How to choose the right saw.
Sawing wood products, metal corners and rods, plastic, drywall, foam blocks – all this allows you to do a hacksaw. The assortment of this convenient and popular tool is wide enough. The most picky buyer will choose the right model for the upcoming work.
Hand saws can be classified into several basic types. The most common of them are hacksaws for wood and metal. There are also models that are designed to work on expanded polystyrene, drywall, foam blocks, etc. Each can have one or another form of teeth of the cutting blade and handle. In addition, the very materials from which the tools are made may be different. Having familiarized yourself with all the features of the tool, you can choose the right hacksaw that will best suit you for the upcoming construction tasks..
Hacksaw for wood
With a hacksaw, they cut logs, chipboard, boards, beams on wood, cut off the plinth, laminate, cut dry tree branches in the garden. Such a tool is in the arsenal of any home craftsman..
For the correct choice of a hacksaw for wood, the following points should be considered. The teeth on its canvas can be small, medium and large. The unit of measurement of teeth is TPI – their number per inch of the blade. Thick wood is best cut with a coarse-toothed hacksaw (TPI = 3.6). In the metric system, these teeth will be approximately 4 to 8 mm apart. It is more convenient to saw parts of medium size with a hacksaw with TPI 7-9, i.e. with an interdental pitch of 3-3.5 mm. Well, for fine carpentry work, a model with TPI 9 – 15 with an interval of 2 – 2.5 mm is useful.
For the correct choice of a saw, the geometry of its cutting tooth should also be taken into account. So, hacksaws designed for cross-cutting have straight teeth. If the tooth is tilted forward, then such a hacksaw can also be sawed in the longitudinal direction..
The most productive in work is the hacksaw, which has two- and even three-sided sharpening of the tooth. Its cutting edge cuts wood both when moving away from itself and towards itself.
The longest service life of a hacksaw for wood, in which the cutting teeth are hardened by high-frequency currents.
Hacksaw for metal
This tool differs in its appearance from a hacksaw for wood. Its working part is a thin toothed blade. They work with a hacksaw for metal, holding it with both hands. They cut rods, tubes, channels and corners only when the blade moves forward, clamping them for convenience in a vice.
For working with hard alloys and metals, hacksaws are sold with extra strong frames made of composite materials. If you need to saw a part in a hard-to-reach place, then for this there are hacksaws with a shortened frame or for which the angle of inclination of the blade is adjustable.
Replacing the hacksaw blade is not difficult, you just need to detach its attachments. Canvases can be not only for metal, but also for drywall, wood or plastic.
Special types of hacksaws.
Hacksaws for polypropylene have non-hardened teeth and a short blade. They cut various plastic products from skirting boards to cladding sheets..
For foam blocks, a sheet with an anti-corrosion Teflon coating is used. Every second tooth of such a hacksaw is soldered, which gives it additional hardness and durability..
Drywall hacksaws are like large kitchen knives. Their teeth are very sharp, hardened and sharpened on three sides. They can cut material along a curve and make holes in it..
Manufacturers and prices of hacksaws
Leading brands among hand hacksaw manufacturers are Banco, Quick, Irvin, G-Man, Stanley, Kraftool, Delta. Izhstal and some others.
The cost of hacksaws for wood ranges from 50 to 1000 rubles. for metal – from 70 to 1500 rubles. on drywall – from 60 to 1350 rubles. The price of hacksaws depends on the manufacturer’s brand, the quality of the working blade, the material of the handle and the seller’s pricing policy..
To choose the right hacksaw, inspect its blade. There should be no traces of corrosion and small cracks on it. Bend it into an arc. A quality saw will quickly restore its original appearance. Pay attention to the handle, whether it is comfortable to hold the hacksaw in your hand. If it does not lie down, it will rub the corns. The best grips are those with rubber inserts..
How to choose a saw for wood: the secrets of experts
Owners of country houses and private households know from their own experience how necessary a saw is a wood saw. There is a constant need to cut a variety of lumber, timber, decks and wooden parts of different buildings. Moreover, wood saws are also used for cutting many modern synthetic materials. Therefore, it is very important to know how to choose a saw for wood, which is suitable for this or that type of sawing, and will also last a long time and will be a reliable, high-quality tool..
