There are many times when you will need a hand saw to carry out your project. There are some craftsmen who even prefer to build furniture and objects completely without power tools. How to choose the appropriate saw will save you time and money and help you get the job done right. Here is a brief overview of common hand saws.

Cross Cut or Ripping

Just as in power saws, the blade of a hand saw has specific purposes. Some saws are for ripping (with the grain) and some are for cross cutting. There are also double edged saws with ripping teeth on one side and cross cut teeth on the other. The angle at which teeth are set and the shape of the point will be different according to the type of cut it is made for.

Teeth or Points per inch (TPI or PPI)

The more points per inch a saw has the finer the cut will be. You can have too many or two few points per inch depending on your task. Too many teeth can clog and too few teeth can impede production. You would not use a saw with 23 PPI Japanese style pull saw to rough cut wood. An all purpose carpenter’s hand saw with 12 PPI would be more appropriate for that job.

Push Saws and Push/Pull Saws

Typical western saws are made to cut on the pushing stroke and have a pistol grip. Some saws are also designed to cut both on the push and the pull stroke and are more aggressive and can increase production.

Pull saws

Pull saws are designed to cut on the pull stroke. No fine woodworker will be without his or her Japanese style pull stroke saw. They are smooth and accurate and sharp. The blade is much thinner than the push stroke saws and will take some practice in using them. If you are flush cutting wood such as dowels or finishing trim you will definitely want a pull stroke saw. Although you will often hear pull saws referred to as Japanese saws they are also pull stroke saws and there are now many brands on the market now. Japanese style saws come in many sizes for a variety of detail and finishing work. They generally have a straight handle for control but there are also some made with the western style pistol grip.

If you are buying a saw for a gift, chances are you’ve received many hints already from the potential recipient of this gift. This is one of those items that you get what you pay for. Buy the best your budget will allow and you will be able to pass it down the generations.

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