The Saws Guide

A Note on the Term ‘Handsaw’: Technically all saws can be classed under the term ‘handsaws’ as this is a general term for all saws used by hand (not machines), however, the term ‘handsaws’ can also refer to a specific saw which is described as a large panel saw. In this guide we will be referring to a handsaw as a name for a specific saw.

Uses

There are 2 types of saw teeth patterns, ripcut and crosscut. Ripcut is where the teeth are sharpened straight or square across, this tooth pattern is designed for cutting with or along the grain. Crosscut is where the teeth are sharpened from alternating sides to create bevelled points to the teeth, these teeth are specifically designed for efficient cutting across the grain of the wood. For both types of saw, the teeth are bent slightly in alternate directions (this is called ‘set’) using a sawset (see more in our ‘Setting up & Sharpening Guide’) as this allows the cut to be slightly wider than the the thickness of the saw plate (blade) itself, enabling you to move the saw into and through each cut with ease. You can sharpen any saw to either one of these two tooth patterns, however it doesn’t make too much difference in saws with smaller teeth so Paul recommends sticking with a ripcut for all back saws and saws with more than 8 PPI to get you started. As the teeth get bigger, it is more important to have dedicated saws, one to each tooth pattern. To read more about using saws, click here.

Types of Saws:

There are three main types of saws; backsaws, backless saws and frame saws, the difference is the way the blade is supported. Backsaws have a metal rib running along the full length of the back of the blade and frame saws have a frame structure which allows tension to be applied to the blade itself. Backsaws can range in size up to 14” (355mm), and the backless saw, which relies on a certain level of stiffness in the blade alone for solidity in the cut, can range up to 30” (762mm).

Backless saws:

  • Handsaws – These are used to remove large amounts of unwanted material and to develop roughsawn material ready for surface planing to final sizing. For saws with 8PPI or less the tooth pattern, ripcut or crosscut, determines whether they can cut with or across the grain. The blade should be flexible and thin, if it is too thick it takes more effort and is much harder to use. Handsaws can range with number of teeth on the blades, from as much as 12 Points Per Inch (PPI) down to as little as 4 PPI.

Backsaws:

Larger backsaws are referred to as ‘tenon saws’ and the smaller backsaws are called ‘dovetail saws’. ‘Gents saws’ are similar to a dovetail saw, however they can be identified by their inline handle.

  • Dovetail Saws – These are the smaller backsaws which are mostly used for dovetailing, these are small versions of the tenon saw. Dovetail saws usually have a maximum PPI (points per inch) of 16, however you can get finer blades which have 18-32 PPI. The finer saws (those with smaller teeth) are much trickier and sometimes impossible to hand sharpen and set as the teeth are so small they are harder to see which makes them easier to accidently file through and remove a whole tooth.
  • Tenon Saws (can also be known as Sash Saws, Back saws and Carcass Saws) – Often used for cutting tenon joints but can be used for a wide variety of applications. It is made up of a wooden handle with a wide blade made from thin steel. There are several different lengths of tenon saws ranging from 10-14”.
  • Gent’s saws – These are for smaller, finer work and usually don’t come bigger than 10” (25cm) long. This is a useful size to have because the very small teeth make a finer cut which means more precision.The gent’s saw always has an inline handle, this means that instead of the typical pistol grip, it is inline with the spline of the saw which gives the saw a more delicate balance, direct thrust and great for small joinery. The spline of the saw enters the handle to maintain rigidity, this type of handle fits most hands.

Frame saws:

  • Coping Saws – Coping saws are used for curved cuts or cuts that have to change direction, they can cut tight curves as they have a very thin steel blade with an adjustable angle. The ultra-thin blade is supported by a strong steel frame that adds tension to the blade. The height of the frame back from the blade determines the cutting depth, also known as the ‘throat’, usually 5” (127mm).

Terminology

  • Disposable Saw – A saw not made to last, often identifiable by the handle but more evident by the teeth type which are often darker than the main body of steel (having been hardened). A plastic handle with hardpoint teeth are good indicators that the saw is disposable and cannot be sharpened.

Parts of a Handsaw:

● Blade (or Plate)

◎ Handle

Parts of a Dovetail Saw:

● Blade (or Plate)

● Back

● Handle

Parts of a Tenon Saw:

● Back

● Blade (or Plate)

◎ Handle

Parts of a Coping Saw:

◎ Frame

● Handle

● Blade

● Adjusters*

*The adjuster that passes into the handle is also the tensioner.

Relevant Guides

  • Buying a Gent’s Saw

    Buying a Gent’s Saw

    Paul recommends the 10″ (25cm) with 15-17 PPI. There are many different names on the saw plate but only one chief maker. They usually come in different lengths, but the 10″ is the ideal length. Also, small teeth (anything over 17PPI) is just too small and the cut is nowhere near as effective. It also…

    Read More

  • Buying a Dovetail Saw

    Buying a Dovetail Saw

    When buying a dovetail saw you need to ensure that it has good, resharpenable steel and has a strong back. Like tenon saws, these can be brass or steel-backed, the main difference is that the steel-backed saws are lighter. You also want to make sure it has 15 PPI or more (slightly smaller teeth) and…

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  • Buying a Coping saw

    Buying a Coping saw

    When buying a coping saw, look for a frame which is lightweight, rigid and strong as this will hold the blade securely and taut. Paul Sellers finds the wooden handles are more comfortable, the handle must be tightly secured to the frame as this will provide a more accurate cut. As the tensile strength of…

    Read More


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