Understanding Hand Saw Types

Read our blog as we break down the most common hand saw types, and what they’re best suited for.


Handsaws

Handsaws are versatile tools that can be used for a variety of cutting tasks. One of the key features of these saws is their induction hardened teeth, which means they stay sharp for longer periods, providing clean and precise cuts.

  • Designed for: General cutting tasks in woodworking.
  • Use it for: Cutting wood to size, trimming, and making rough cuts.

Tenon Saws

Tenon saws are perfect for precision joinery or general DIY work at home. With their fine teeth and rigid blade, they are ideal for making accurate cuts in wood.

  • Designed for: Precision joinery and fine woodworking.
  • Use it for: Cutting tenons, making precise cuts for joints, and detailed woodworking tasks.

Dovetail & Gents Saws

These are fine-tooth saws ideal for cutting perfect dovetail joints.

  • Designed for: Cutting dovetail joints and fine woodworking.
  • Use it for: Creating dovetail joints, making fine cuts in small pieces of wood, and detailed joinery.

Japanese Saws

These saws cut on the 'pull' stroke, offering greater control and accuracy.

  • Designed for: Fine woodworking with precision.
  • Use it for: Making precise cuts, detailed woodworking, and tasks that require a high level of control.

Flushcut Saws

With a flexible blade, these saws can cut flush to a surface without damaging it.

  • Designed for: Cutting flush to a surface.
  • Use it for: Trimming dowels, cutting off protruding tenons, and making cuts that need to be flush with the surface.

Re-Sharpenable Handsaws

Traditional rip and panel saws that can be re-sharpened when dull.

  • Designed for: General woodworking and cutting tasks.
  • Use it for: Cutting wood to size, making rough cuts, and tasks that require a durable and long-lasting saw.

Hacksaw Frames

These frames hold interchangeable blades for cutting various materials.

  • Designed for: Cutting a variety of materials.
  • Use it for: Cutting metal, plastic, wood, and other materials with the appropriate blade.
Hacksaw Frames

Coping Saws

Used for making fine curved cuts in a wide variety of materials.

  • Designed for: Making fine curved cuts.
  • Use it for: Cutting intricate patterns, making curved cuts in wood, and detailed craft projects.

More Hand Saw Types...

Fretsaws & Piercing Saws

These saws have very fine blades for delicate cuts in wood and metal.

  • Designed for: Fine and delicate cutting.
  • Use it for: Jewellery making, detailed woodworking, and tasks that require very fine cuts.

Bow Saws & Pruning Saws

Sturdy saws for outdoor use, especially in the garden.

  • Designed for: Outdoor cutting tasks.
  • Use it for: Cutting branches, pruning trees, and clearing brush.

Masonry & Plaster Saws

Built for cutting tough building materials like concrete and plaster.

  • Designed for: Cutting building materials.
  • Use it for: Cutting concrete, plaster, plasterboard, and other construction materials.

Veneer Saws

Fine-toothed saws for cutting and jointing thin veneers.

  • Designed for: Cutting and jointing veneers.
  • Use it for: Cutting thin veneers, making precise joints, and tasks that require fine cuts in delicate materials.

Modelling Hand Saws

Small saws for fine work in crafts and hobbies.

  • Designed for: Small and fine work.
  • Use it for: Craft projects, hobby work, and cutting small pieces of various materials.

Choosing the right saw isn’t just about the cut—it’s about control, efficiency, and the finish. Whether you're framing a wall or crafting a jewellery box, matching the saw to the task will save time and improve results.


Discover more...

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