What should I know about hand saws?
Saws are made in various shapes and sizes and for many uses. Use the correct saw for the job.
- ppe Wear safety glasses or goggles, or a face shield (with safety glasses or goggles).
- requirement Select a saw of proper shape and size for stock being used.
- requirement Select a saw with the number of teeth per inch (TPI) in order to get the desired finish. For example: a coarse tooth blade (e.g., 2 or 3 TPI) should be used for thicker stock. 18 to 32 TPI should be used on thinner metals or plastic (0.5 cm or 1/4 inch). General wood cutting typically requires about 4 TPI.
- requirement Choose a saw handle that keeps wrist in a natural position in the horizontal plane.
- requirement Choose saw with a handle opening of at least 12 cm (5 in.) long and 6 cm (2.5 in.) wide and slanted at a 15° angle.
- requirement Check the stock being cut for nails, knots, and other objects that may damage or buckle saw.
- requirement Start the cut by placing your hand beside the cut mark with your thumb upright and pressing against blade. Start cut carefully and slowly to prevent blade from jumping. Pull upward until blade bites. Start with partial cut, then set saw at proper angle.
- requirement Apply pressure on downstroke only.
- requirement Hold stock being cut firmly in place.
- requirement Use a helper, a supporting bench or vise to support long stock if required.
- requirement Keep teeth and blades properly set.
- requirement Protect teeth of saw when not in use.
- requirement Keep saw blades clean.