projects will be less accurate.
Handle
The handle of a hand saw is a vital component in the woodworking process. It provides a solid grip to the saw blade, which is crucial for cutting large pieces of wood with ease.
A good hand saw handle should be comfortable, slip-resistant and provide a firm grip on your hands. If it doesn’t, you could end up injuring yourself when using it or suffering from chronic discomfort.
To get the most out of your hand saw, you must first learn how to use it properly. This includes ensuring that the saw is set at the proper angle and that you are able to form precise cuts.
In addition to that, you must also know how to align your body with the tool and make sure to keep your elbows close to your body to avoid tilting or twisting the saw. This will help you make straighter cuts and save you time.
Grip
When using a hand saw, it is important to hold the tool properly so that you can form accurate cuts. It also helps to ensure that you do not strain your hands while using the tool.
Before you start cutting, be sure to measure and mark the cutline of your material with a pencil or chalk. This will help you create a straight line that is square to the board.
If you cannot make a straight cut with this method, use clamps near the cutline to stabilize your workpiece.
It is important to choose a saw with a handle that matches your hand size. If the handle is too large, you will struggle to grip it correctly and use the saw efficiently.
Another thing to consider is the blade length. When you are making a saw stroke, your hand should be about an inch longer than the blade to allow for your thumb to be fully extended.
Safety
When using a hand saw for wood, it is important to follow safety measures to avoid injury. Workers can suffer serious injuries if they do not use the tool properly, including lacerations, loss of skin or fingers.
In addition to wearing appropriate protective gear, it is also important to examine the saw and the wood before cutting them. Check for knots, nails and screws that can damage the blade.
The teeth on the blade should be straight, aligned from back to front and not protrude beyond each other. If they are uneven, it can cause rough cuts and a twisted blade.
A sharp blade is also essential to a smooth cut. Dull blades cause binding, stalling and kickback.
When a piece of stock is less than 6″ in width, a push stick should be used to keep the woodworker’s hands safely away from the blade. If the board is large or heavy, use a vise or clamp to hold it in place.
