70 Chapter 4 Hand Tools
Gradually lengthen the strokes using light,
uniform pressure. Normally, you should not
exceed 30 complete strokes per minute. If this
speed is exceeded, the saw could be damaged,
you will become tired, and the accuracy of the
cut will be reduced. If the saw moves away from
the line, twist the handle slightly while continu-
ing to saw. When nearing the end of the cut, slow
down and lighten the strokes to avoid splitting
the wood.
Ripsaw
The ripsaw is designed to cut with the grain
of the wood. The front faces of the teeth have an
8° angle. The back sides of the teeth have a 52°
angle. The ripsaw teeth are fi led straight across
as shown in Figure 4-27. This gives them an ap-
pearance and cutting action similar to a series
of vertical chisels. The saw teeth are set evenly
to about one-third the thickness of the blade to
give the saw blade clearance in the kerf. Ripsaws
normally have 5 1/2 teeth per inch.
To rip a board, fi rst lay out a straight line
along the grain of the board with a square, mark-
ing gauge, or straightedge. Hold the board fi rmly
against a sawhorse or clamp it in a vise. Hold the
ripsaw at an angle of about 60° and saw as with
crosscutting, using the same gripping technique
as recommended for crosscutting, Figure 4-28.
Backsaw
A backsaw is used to make fi ne, accurate
cuts. Backsaws are normally 12″, 14″, or 16″ long.
They are generally used for making wood joints
and fi nish cuts. A backsaw has small teeth, usu-
ally twelve or more teeth per inch. The blade
is thin for making a narrow kerf. A thick steel
“back” supports the narrow blade, giving the
saw its name. The teeth of a backsaw are cut and
set like a crosscut saw. In fact, the backsaw is a
type of crosscut saw.
To use a backsaw, fi rst mark a layout line us-
ing a square and a pencil, Figure 4-29. Clamp
a straight board along the layout line to use as
a guide. Use a scrap board beneath the stock
Direction of cut
Kerf
52°
8°
Figure 4-26. Sawing with a crosscut saw.
Figure 4-27. Left: Ripsaw teeth. Right: A cross
section of the teeth.
Figure 4-28. Cutt ing with a ripsaw.
Goodheart-Willcox Publisher
Goodheart-Willcox Publisher
Goodheart-Willcox Publisher