Blog
How to Do All Your Trim Cuts by Hand Without a Miter Saw?
Hand-cut trim without a miter saw: accurate miters, coped corners, and square cuts using backsaws, bevel gauges, and simple guides.
How to Handle Framing Cuts With Only a Hand Saw?
Framing cuts with only a hand saw: saw selection, accurate layout, body mechanics, crosscuts, angles, rips, notches, efficient workflow.
How to Rough Cut by Hand and Sneak Up to the Line Cleanly?
Hand-saw workflow for intermediate woodworkers: mark, rough cut in the waste, then plane, shoot, or pare to the line for clean, accurate joints.
How to Set Up a Small Shop Around Mostly Hand Saw Work?
Set up a compact, saw-first woodworking shop: layout, bench and sawbench setup, core hand saw kit, workholding, sharpening, and storage.
Best Bench Height for Comfortable Hand Sawing Sessions?
Best bench height for hand sawing: elbow-based range, how to fine-tune, when to go higher or lower, plus add-ons like sawbench and Moxon vise.
How to Reduce Hand Saw Fatigue With Better Technique?
Reduce hand saw fatigue with smarter setup, efficient stroke technique, and tool tuning—practical, shop-ready tips for intermediate woodworkers.
Hand Saw vs Circular Saw: Is the Hand Saw Actually Better?
Hand saw vs circular saw: clear rules for when hand tools win, with scenarios, tips, and a quick checklist for cleaner cuts, less setup, and better control.
How to Deal With a Slight Kink in a Hand Saw Plate?
Fix a slight kink in a hand saw plate with clear steps: sight, mark, gentle hand bends, three-point bending, light planishing, and prevention tips.
How to Clean Resin and Pitch Buildup Off a Hand Saw Blade?
Remove resin and pitch from hand saw blades using safe cleaners, clear steps, and care tips for smoother cuts and longer tool life.
How to Reduce Set on a Cheap Hand Saw That Cuts Rough?
Fix a rough-cutting cheap hand saw by safely reducing tooth set with simple tools. Step-by-step tuning tips for smoother, cleaner, straighter cuts.
How to Fix a Hand Saw That Always Pulls to the Left?
Fix a hand saw that always pulls left with clear steps to diagnose set, plate, and handle issues so your cuts stay straight and accurate.
How to Cut Simple Curves in 2x Lumber With a Hand Saw?
Cut clean curves in 2x lumber with a hand saw using smart layout, controlled cuts, and simple shaping; ideal technique guide for intermediate woodworkers.
How to Hand Cut Notches in Posts for Backyard Projects?
Step-by-step, intermediate guide to hand-cutting notches in posts using hand saws: layout, cutting, fit, fastening, and weatherproofing.
How to Cut a Half-Lap Joint With a Regular Hand Saw?
Cut a half-lap joint with a regular hand saw: tools, layout, sawing, waste removal, fitting, glue-up, and quick fixes for cleaner, stronger results.
How to Cut Angled Braces by Hand Without a Miter Saw?
Cut angled braces by hand without a miter saw: layout with bevel gauge, accurate hand saw cuts, planing, and test-fit steps for clean, strong results.
How to Flush Cut Dowels by Hand Without Gouging Surface?
Flush-cut dowels by hand without gouging: tool choices, shim method, grain-aware control, and plane/sanding steps for flawless, level results.
How to Support Long Boards So They Don’t Pinch the Saw?
Prevent saw pinch on long boards with smart support setups, wedges, and stance tips for clean, safe hand-saw cuts. Ideal for intermediate woodworkers.
How to Hand Saw Twisted Studs Without the Kerf Closing?
Hand-saw twisted studs without kerf pinch: setup, orientation, wedges, and support for clean crosscuts and rips, plus fixes, safety tips, and FAQs.
How to Hand Saw Through Knots Without the Blade Catching?
Hand saw through knots without blade catching: setup, stroke adjustments, relief cuts, wedges, and maintenance for cleaner, safer woodworking cuts.
How to Stop a Hand Saw Binding in Wet or Treated Lumber?
Stop hand saw binding in wet or treated lumber with proper tooth set, smart support, kerf wedges, and light lube—clear steps for smooth, safe cuts.
How to Break Down a 4×8 Sheet With Just a Hand Saw?