Specificity of different types of sawing work. The main difference between a professional and an amateur attitude to sawing work is knowledge of the specifics of various types of such work, depending on the wood and lumber being cut, the direction of sawing (longitudinal, transverse, diagonal, inclined, etc.). as well as quantitative performance indicators. It is very important to know what kind of sawing work you need to do before choosing a saw for each individual case. This means that the farm should not have one saw, but different varieties of them, the characteristics of which are suitable for different types of sawing. The quantitative component is also important: if it is necessary to carry out a significant amount of sawing work, then it is more advisable to purchase a hand-held circular saw, if such work is carried out from time to time, then a set of hand saws is also suitable.
How to choose a saw for wood
How to choose a hand saw for wood
Now is the age of the power tool, but the hacksaws and hand saws used for cutting wood have not gone out of circulation at all, are not outdated and certainly occupy an important place in the home workshop of a home-made, and even if he has both a jigsaw and a circular saw.
Let’s take a look at the main existing types of hand saws, their features, characteristics and purpose. I present a small overview – how to choose a hand saw for wood based on my set of tools for a home craftsman
First of all, one general tip when choosing a hacksaw. The best saw is the one with the blade made of hardened steel, this guarantees that the treated steel will last faithfully longer and you do not have to constantly sharpen the soft teeth of the saw.
Bow saw
Bow saws are commonly used for roughing logs and large wooden parts. Saw them across the fibers. This large and sometimes heavy saw has a replaceable blade mounted on a tubular steel frame. The accuracy of the cut is sufficient, the evenness is not ideal, which is required for a sufficiently coarse sawing of large wooden parts.
Features: Blades with large teeth make it easy to remove sawdust while cutting. Plates easily and quickly.
In the absence of an electric one, a hand jigsaw is used. This saw allows for more precise cutting of wood. The fine teeth of the blade can be easily controlled and worked at any angle to make curly cuts and all kinds of shapes. The shape and size of jigsaws are different. There is nothing more to add, I think many are familiar with this saw from labor lessons at school.
Features: The jigsaw has a small, easily removable blade that allows you to start sawing in any part of the board through the drilled hole. We pass the blade into the hole, collect the jigsaw and you can saw the pattern in the middle of the board.
Tenon saw or hacksaw – dovetail
This fine-toothed saw with a reinforced blade is used for straight cuts in wood or plywood. A reinforcement strip on the opposite side of the cutting edge of the blade ensures that the blade does not bend during operation and the cut is straight. A very useful hacksaw for precision work.
Universal hacksaw or hacksaw for metal.
Actually, it’s not really a hacksaw for wood. This is a versatile saw for any project that involves cutting hard and soft materials. Strong hardened blades and their teeth, a narrow blade allow you to use a hacksaw for cutting plastic, soft metals and any other materials, including wood, and without much effort.
Special notes: When installing a new blade, tighten the lock nut so that the blade does not vibrate or bend when the saw is running. Choose large-toothed blades for cutting wood.
Classic hacksaw for wood
If you buy a hand saw for cutting boards of different sizes or cutting wood board, plywood, etc. choose a regular hacksaw for comfort and ease of use. The length of the hacksaw blades varies from small to decent. It is better to have several different standard sizes..
Features: The handle of the hacksaw should lie comfortably and not hinder the movement of the hand. The saw teeth should be angled away from the blade. This will prevent the saw from being jammed and will reduce the pushing impulse..
Large hand saw for cross cut or two-handed
The name implies that such a saw is used when cutting across the fibers. The cross saw has a sharp large tooth, which is designed for fast and coarse cutting of hard and soft wood fibers, mainly thick tree trunks.
The cross saw is known in two versions: one-handed (not very common) this option can be operated by one person, and the second, common in our country, with two handles for two people when they alternately pull and push the saw.
Features: A cross saw with more teeth for a smoother cut.
Saw with a narrow blade for fine work or a hacksaw “for keyholes”.
Another handy hacksaw to have in your workshop.
This miniature saw has a tapered blade with a thin end and is used for cutting wood as well as other lightweight materials. Some models have the ability to change the blade.
