DIY Network

Sanding Stations and Pull Saws: Using a Pull Saw From "DIY Tools & Techniques" episode DIT-238

Guest Christopher Schwarz offers a lesson on using a pull saw.

One advantage to using a handsaw is that it doesn't require power. Also, with a handsaw you can cut through material of any width.

American woodworkers have traditionally used push saws, but now Japanese saws (also called pull saws) are becoming more popular. They are fairly inexpensive, and work extremely well for beginners.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure D

Pull saws (figure A) work on the pull, meaning that they only cut on the return as you're pulling the saw toward you. The blades are thin and the teeth are fragile. They are also easy to control, but you can break off a tooth if you're not careful.

Some kinds of teeth found on pull saws (figure B) include crosscut teeth for cutting the grains across the wood. Ripped teeth cut along the grain, and combination teeth cut with the grain or across.

The blades on pull saws are disposable, just remove the blade from the handle and replace with a new one.

Pull saws are traditionally used on low trestles (figure C), rather than on workbenches or sawhorses. This is good for making the saw more accurate to use.

When holding the saw, vary the angle until the saw starts cutting smoothly. Also, always point out your index finger (figure D) to help give a straight cut.

RESOURCES :

Popular Woodworking
F & W Publications, Inc.
Website: www.popularwoodworking.com

GUESTS :

Christopher Schwarz
Popular Woodworking Magazine
4700 E. Galbraith Road
Cincinnati, OH 45236
Phone: 513-531-2690, ext. 1407
E-mail: Chris.Schwarz@FWPubs.com
Web site: PopularWoodworking.com