Break down a 4x8 plywood sheet using only a hand saw with safe setup, smart layout, and accurate cuts, ideal for intermediate woodworkers.
How to Hand Saw Quietly at Night Without Annoying Everyone?
Quiet night woodworking with hand saws; choose tools, setup, and technique that cut noise so you work accurately without waking family or neighbors.
How to Hand Saw in a Tight Space Without Losing Control?
Hand sawing in tight spaces with confidence: tool choice, setup, body position and cutting technique to keep control in cabinets, corners and framing.
How to Clamp Awkward Pieces for Safe Hand Sawing?
How to clamp awkward pieces safely for hand sawing: principles, handscrew tricks, cradles, wedges, and backers for odd shapes.
How to Hand Saw Accurately Without a Workbench?
Hand saw accurately without a workbench: stable setups, clear layout, body mechanics, and cut-specific tips for intermediate woodworkers.
How to Trim the Bottom of a Door With a Hand Saw?
Trim a door bottom with a hand saw: precise marking, clean cuts, tear-out prevention, and pro tips to plane, seal, and rehang for a smooth, reliable swing.
How to Rip Thin Strips by Hand Without Splitting Them?
Step-by-step method to rip thin wood strips by hand without splitting: stock prep, knife lines, solid support, fine-tooth sawing, clean planing.
How to Cut OSB by Hand With a Clean Edge?
Clean, chip-free OSB cuts by hand with step-by-step layout, scoring, support, sawing, and edge-sealing tips for tidy exposed edges.
How to Avoid Tear-Out When Crosscutting Hardwood by Hand?
Stop tear-out when crosscutting hardwood by hand: knife lines, sharp crosscut saws, firm backing, steady strokes, and cleanup tips for crisp edges.
How to Cut MDF by Hand Without Fuzzy Edges?
Cut MDF by hand with crisp edges: scoring, tape, solid support, fine-tooth saw technique, dust-safe setup, and flat-block sanding for paint-ready results.
Best Hand Planes For Flattening Large Faces – Value & Setup
Best hand planes for flattening large faces: clear picks, setup tips, and workflow for dead-flat panels—including planes like Taytools.
Best Hand Planes for Rapid Stock Removal: Setup That Works!
Best hand planes for rapid stock removal: low-angle jacks, No.5 and No.6 picks, camber and setup tips to boost throughput with fewer passes.
Why Deeper Gullets Clear Softwood Faster!
Deeper gullets speed softwood cuts by clearing chips faster, reducing binding, and keeping your hand saw cutting smoothly with less effort.
Why Polishing Plate Sides Reduces Binding!
Polishing saw plate sides cuts friction, prevents binding, and keeps hand saws cutting smoothly with less effort and cleaner results.
Why Reshaping Tote Horns Saves Your Wrist!
Reshape saw tote horns to cut wrist strain and keep control. Step by step tool list, fit tests, finishing tips, and when to skip.
Why Stoning The Set Smooths Your Cuts!
Stoning the set on hand saws: step-by-step finishing tips to smooth cuts, reduce tearout, and improve tracking for intermediate woodworkers.
Why Jointing Before Filing Restores Speed!
Jointing before filing evens tooth height for faster filing, truer tracking, and cleaner cuts, with step-by-step guidance for hand-sawn blades.
Western Push vs Japanese Pull: Which Suits Tight Workspaces?
Western push vs Japanese pull saws for tight spaces: trade-offs, when each excels, confounders like design and setup, and a quick shop checklist.
Crosscut vs Rip Saws: Which One’s Better For Hobbyists?
Crosscut vs. rip saws for hobbyists: criteria, use cases, myths, and a checklist to pick the most versatile hand saw for your shop.
Thin-kerf vs Standard-kerf: Which One Is Balanced?
Thin-kerf vs standard-kerf hand saws: trade-offs in speed, accuracy, and control. Shop signals, use cases, and a checklist to choose by task and stock.
0° Rake vs Relaxed Rake: Which Feeds Cleaner?
0° vs relaxed rake on hand saws: which feeds cleaner? Shop signals, trade-offs, and when each is best for hardwoods, softwoods, and joinery.
Why Kerf Width Affects Both Speed And Precision?
Kerf width: thin vs wide sets and how they affect hand saw speed, precision, and effort—practical tuning for species, thickness, and task.
Why Resharpenable Teeth Age Better!
