Handsaws come in two styles. The most useful is the crosscut saw for cutting boards across the grain. The other type is the ripsaw for cutting along the length of a board, going with the grain.
It's difficult to tell the two types of saws apart by just looking at them. They differ primarily in the shape and number of teeth. A crosscut saw has knifelike teeth that slice through wood fiber and has from seven to 12 teeth per inch. By contrast, a ripsaw has coarse teeth shaped like tiny chisels, with four to seven teeth per inch.On both, alternate teeth bend outward from the center line, making a cut (called the kerf) that is slightly wider than the blade.
Buying tip. On better quality saws, the blades are taper-ground: thinner along the top and thicker at the teeth, and thinner at the toe than near the handle. This helps keep the saw from binding. Saws made of tempered or stainless steel are durable and easy to maintain.
A saw should feel comfortable in your hand. Buy one with the longest blade you can manage easily; the longer the blade, the fewer strokes needed to accomplish a cut. A 26-inch blade is standard and usually a good choice.
Crosscut saws. Before buying a crosscut saw, tap the blade; it should give a clear, ringing sound. Next, flex it. The blade should bend easily into a half-circle and spring back into line when released.
A crosscut saw's knifelike teeth are beveled to slice cleanly through a board from edge to edge. The more teeth, the cleaner the cut. For a smooth cut, use a saw with 10 to 12 teeth per inch.
Always use a crosscut saw when cutting plywood, regardless of the plywood's surface grain.
In starting a crosscut, align the edge of the saw blade on the waste side of the marked line; otherwise you will cut the board too short. Sight along the top of the saw when aligning the saw.
Crosscut saws cut on the push stroke. To start a cut, place the heel of the saw on the waste side of the line. Support the blade with the thumb of your free hand and carefully draw the saw backward with a few short pulls.
The saw should glide through the wood with a minimum of effort. Avoid pushing faster than the blade can cut; you may bend the saw or damage the teeth.
Keep some paraffin, paste wax or plain bar soap handy to lubricate the sides - not the teeth - of the blade.
Ripsaws. Ripsaws are designed to trim lumber into different widths; they are generally too rough for crosscutting. The chisel-shaped teeth chip through the long fibers of boards, parallel to the milled edges. A ripsaw with 5 1/2 teeth per inch gives a smooth, fast cut.
Ripsaws also cut on the push stroke. To start a cut, place the saw's teeth almost flat against the work. Carefully push forward, nicking the edge. Keep doing this until you have established a good kerf, then raise the saw to a comfortable cutting angle and begin cutting with long, rhythmic strokes.
When making a long cut, clamp a straight piece of scrap wood along the cutting line to serve as a guide. To keep the saw from binding, put a wedge in a long kerf to hold it open.
Saw care. Have a handsaw professionally sharpened as soon as it begins to cut with difficulty.
Hang the saws to avoid damaging the teeth. For long-term storage, coat the blades lightly with machine oil to prevent rust. Clean stained blades with steel wool and mineral spirits.