DIY Network

DIY Basics: Handsaws From "Ask DIY Home Improvement" episode DADH-205

There are specialty handsaws for just about any project you will ever need to do. Making the right choice can be a bit overwhelming, so that’s why home improvement expert James Young has the DIY Basics for choosing the right handsaw for your next project.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E

Handsaws

1. Let’s start with a rip-saw (figure A). It’s used to cut with the wood grain. It has fewer teeth per inch allowing you to saw at a faster pace. You’ll generally get a rougher cut with a rip-saw.

2. The cross saw is used to cut across the grain (figure B). There are more teeth per inch, so it provides a smoother finish than the rip-saw.

Tips for using rip-saw and cross saw:

• Start cutting by setting the teeth on the mark and use your thumbnail as a guide.

• Pull the saw toward you several times. Saw with a rocking motion. Use a steeper angle at the beginning of the down-stroke and a flatter angle on the finish.

• Don’t force the blade. Let the saw do the work.

3. A back saw is good for miter cuts on molding and trim (figure C). This saw has a rigid piece along the back that will keep the saw from snagging. There are more teeth per inch, which creates a fine finish. Also, don’t skip buying a miter box. No matter how good your saw...this will make tricky miter cuts a lot easier.

4. A coping saw is used for fine woodcutting (figure D). It’s great for scrollwork. The teeth on the blade are very close together, which makes it a perfect saw for cutting patterns and designs. On delicate cuts, make sure the teeth of the blade are angled toward the handle so the saw cuts on the backstroke.

5. If you move from wood to metal, make sure you switch saws. Hacksaws and mini-hacksaws are used to cut metal (figure E). They have very fine teeth and thin blades. The difference between the two is the mini-hacksaw allows you to get into tight spaces.

Handsaw Tip: Keep an oily rag ready to wipe down and clean your saw after use. This maximizes performance and extends the life of the saw.