This file can be used almost like a jigsaw, we drill a hole for the size of the blade and make the necessary cuts.
Veneer saw
I recently discovered this file for myself. A very convenient thing with a double-sided blade with a bend and small teeth. Such a hacksaw allows you to easily cut thin plywood and, as the name suggests, veneer (to process the edges). I used to use blade trimmings from a metal file, but they are straight and not so convenient to work with..
How to choose a hand saw for wood
Now is the age of the power tool, but the hacksaws and hand saws used for cutting wood have not gone out of circulation at all, are not outdated and certainly occupy an important place in the home workshop of a home-made, and even if he has both a jigsaw and a circular saw.
Let’s take a look at the main existing types of hand saws, their features, characteristics and purpose. I present a small overview – how to choose a hand saw for wood based on my set of tools for a home craftsman
First of all, one general tip when choosing a hacksaw. The best saw is the one with the blade made of hardened steel, this guarantees that the treated steel will last faithfully longer and you do not have to constantly sharpen the soft teeth of the saw.
Bow saw
Bow saws are commonly used for roughing logs and large wooden parts. Saw them across the fibers. This large and sometimes heavy saw has a replaceable blade mounted on a tubular steel frame. The accuracy of the cut is sufficient, the evenness is not ideal, which is required for a sufficiently coarse sawing of large wooden parts.
Features: Blades with large teeth make it easy to remove sawdust while cutting. Plates easily and quickly.
Jigsaws
In the absence of an electric one, a hand jigsaw is used. This saw allows for more precise cutting of wood. The fine teeth of the blade can be easily controlled and worked at any angle to make curly cuts and all kinds of shapes. The shape and size of jigsaws are different. There is nothing more to add, I think many are familiar with this saw from labor lessons at school.
Features: The jigsaw has a small, easily removable blade that allows you to start sawing in any part of the board through the drilled hole. We pass the blade into the hole, collect the jigsaw and you can saw the pattern in the middle of the board.
Tenon saw or hacksaw – dovetail
This fine-toothed saw with a reinforced blade is used for straight cuts in wood or plywood. A reinforcement strip on the opposite side of the cutting edge of the blade ensures that the blade does not bend during operation and the cut is straight. A very useful hacksaw for precision work.
Universal hacksaw or hacksaw for metal.
Actually, it’s not really a hacksaw for wood. This is a versatile saw for any project that involves cutting hard and soft materials. Strong hardened blades and their teeth, a narrow blade allow you to use a hacksaw for cutting plastic, soft metals and any other materials, including wood, and without much effort.
Special notes: When installing a new blade, tighten the lock nut so that the blade does not vibrate or bend when the saw is running. Choose large-toothed blades for cutting wood.
Classic hacksaw for wood
If you buy a hand saw for cutting boards of different sizes or cutting wood board, plywood, etc. choose a regular hacksaw for comfort and ease of use. The length of the hacksaw blades varies from small to decent. It is better to have several different standard sizes..
Features: The handle of the hacksaw should lie comfortably and not hinder the movement of the hand. The saw teeth should be angled away from the blade. This will prevent the saw from being jammed and will reduce the pushing impulse..
Large hand saw for cross cut or two-handed
The name implies that such a saw is used when cutting across the fibers. The cross saw has a sharp large tooth, which is designed for fast and coarse cutting of hard and soft wood fibers, mainly thick tree trunks.
The cross saw is known in two versions: one-handed (not very common) this option can be operated by one person, and the second, common in our country, with two handles for two people when they alternately pull and push the saw.
Features: A cross saw with more teeth for a smoother cut.
Saw with a narrow blade for fine work or a hacksaw “for keyholes”.
Another handy hacksaw to have in your workshop.
This miniature saw has a tapered blade with a thin end and is used for cutting wood as well as other lightweight materials. Some models have the ability to change the blade.
This file can be used almost like a jigsaw, we drill a hole for the size of the blade and make the necessary cuts.
Veneer saw
I recently discovered this file for myself. A very convenient thing with a double-sided blade with a bend and small teeth. Such a hacksaw allows you to easily cut thin plywood and, as the name suggests, veneer (to process the edges). I used to use blade trimmings from a metal file, but they are straight and not so convenient to work with..
