The good saw...

Press, 3 June 1982, Page 19

The good saw...

ABOVE: A crosscut saw is used to saw lumber across the grain, although it can also be used as a ripsaw. Hold the saw at about a 45degree angle to the wood, and do not force the cut or the blade will twist and leave the cutting mark. The basic hand saws used in carpentry are the crosscut saw and ripsaw. If your budget permits, buy both at the outset; if not, buy the crosscut first as it can be used for most sawing jobs. A crosscut saw and a ripsaw are named because of the way the teeth are set and the number •of teeth per centimetre along the blade. ’ A crosscut has from two to five teeth per centimetre. The teeth are bevelled (angled) on the front and rear edges and are “set” alternately, one tooth “bent” out on one side of the blade, the next “bent” out on the other side. A ripsaw has about two teeth per centimetre. Each tooth ,is sharpened across the face and rear edges; and they -are also set: alternately and outwardly. A ripsaw is used to saw timber with the grain of the wood. Hold the saw at about a 60-degree angle without pushing it heavily into the wood; the weight of the saw is enough to make the proper cut. - If you have to bear down, the saw probably peeds sharpening - a job for a professional. Always work about I.smm from the scrap side of the marked cutting line. ; ‘ Start the saw into : the wood with a backward pull.Go easy, you just want to notch the' wood to guide the saw. Use a knuckle or finger of your left hand to start the saw at the mark.