Manual saws are essential tools for any handyman because they are practical, compact, easily transportable and inexpensive. They allow you to overcome many situations: cutting a branch that protrudes in the aisle, cutting wood for the stove, repairing a piece of furniture, building a cabin etc. For each job, for each use a saw is provided. Grit your teeth, here are the different types of saws.
Handsaw
The handsaw is surely the best known because it is the most versatile. Several tooth sizes suitable for various types of work. A large toothing facilitates cutting, however the latter is coarse. Conversely, a small toothing will make a cleaner and more precise cut. In general, remember that the larger the teeth, the faster you will cut a piece of wood but the coarser the cut. Conversely, small teeth provide a precise cut but require a long and laborious sawing.
Back saw
Used with a miter box to obtain precise angle cuts (45 ° / 90 °), its fine teeth quickly and cleanly cut champlates, cleats and other interior joinery. Few also cut the fingers.
Japanese saw
The Japanese saw is gaining notoriety. Designed with a flexible blade with small teeth, the Japanese saw twists to access difficult places. It is recommended for all leveling cuts for clean and precise results. Contrary to western saws, it cuts by pulling which reduces the effort. Do not try to cut a rafter with it; it’s a waste of time.
Counter saw
Its “long snout” (thick, rigid and pointed blade) allows access to difficult-to-access spaces, making a straight or curved cut like a circular shape in the middle of a panel.
Scroll saw
It has a thin blade stretched by a U- shaped frame, ideal for following curves. The scroll saw is the predestined tool for modelers looking for fine and precise cuts.
Leveling saw
As its name suggests, the leveling saw is designed for leveling cuts. The blade has a slight recess which allows the user not to be injured during cutting. Its use is for finishing.
Log saw
This saw is intended for logs, the real ones. Not the Christmas pastry but the big pieces of wood that we throw into the fire during the long winter evenings. Huge teeth and a steel frame, it is the privileged saw of lumberjacks and psychopaths.
Pruning saw
Unsurprisingly, the pruning saw is used to prune. A handle, a curved blade and muscle, everything you need to saw.
Frame saw
It is more often found in flea markets than in workshops for those under 50. It’s your grandfather’s saw. Its shape: a wooden frame and a blade on one side of the quadrilateral. It cuts well but it is a bit outdated.
