How to Use a Handsaw

Using a handsaw isn't as much work as people make it out to be. Follow these directions for relatively pain-free sawing.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Work Gloves
• Measuring Tapes
• Pencils
• Dust Masks
• Handsaws
• Safety Goggles
• Sawhorses

1. Mark a line where you will be cutting.

2. Support both sides of the work on a bench or sawhorse.

3. Take time to get comfortable before you start sawing.

4. Make sure that the teeth of your saw are sharp. Dull teeth make more work and a less precise cut.

5. Line up your wrist, elbow and shoulder with the saw blade.

6. Remember that you will lose about 1/8-inch of wood with the cut due to the width of the blade, so cut on the outside of the line.

7. Apply slight pressure on the push strokes and relax on the pulls.

8. Saw with a steady, easy rhythm.

9. Keep in mind that the more acute the degree, the faster and rougher the cut. Hold the saw at a 90-degree angle for a quick, raw cut; 45 degrees for smooth cuts; and 15 to 20 degrees for very fine cuts.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider wearing work gloves for added comfort and protection when you saw.

• Wear goggles and a dust mask when sawing.