The big sawing mistake new hand tool woodworkers make? Trying too hard.
Let me explain.
People who are used to table saws tend to think a whole lot of power is needed to cut through a board (ideally, 3hp).
So when they go to use a hand saw, they hold the handle with a martial arts death grip and push the blade into the cut like it’s a repressed memory from their childhood.
But with hand saws, less is more.
Putting too much pressure is the leading cause of blade drift, user fatigue, and ED (Effectless Dozuki).
And even if people know this in theory… they still do it.
Hand saws are designed to cut wood. Relax and let them do their job!
Your grip on the handle should be light. No. Even lighter. Seriously.
If your hands cramp up while sawing, you’re definitely squeezing too hard.
Basically, you only want enough pressure to keep the saw from falling out of your hand. That’s it.
As to downward pressure on the cut — just don’t do it.
Saw teeth are designed to cut with just the weight of the blade. And putting a lot of pressure can end up twisting the blade in the kerf and produce cuts that are anything but square.
The old adage states “Let the saw do the work.”
Listen to the old adage.
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*Based on an internal study conducted entirely in my mind… which 9 of 10 dentists did not approve.
Got any of your own hand sawing tips? Share them in the comments below!
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7 comments
michael kelton.
retired 75 year old marine 34 years active service= tennessee redneck and proud of it! now moses, dam boy sometimes you make sense! you sure do have to look hard though. semper fi!
retired 75 year old marine 34 years active service= tennessee redneck and proud of it! now moses, dam boy sometimes you make sense! you sure do have to look hard though. semper fi!
Chris
Thank you for the ‘dope-slap’ (reminder). I’m guilty of the death grip on the saw handle. Looking forward to my next handsaw cut!
Thank you for the ‘dope-slap’ (reminder). I’m guilty of the death grip on the saw handle. Looking forward to my next handsaw cut!
Tim Doyon
Thanks for the reminder. I learned as a young man to let the saw do the work.. but, I still find myself putting a little too much muscle into it. I’m 58 now, and am moving more and more away from power tools. There’s just something about the satisfaction of building something the “old-fashioned” way, (as my adult son would say).
Thanks for the reminder. I learned as a young man to let the saw do the work.. but, I still find myself putting a little too much muscle into it. I’m 58 now, and am moving more and more away from power tools. There’s just something about the satisfaction of building something the “old-fashioned” way, (as my adult son would say).
Neil
I’m still laughing at the line about repressed childhood memories! Thanks for brightening my morning Jonathan. The saw tips were great too, thanks.
I’m still laughing at the line about repressed childhood memories! Thanks for brightening my morning Jonathan. The saw tips were great too, thanks.
Randy
My Grandfather thought me that many many years ago ( let the saw do the work ) and it stuck .
My Grandfather thought me that many many years ago ( let the saw do the work ) and it stuck .
rob earl
No, even lighter. L I G H T E R.
No, even lighter. L I G H T E R.
Anonymous
Thanks, good advise,
Thanks, good advise,