Section 4.2 Handsaws 69
Section 4.2 Section 4.2
Handsaws
Objectives
After studying this section, you will be able to:
• Identify saws used for crosscutting, ripping,
and cutting curves.
• Demonstrate proper sawing techniques.
Technical Terms
backsaw
compass saw
coping saw
crosscut saw
kerf
keyhole saw
miter box saw
ripsaw
set
Reading Prep
On a separate piece of paper, create a two-
column chart. List each type of saw in the
left-hand column and the type of cut each
saw is used to produce in the right-hand
column.
Always use woodworking tools properly
and safely. Saw teeth should be kept sharp and
correctly set (bent to alternate sides). Saws are
designed to remove very small portions of the
stock with a cutting action. If the saw blade is
not sharp, it tears or pulls the wood fi bers rather
than cutting them. Using a dull saw results in a
poor cut that may not be square and that may
require more preparation for gluing or fi nishing.
Be sure to select the proper saw for the job.
Three types of handsaws commonly used to cut
wood are the crosscut saw, the ripsaw, and the
backsaw or miter saw. These saws are very simi-
lar. All of them cut on the push stroke, and all of
them have set in their teeth.
Crosscut Saw
The crosscut saw is designed to cut across
the grain of the wood. Most crosscut saws have
8, 10, or 12 teeth, or points, per inch. The front
faces of the teeth have a 15° angle, Figure 4-25.
The back sides of the teeth have a 45° angle. The
edges of the teeth are beveled about 24° to give
them the appearance and cutting action of a se-
ries of knives. Because the teeth are bent to alter-
nate sides, the kerf (cut) the saw makes is wider
than the blade. Therefore the blade is less likely
to bind (get stuck in the wood). The tips of the
crosscut teeth score the wood, and the edges of
the teeth form a groove and clear the sawdust
from the kerf.
To crosscut stock, fi rst draw a line across the
end of the board using a try square and pencil.
Hold the board fi rmly against a sawhorse or
clamp it in a vise. In order to saw a straight and
square edge, you must properly grip the handle
of the saw. Start by pointing your index fi nger.
The index fi nger should not wrap around the
saw handle. It should remain alongside the han-
dle and point toward the line being cut. Insert
your other fi ngers into the saw handle and wrap
your thumb around the outside of the handle.
Start the cut with a series of short backward
strokes. Make sure the saw teeth are on the
waste side of the line. Guide the saw by placing
the thumb of your free hand above the teeth,
Figure 4-26. When the saw begins to cut, move
your thumb away from the blade and make lon-
ger forward strokes with the saw. Hold the saw
at an angle of about 45°.
Kerf
45°
15°
Amount that teeth
are bent is set
Direction of cut
Figure 4-25. Left: Crosscut saw teeth. Right: A
cross section of the teeth.
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