Resharpenable vs hardpoint saw teeth: how fileable geometry and adjustable set deliver cleaner cuts, longer life, and lower lifetime cost.
10–12 TPI vs 14–16 TPI: Which Is The True All-Rounder?
10–12 vs 14–16 TPI hand saws: trade-offs, best uses by wood/thickness, setup tips, and when each shines—no universal winner—for intermediate woodworkers.
Why Tooth Set Determines Cut Smoothness?
Why tooth set—not TPI—determines cut smoothness; effects, ideal set ranges, and precise tuning for straighter tracking and cleaner hand saw cuts.
Why Minimal Set Bites but Binds!
Minimal saw set vs binding: when a light set cuts faster and cleaner, when it stalls, and how to tune kerf, sharpness, and technique for woodworking joinery.
Why Tooth Count (TPI) Can Make Or Break Your Project!
Coarse vs fine TPI for hand saws, explained: use-by-cut tables, thickness rules, and fixes to prevent clogging, tear-out, drift, and slow, rough cuts.
Do impulse-hardened teeth really stay sharp longer?
Do impulse-hardened saw teeth stay sharp longer? Pros, cons, lifespan, maintenance, and clear buy/skip rules for intermediate woodworkers.
Are Japanese Pull Saws Actually More Precise?
Are Japanese pull saws more precise than Western? Clear verdict, when they excel or fail, buy/skip rules, and setup tips for cleaner, line-splitting joinery.
Do “Ergonomic” Handles Reduce Fatigue?
Do “ergonomic” saw handles reduce fatigue? Practical rules on fit, hang angle, grip size, and buy/skip decisions for smoother, longer cuts.
Does A Thicker Saw Plate Mean A Straighter Cut?
Does a thicker saw plate cut straighter? Get the truth on plate thickness, set, kerf, and saw type—with clear buy/skip rules for joinery and panel work.
Are Hybrid Hand Saw Teeth Just Marketing?
Hybrid hand saw teeth: myth or useful compromise? Specs, pros/cons, where they excel and fail, plus clear buy/skip rules for intermediate woodworkers.
KAKURI vs RUITOOL Ryoba Saw: Which Cuts Better?
KAKURI 9.5″ Ryoba vs RUITOOL Ryoba Pull Saw: specs, pros, cons, scores, and best use cases to help woodworkers choose accuracy, comfort, or budget.
RUITOOL 6″ vs SUIZAN 9.5″ Ryoba: Which Cuts Cleaner?
RUITOOL Ryoba Pull Saw vs SUIZAN 9.5″ Dual-Edge: specs, cutting performance, ergonomics, scores, and who each saw suits best for clean, woodworking.
SUIZAN vs KAKURI: Best Ryoba Saw?
SUIZAN 9.5″ Dual-Edge Ryoba vs KAKURI 9.5″ Ryoba: specs, scores, pros and cons to pick the right pull saw for precision, comfort, and durability.
Crown 195 vs Irwin Tenon Saws: Brass Back vs Lightweight!
Irwin 12 TPI Tenon Saw vs Crown 195: specs, scores, pros and cons. Crown’s brass back, resharpenable steel lead; Irwin stays the lightweight value pick.
Spear & Jackson vs Irwin: Best Tenon Saw?
Brass-back, resharpenable Spear & Jackson vs lightweight, sharp Irwin: specs, scores, pros/cons, and clear picks for beginners and precise joinery.
Crown 195 vs S&J 9540B-91: The Brass-Back Showdown!
Crown 195 12″ Tenon Saw vs Spear & Jackson 9540B-91: specs, tuning, cut quality, ergonomics, value, and who each suits.
IRWIN vs SUIZAN: Flush-Cut Budget or Dovetail Precision?
IRWIN Marples Dovetail Pull Saw vs SUIZAN 9.5″ Dozuki—cut quality, control, durability, scores, and buyer fit: budget flush cuts or precise dovetail joinery.
SUIZAN Dozuki vs Thomas Flinn Gent: Dovetail Showdown!
SUIZAN Dozuki vs Thomas Flinn Gent: cut quality, sharpness, handles, and scores compared. See who wins for dovetails, joinery, and upkeep.
Thomas Flinn vs IRWIN: Which Dovetail Saw Wins?
Thomas Flinn vs IRWIN Marples: rigid, precise dovetail saw or sharp thin-kerf pull saw? Specs, scores, pros, cons, and who each suits.
