Datasheet

TIPS
AND TECHNIQUES
To produce good results you will need to practise
your sawing technique. For best results always
use a sharp saw and take your time; racing
usually ends in the saw veering off course.
STEP 1 For a tear free cut use a knife to mark the line
all round the wood rather than a pencil.
STEP 2 Always cut on the waste side of the line;
if you are a little unsure leave a little additional waste
that you can plane off afterwards if necessary.
STEP 3 Place the finished surface of the work upwards
so that any fraying will be on the hidden underside. Very
important when cutting plywood or veneered boards.
STEP 4 Start the cut at the edge furthest from you with
the saw cutting edge angled at approximately 30° to the
work surface. Use the thumbnail of the hand not holding
the saw, or a scrap piece of wood, position the cutting
edge to the waste side of the line. The first stroke should
be a light pull to establish the cutting line (kerf).
STEP 5 Once the saw cut is firmly established
continue to saw with the angle of the cutting edge
raised to between 45°and 60° to the work surface.
STEP 6 To help keep the saw on line hold the handle
with three fingers and thumb with the index finger
resting on the outside face of the handle to provide
alignment.
STEP 7 Maintain a firm but relaxed grip on the handle.
Keep wrist, elbow and shoulder in line with the saw
blade and the marked line.
You should also align your head and eye to be in line
with the cut.
STEP 8 Use the full length of the saw in steady
unhurried strokes. The rate of cut can be increased
by dropping the handle as the blade is about halfway
though the stroke, lift the handle for the draw stroke.
STEP 9 If the saw starts to move off line slow down,
make slight changes to your position and progressively
steer the cutting edge back into alignment. Make regular
checks to ensure that the cut is progressing square to
the top surface.
STEP 10 As you near the completion of the cut the
sound made by the saw will change to indicate that it is
time for you to support the piece that is being cut off. If
you leave this too long the weight will cause it to break
off damaging the work.
TOP TIP If you need to saw off a very thin piece
which is likely to split off as the saw blade
progresses into the cut, try clamping a piece of
scrap to the far edge which extends well beyond
the piece to be cut, this will support the saw blade
and ensure that the cut is clean and to the line.
As a general rule the coarser the teeth the higher
the angle you should saw at 7 teeth per inch hand
saw start at 30° and raise to between 45° and 60°.
11 teeth per inch hand saw start the cut at 30°
and raise angle to 45°. When using a back or tenon
saw start at less than 20° and as the kerf extends
to the full width of the wood lower the blade until
almost horizontal.