In this article we will look at some of the more typical
types of hand saws that are readily available either through
your local DIY or hardware store on online. Certainly hand
saws now come in a wide range of sizes and configurations
but the more general purpose saw available and the blade on
this is normally 26". However below we will not only be
looking at what each type of hand saw is but how they are
best used.
1. Cross Cut Saw
These saws are particularly designed for making cuts that
are perpendicular to the grain of the wood and the teeth
will be set in a wide alternating bevel. The length of this
kind of hand saw can range from 55 to 70 cm and will have
between 8 to 12 teeth in each inch of the blades length.
Mainly this type of saw is used for quick rough cutting such
as when shortening the length of a piece of wood.
2. Rip Cut Saw
This type of hand saw is used for cutting along the grain of
the wood and so they are sharpened to ensure that the top of
the teeth on the blade do the cutting. You will find with
this type of saw that the teeth are generally at right
angles to the place and will have a pitch of between 85 and
90 degrees in relation to the blade itself. Again the length
of this saw ranges between 60 and 70 cm, however it only has
between 5.5 and 7 teeth to each inch of the blades length
compared to the cross cut saw. However it is important that
you use this saw with the grain as by cutting across the
grain you will find the edge of the wood will become ragged.
3. Panel Saw
This is much shorter in length that a regular cross cut saw
and so is easy to carry around with you. Mostly this type of
hand saw is used for cutting thin wood and for cutting
larger joints. Compared to the cross cut saw the length of a
panel saw ranges between 45 and 60 cm but it has between 8
and 12 teeth in each inch of the blades length.
Above we have provided you with details of three of the
basic types of hand saws that any good woodworking
enthusiast will have in his or her workshop.