14″ Hanpex or 16″ WORKPRO: Best Value Saw?
Hanpex 14″ Pro vs 16-inch WORKPRO Handsaw: sharpness, comfort, reach, and value for DIY and yard tasks.
WORKPRO 16-inch vs CRAFTSMAN 15-inch Hand Saw!
16-inch WORKPRO Handsaw vs CRAFTSMAN 15-Inch Hand Saw: compare reach, comfort, sharpness, durability, and value to pick the better DIY yard saw.
Craftsman 15-inch vs Hanpex 14-inch: Budget vs Fine Cuts!
CRAFTSMAN 15-Inch vs Hanpex 14" Pro: compare performance, grip, and value to pick between budget portability or finer, longer-lasting cuts.
Crown 190 or Lynx 26-inch: Which Rip Saw Wins?
Sheffield Crown 190 vs Lynx 26-Inch Rip Saw - fast resharpenable high-carbon blade vs longer alloy spring steel saw; compare specs and tuning needs.
Lynx 26-Inch vs Disston D8 Rip Saw: Budget vs Heirloom!
Budget-friendly Lynx vs collectible Disston D8: side-by-side rip saw comparison, specs, scores, and who should buy which.
Disston D8 vs Crown 190: Collector or Workshop Saw?
Disston D8 vs Sheffield Crown 190: rip saw comparison of blade, handle, performance and scores to choose collectible quality or fast workshop value.
ZONA 35-550 vs SMB: Which Razor Saw Cuts Cleaner?
ZONA ZON35-550 vs SMB Precision Razor Saw: side-by-side specs, pros, cons, and buying tips for hobby modelers and fine detail work.
Budget Hobby Saw: SMB Precision vs Gyokucho Dozuki!
SMB Precision Razor Saw vs Gyokucho Folding Dozuki: a concise head-to-head look at specs, pros, cons, and who should buy each.
Gyokucho 13-14 TPI vs ZONA 42 TPI: Razor Saw Comparison!
Gyokucho Folding Dozuki vs ZONA ZON35-550: compare blade length, TPI, kerf, handle quality, and durability to pick the best razor saw.
Knew Concepts vs IRWIN ProTouch: Coping Saw Showdown!
Knew Concepts vs IRWIN ProTouch coping saws compared side by side—precision, comfort, specs, and scores to help you choose the right tool.
KAKURI vs Knew Concepts Coping Saw: Budget or Precision?
KAKURI vs Knew Concepts: compare blades, frame, tension, weight, and value to pick the best coping saw for hobbyists or precision model makers.
IRWIN ProTouch vs KAKURI: Best Coping Saw for DIY!
IRWIN ProTouch vs KAKURI coping saws: compare comfort, blade count, frame depth, QC issues and scores to pick the best for DIY or hobby use.
IRWIN ProTouch Coping Saw: Comfy Grip, Budget Price!
IRWIN ProTouch Coping Saw review: budget-friendly, comfy ProTouch handle and HSS blade; OK for light DIY, but QC and blade durability issues noted.
KAKURI Coping Saw: Value with Some Flaws!
Budget Kakuri coping saw with 5 blades and 6.3 in frame, great for hobby, trim and plastics; not suited to heavy metal or pro daily use.
Knew Concepts Coping Saw: Best for Model Makers!
Knew Concepts 6.5 in coping saw, lightweight 3/16" aluminum frame, cam-lever tension, ideal for precise, detailed work.
ZONA ZON35-550 Razor Saw: Precision on a Budget!
Sharp, thin-kerf Zona razor saw for model and instrument work, precise cuts but variable blade life and handle quality. Best for light detailed projects.
When to Avoid the SMB Precision Razor Saw?
Budget razor hobby saw for clean, fine cuts in balsa, basswood and plastic. Thin blade and weak handle not for hard woods.
Gyokucho Folding Dozuki Razor Saw: Worth It?
Gyokucho folding Dozuki razor saw delivers precise, smooth cuts for fine woodworking; portable design with replaceable blade and hardwood handle.
Lynx 26-Inch Rip Saw: Sheffield Steel & Big Teeth!
Lynx 26 in rip saw (4.5 TPI), alloy spring steel, taper-ground blade for fast ripping after tuning; stained beech handle may need fitting.
