A handsaw is an essential tool for any gardener, DIYer or woodworker. It is usually one of the first tools you ever buy.
In this article, I will cover 7 of the most common types of handsaws, including what they are, their features and some projects for which they can be used. Use this guide if you’re starting out on your DIY journey to help you decide on what type of saw to invest in first.
THE CROSSCUT SAW
Crosscut saws are designed for cutting wood across the grain.
Features
- Sharpened teeth set to cut on both the forward and backward strokes, making them very efficient at cutting through wood and logs.
- Crosscut saws come in various sizes and designs but usually have teeth on one side of the blade and a handle.
- The length of the blade can vary, with longer blades suitable for larger logs.
- The teeth of a crosscut saw are usually filed with a bevel to create a chisel-like edge, which helps cut across the wood fibres effectively.
- Some larger crosscut saws may have a handle on each end so that two people can use them.
Uses
I have a few budget versions of these and if you like a Western-style saw, they really are essential for almost any project where you need to cut wood down.
- Woodworking, e.g. fine furniture building.
- DIY, e.g. laying wooden or veneer flooring, changing bannister, creating panelling.
- Forestry, e.g. cutting down trees.
THE RIP SAW
Rip saws are specifically designed for cutting along the grain of the wood in a direction parallel to the wood fibres. This makes them ideal for ripping boards or planks and making long, straight cuts with the grain.
Features
- Rip saws typically have teeth filed with a straight-across or slightly angled bevel.
- They usually have a narrower blade than crosscut saws to allow for more control when cutting along the grain.
Uses
I personally don’t have a rip saw. When I used to use Western-style hand saws, I always bought multipurpose saws, which tend to be crosscut saws as they can also be used for ripping.
- Woodworking, e.g. ripping down planks or boards for interior and exterior furniture building.
- DIY, e.g. ripping wooden or veneer floorboards.
THE DOVETAIL SAW
Dovetail saws are designed for intricate woodwork.
Features
- They have very fine teeth, often with a high count of teeth per inch.
- They usually have a narrow blade to allow more control over each cut.
- Some dovetail saws also have a reinforced back to give even more control. This means that you cannot pass the blade all the way through the wood.
- The teeth on dovetail saws are usually crosscut, meaning they are designed to cut across the wood grain.
Uses
I don’t have a quality dovetail saw right now but I am looking to invest in one very soon. I think it will be a Japanese-style saw though…
- Woodworking, e.g. fine furniture building.
- DIY, e.g. cutting angles on skirting boards or mouldings.
THE BOW SAW
A bow saw is a versatile hand tool for various cutting tasks, especially woodworking and tree pruning. It gets its name from the characteristic shape of its frame, which resembles a bow, with a tensioned blade stretched between the two ends of the frame.
Features
- The blade of a bow saw is installed under tension, which keeps it taut and ready for cutting.
- Bow saws can accommodate different types of blades, depending on the specific cutting task. There are blades designed for cutting wood and metal and even pruning blades for cutting tree branches.
- Blades on bow saws are often replaceable, making the saws reasonably cost-efficient.
Uses
I used to have a bow saw, which was essential for cutting down all the shrubs and trees we wanted to remove when building this flower bed.
- DIY, e.g. landscaping.
THE HACKSAW
A hacksaw is a versatile hand tool for cutting various materials, especially metal.
Features
- A hacksaw consists of a C-shaped frame holding a removable blade under tension.
- The frame of a hacksaw typically has an adjustment mechanism to adjust the tension of the blade.
- Hacksaw blades have fine teeth designed for cutting metal, plastic, and other hard materials.
- The blades come in various lengths and tooth counts, allowing you to choose the right one for your cutting needs.
- The frame is designed to allow easy blade replacement.
Uses
I do own a hacksaw but only ever use it to trim off excess metal, such as bolts that were too long when hanging this swinging seat.
- Woodworking, e.g. trimming off excess bolt ends.
- DIY, e.g. plumbing.
THE COPING SAW
A coping saw is a small, versatile hand tool primarily used for intricate and curved cuts in wood and other materials. It is a valuable tool for woodworking, especially for tasks that require detailed, decorative, or internal cuts.
Features
- The frame of a coping saw is U-shaped, with a handle at the top and a thin blade stretched between the two ends of the frame.
- Coping saw blades are thin and have delicate teeth, ideal for making intricate cuts and following curved lines.
- The blades are replaceable, so you can choose the appropriate blade for your project.
- Coping saws are designed for cutting in any direction, which allows for 360-degree turning of the blade.
Uses
I love my coping saw. It’s super cheap to buy and you can make so many cool things with it!
- Woodworking, e.g. creating intricate furniture trims or appliques.
- DIY, e.g. scribing skirting boards, mouldings or coving.
THE JAPANESE PULL-SAW
A Japanese pull saw, also known as a “pull-stroke saw”, is a traditional hand saw originating from Japan. These saws are known for their unique design and cutting technique and are widely used in woodworking for their precision and efficiency.
Features
- The distinctive feature of a Japanese pull saw is its pull-cutting action. Unlike Western-style saws, Japanese pull saws are designed to cut on the pull stroke. This design allows for more control and often results in cleaner cuts.
- Japanese pull saw blades are thin and flexible, which reduces the amount of material removed during the cut.
- The blades come in various lengths and tooth designs for specific cutting tasks.
- Many Japanese pull saws have double-edged blades, with one side for crosscutting and the other for rip-cutting.
- Japanese pull saws typically have an ergonomic wooden handle that fits comfortably in the hand, allowing for extended use without discomfort.
- Most Japanese pull saws have replaceable blades, making it easy to swap out blades when they become dull or damaged.
- There are different types of Japanese pull saws, each designed for a specific type of task, so if you’re interested in investing in one, it’s worth taking the time to read a guide or two to the different types of Japanese saws.
Uses
I bought my Japanese saw about two years ago and I haven’t used a Western crosscut saw since. I wouldn’t be without it now; the amount of control you have cutting on the pull stroke is unreal. I’m looking to invest in a new blade for mine and also buy a couple of other styles of Japanese saws. The only downside to them is the cost – you can buy a multi-purpose crosscut saw for about £8 but a Japanese saw will set you back at least £35.
- Woodworking, e.g. fine furniture making, exterior furniture making.
- DIY, e.g. scribing coving or mouldings.
I hope you found the above guide useful and now have an idea of which type of saw you need to invest in to ensure a good finish for your future projects.