Irwin Xpert
The main characteristics are identical to the hacksaw of the previous brand, although the cost is slightly higher. Users note the high quality and ease of cutting, regardless of the density of the wood. Even when cutting hardwood, no significant effort is required. Those who have to regularly work with sawn timber in everyday conditions should pay attention.
By appointment
By appointment, hand saws are divided into:
- classic hacksaws (transverse or longitudinal cutting);
- circular saws (for cutting holes);
- spike saws (for cutting connecting spikes);
- folding.
Classic hacksaws are of the highest quality, cutting wood lengthways or across. Outside can only be used for cutting holes in a solid blade, the diameter of the holes depends on the hacksaw model. Folding models cannot always be used to work with small fragments of wood, but they are mobile and compact, easy to transport and carry. Folding varieties are convenient for working with small amounts of material.
Bahco Lap-knife hacksaw
Where to use
- sawing boards, beams, laminate, parquet for home repair and construction
- sawing boards, timber in a small workshop or construction company
Electrical
Cost, weight, size, need for power supply and functionality distinguish hacksaws for a wide range of processing:
- wood;
- metal;
- ceramic materials;
- plastics.
An electric hacksaw is indispensable for long-term use, economy of effort and decent quality of work. For working in hard-to-reach places, we recommend a tool with an adjustable angle of inclination, with a shortened frame.
The cost of a hacksaw is affected by the quality of the material of the canvas, the handle and the list of functionality. Ergonomics with rubber inserts and a two-component grip are considered optimal.
A quick overview of the most purchased wood hacksaws
All prices – in Russian rubles, in the Moscow region.
Depending on the cutting direction
Depending on the direction of cutting, hacksaws are of the following types:
- for rip sawing and cutting;
- for cross cutting;
- universal (longitudinal-transverse).
For rip saws, the teeth have a slight, slightly noticeable forward tilt. A saw that cuts across wood has perfectly straight teeth. For professional woodworking, multi-purpose hacksaws are usually used. In such a saw, the teeth have a slight slope, but thanks to a special sharpening, they can cut material both in the longitudinal and transverse directions..
Hacksaw for wood GROSS
Minuses
- teeth cannot be sharpened by hand due to hardening
- fragile protective overlay on the cutting edge
- requires special storage to protect against corrosion
Nuances of work
The first thing to know is that the chain saw cannot work without interruptions, so you need to set the mode 20 minutes for 20 minutes, that is, first work, then rest, and then work again..
Do not forget to clean after finishing cutting and check the oil level also before cutting. You need to keep the device in a dry place, in the same place you need to work with it, since moisture is the enemy of the chain saw.
As for workwear, there are no strict criteria, except that you need to choose something narrow, otherwise the end of the clothes may be pulled into the saw.
As an oil, you can use both ordinary automobile and special mineral oil. The latter option is preferable, but its cost may be slightly higher than the car.
You should pay attention to the level of sharpening of the teeth, because the chain saw becomes dull from time to time. if not properly cared for. This does not mean that the wood will not succumb to the saw – it will be sawn, only much longer.
The motor will start to operate at increased speeds, and this is already unpleasant, because if nothing is done, then after a while it will fail..
At a glance, it is not always possible to understand exactly what condition the teeth are in, but there are several indirect signs: an increase in the cutting time and the heterogeneity of the sawdust produced. Sharp teeth make sawdust look the same.
Which one to choose: electric or gasoline
In terms of the principle of operation and structure, electric and gasoline-type saws are very similar. However, the saw does not need a fuel container. It only contains a vessel for oil, the size of which depends on the manufacturer..
Most saw models lack clutch. This is due to the fact that working with them is already quite simple. However, more modern models are equipped with this option. If the chain saw is equipped with a clutch, then its operation stops immediately immediately after switching off. This reduces the risk of injury and prevents damage to the saw. If we compare gasoline and electric saws, then the latter have a number of advantages:
- makes much less noise when working than a chainsaw;
- no gasoline is needed to use it;
- can be used indoors;
- does not emit harmful exhaust into the surrounding space;
- much less in weight;
- easily starts up in winter;
- differs in simple operation and easier start;
- a saw costs much less gasoline.
