Choosing the best hand saw for beginners can sometimes seem overwhelming. In addition to the size and strength of the blade, you also want to ensure that the saw features comfortable handles and an ergonomic design. There are so many things to consider when buying a new hand saw, and we’re here to help you make the right decision.
Choosing a hand saw is essential for anyone who wants to build wood furniture or joinery items for their home. There are several types of hand saws available, and they differ from each other in terms of features, quality, and if it fits comfortably in your hand.
Most importantly, choose saws that fit your budget and meet your specific requirements. Make sure you review important features such as cutting speed, maximum cut depth, overall length, material thickness (for rip cuts), and more.
Hand saws are widely used by hobbyists and professionals alike. Before you go ahead and purchase one, check out these helpful pointers before you start shopping.
Types of Hand Saws
There are different types of hand saws on the market today. The most common ones include:
Panels Saws
These are versatile tools that allow you to perform both crosscuts and rip cuts. They have a fixed handle and come with a straight blade that’s very flexible. Panels saws are ideal for hobbyist projects because they’re easy to use and maintain. If you want a hand saw for cutting plastic, this is the type you should go for.
Back Saws
Back saws usually have fine teeth and thin steel blades, and they’re used for cutting precisely when you need to. You’ll find them useful for making accurate miters and mitered joints. If you want a hand saw for cutting wood, this is the type to most likely perform the best. [1]
Frame Saws
Frame saws are designed for ripping long pieces of stock into smaller sections. They feature a frame-like body and a fixed handle. This type of saw is great for large projects like cabinets and furniture.
What you Need to Take into Consideration when Choosing a Hand Saw
Size Matters
The first thing you need to decide is what type of work you will be doing with the hand saw. If you plan on using it for general purposes, then you should opt for a smaller-sized saw. A small saw is easier to handle and maneuver.
It’s also ideal for making fine cuts like mitering corners and trimming edges. On the other hand, if you plan on using the saw for heavy-duty tasks, then you should opt instead for a larger-sized saw. This way, you won’t have any trouble handling the saw while working on large pieces of wood.
Material Thickness
When selecting a hand saw, you need to keep in mind the material thickness of the piece of wood you intend to use. For example, if you plan on cutting plywood sheets, then you should opt to buy a saw that has a thicker blade. It’s because thinner blades tend to dull quickly and become difficult to control. [2]
Blade Type
You should also take note of the blade type when choosing a hand saw. Blades are made up of two parts – the top part called the tang, and the bottom part called the ferrule. The tang connects the blade to the handle, whereas the ferrule protects the blade from being damaged.
Blade types vary depending on how thick the blade is. Some saws have a single-edge blade, which means that the blade only extends along one side of the saw. Other saws have double-edged blades, which extend along both sides of the saw. Double-edged blades are better suited for heavier-duty applications.
Handle Style
Another factor to consider is the style of the handle. Most saws come with either a fixed handle or an adjustable handle. Fixed handles are more stable than adjustable ones. However, adjustable handles are easier to adjust and make it possible to cut at angles.
Price Point
Lastly, you should always consider the price point of the hand saw you want to buy. There are many affordable options available in the market today. So, don’t worry about spending too much money on your new tool.
Closing Thoughts
Choosing premium hand saws can be tricky, especially for a beginner. But once you’ve done so, you’ll never regret having bought the right saw for yourself. As you saw, there are multiple things to consider when choosing a hand saw, so it’s better to be prepared and learn them before making a purchase.
I hope this article has helped you conclude and get the information you were looking for. If you have any questions or suggestions about the article, don’t hesitate to leave them in the comment section.
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