Disston D8 26-inch Rip Saw — Vintage Workhorse!
Classic Disston 26″ rip hand saw with walnut handle and HSS blade, valued for heritage appeal, and high end performance.
Budget Sheffield Rip Saw — Crown 190 24-inch!
24-in rip saw — fast, coarse 4.5 TPI high-carbon blade; resharpenable with beech handle. Great value for aggressive ripping.
The Hanpex 14″ Pro: Cuts Wood, Plastic Pipe, Drywall
Hanpex 14 inch handsaw, 11 TPI blade, ergonomic non-slip handle. Sharp, lightweight and good value for wood, drywall and pruning.
The 16-inch WORKPRO Handsaw: Good for Yard Work?
16 inch SK5 handsaw with Teflon anti-rust blade, sharp triple-ground teeth, ergonomic ABS+TPE grip, ideal for pruning, DIY and yard work; great value.
CRAFTSMAN 15-Inch Hand Saw: Best Budget Yard Saw!
Craftsman 15 in hand saw: sharp, lightweight for yard work, camping, and light carpentry; may bend on hard wood and shows some quality variation.
Thomas Flinn 8-inch Dovetail Saw, Sheffield Craft!
Thomas Flinn Pax/Taytools 8in dovetail saw - walnut handle, 20 TPI, high-carbon blade; precise dovetails after a quick sharpening.
IRWIN Marples Dovetail Pull Saw: Budget King or meh?
Very sharp, thin-kerf Irwin dovetail pull saw — perfect for flush cuts and dowels. But teeth chip on hard material and OEM blades are hard to find.
SUIZAN 9.5″ Dozuki Saw: Best for Dovetails?
Precise Japanese dovetail saw with thin blade for clean cuts in hardwoods and softwoods, ideal for joinery, with replaceable blade option.
Tune-Up Required: Spear & Jackson 9540B-91 Tenon Saw
Budget brass-back tenon saw, versatile for rip and crosscuts; stable, precise after simple tuning. Ideal for DIY woodworkers.
Irwin 12 TPI Tenon Saw — Best Value for Fine Work?
Irwin 10 in (250 mm) tenon saw,12 TPI TGT hardpoint blade. Sharp, lightweight, budget-friendly for precise joinery.
Is the Crown 195 12″ BEST Tenon Saw?
Crown 12 in tenon saw: brass back, beech handle, resharpenable carbon blade. Great value for joinery after a quick clean and tune.
This RUITOOL Ryoba Pull Saw Cuts Maple, Walnut, Pine
RUITOOL 6” Ryoba pull saw review: dual 14/17 TPI edges, lightweight precision for tight spaces, budget-friendly but not for flush cuts or heavy ripping.
Best Ryoba Pull Saw? SUIZAN 9.5″ Dual-Edge!
SUIZAN 9.5 Ryoba pull saw review: precision cuts, dual rip/cross edges, lightweight design, blade sharpness, handle quality & performance insights.
Is the KAKURI 9.5″ Ryoba Saw Worth It?
Lightweight 9.5” Ryoba pull saw with dual edges, cork grip, replaceable blade, razor-sharp performance for precise woodworking, rip & crosscut ready.
Best Hand Saws for Tenon Joints: Clean, Tear-Free Cuts!
Best hand saws for precise tenon joints: compare backsaws, TPI, blade material & handle design for clean, accurate cuts.
Fret vs Coping: Best Hand Saws for Curved Cuts!
Top hand saws for precise curved cuts: compare coping, fret, bow, keyhole, and pull saws, plus blade specs, flex, and handle tips to master scrollwork.
Best Hand Saws for OSB to Beat Resin Buildup!
Top hand saws for OSB: compare TPI, blade length, handle comfort and coatings to cut clean, straight edges faster and resist resin wear.
Best Hand Saws for MDF: Clean Cuts Without Chipping!
Best hand saws for MDF: compare TPI, blade length, handle comfort, and durability to find the perfect saw for clean, precise MDF cuts.
Best Hand Saws for Rip Cuts (And Mistakes To Avoid)
Best hand saws for rip cuts ranked and reviewed. Learn what makes a good rip saw and how to choose the right blade for clean, efficient grain cuts.
Best Hand Saws for Model Making (With Pros & Cons)
Best hand saws for model making, from razor to hobby saws. Learn how to choose the right saw based on material, cut type, and project scale.