However, the chain saw also has some disadvantages. For example, the workplace does not always have electrical energy. But the problem is solved by purchasing a battery model. Such an acquisition will be fully justified if you regularly work away from an energy source..
Experts do not recommend giving preference to a saw for harvesting firewood. It has a lower power and speed of operation, therefore it is better to harvest material for cold weather using a gasoline unit. In addition, the operation of the saw is very vulnerable to power surges..
What you need to know about technical specifications?
The basic characteristic from which you need to build on when choosing a particular model is engine power. Here you need to look at how intensively the chain saw will be used..
When it is required to perform a one-time cut in wood, which is more random than planned, then devices up to 2 kW are ideal for this purpose. For a conditional hourly work in the garden, such power is not enough, so here you should already look at devices from 2.5 kW to 4 kW. Weight is of paramount importance, especially when there is a lot of work ahead..
Much depends on the price here, since with the same power, the unit can weigh both 3.5 kg and 5.5 kg, respectively, the difference is significant. According to the oil tank, we can say that the volume is 0.2 liters. enough for several hours of work at a not very fast pace.
What To Look For When Buying A Hand Saw
Technical characteristics of some models of chain saws
Finally, you need to look at the length of the tire, which is also selected from the nuances of the work being done. For difficult tasks, for example, for large timber, you should take a tire with a length of more than 40 cm.
Wood chain saw: gasoline and electric
At the dacha or in a country house, it is very difficult to do without a high-quality and reliable saw. It will be impossible to cut off excess or old wood, carry out minor repairs, and improve the territory without this device. If you don’t need to go into the woods to get firewood, then an electric chain saw will work..
Varieties of devices
There are several types of saws on sale today. The most popular are the following:
- Parquet (circular saw). With these tools, you can easily cut plastic, chipboard, plywood sheets, wood and even metal (using a special nozzle). Circular saws are stationary and manual.
- Reciprocating saws are used for wood processing in areas that are difficult to reach with standard tools. Cutting element up to 40 centimeters long. It is mainly used for roofing and installation activities.
- The jigsaw allows you to cut irregularly shaped holes in ceramics, laminate, wood and many other materials. However, it is not customary to saw trees with an electric jigsaw, as it is extremely long and difficult..
- A chain saw does an excellent job of cutting trees. This is a very reliable and powerful equipment, with the help of which they correct and cut tree crowns, as well as carry out minor repairs and construction..
The final choice of a tool depends on the tasks that will be performed by it. The financial component is also taken into account when buying a chain saw for wood.
Varieties of devices
There are several types of saws on sale today. The most popular are the following:
- Parquet floor (circular saw). With these tools, you can easily cut plastic, chipboard, plywood sheets, wood and even metal (using a special nozzle). Circular saws are stationary and manual.
- Reciprocating saws are used for wood processing in areas that are difficult to reach with standard tools. Cutting element up to 40 centimeters long. It is mainly used for roofing and installation activities.
- The jigsaw allows you to cut irregularly shaped holes in ceramics, laminate, wood and many other materials. However, it is not customary to saw trees with an electric jigsaw, as it is extremely long and difficult..
- A chain saw does an excellent job of cutting trees. This is a very reliable and powerful equipment, with the help of which tree crowns are corrected and cut, as well as small repairs and constructions are carried out..
The final choice of a tool depends on the tasks that will be performed by it. The financial component is also taken into account when buying a chain saw for wood.
Purpose of the tool
In a private house, a circular saw is indispensable, especially when high performance is required from the tool..
Circular saws are used for:
- Pruning large branches and felling trees
- Longitudinal or transverse cutting of boards, beams and battens
- Cutting plastics and soft non-ferrous metals
- Dissolution of sheet materials
Security measures
If the electric chain saw is stored at low temperatures, condensation will form in the motor winding, which can cause a short circuit. At the beginning of spring, it is necessary to defend the instrument in a warm room for a day..
How to Choose Hand Saws | Ask This Old House
It is forbidden to use the saw in the rain. You should also pay attention to the voltage indicators in the mains. If the values are very low, the unprotected motor will become very hot. As a result, the insulation may melt. Drive overload often occurs when using blunt tools.