Saws
Rip and CrosscutA crosscut saw has knifelike teeth designed to cut across the grain while a rip saw has chisel like teeth to cut with the grain. Use long consistent strokes when cutting with a handsaw and slow down and use shorter strokes as you near the end of the cut.
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BacksawA Backsaw gets its name from the stiff metal strip that runs along to top or back of the blade. Fine crosscut teeth and the stiff back allow it to make smooth straight cuts. It was used extensively in finishing carpentry before the popularity of miter saws. Click here for more
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Coping SawThe coping saw has a metal frame and handle that hold a short thin blade. It is similar to the scroll saw in that it can cut sharp curves and it can make internal cuts. Click here for more on the scroll saw.
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HacksawA hacksaw is a metal-framed saw used primarily for cutting metal but can also be used to cut plastic. To safely use a hacksaw, firmly place the material to be cut into a vice as close to the line you are cutting as possible. Do not put excessive pressure on the blade or it will breaking usually resulting in cut knuckles on the sharp metal piece you are cutting.
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