Saw Guide Alston

Choosing the right saw for the job can make a huge difference to both how easy the job is to complete and the finish of the cut.

Cutting Sheets of Timber/Boards

- Panel Saw, Crosscut Saw, Rip Saw

Long cuts in sheets of timber or boards require a large bladed saw, and not just because it is quicker. A large bladed saw will also help to keep the cut straight. Mark out your cutting line carefully with a pencil and always cut slightly on the waste side of the wood. You should only apply pressure on the forward stroke and try to use the full length of the blade.

Detail cuts or Joints

- Dovetail Saw, Tenon Saw

Smaller, more detailed cuts require a greater degree of control, so specialised saw such as tenon saws should be used. Clamping the wood to be cut in a vice or workmate will make any sawing job much, much easier. As always, mark out clearly using a pencil and cut slightly on the waste side of the mark. Cut only with the forward stroke of the blade and use the whole of the blade if possible.

Cutting Shapes and Curves

- Bow Saw, Coping Saw, Fretsaw, Padsaw

All of these saws have one thing in common, more teeth to give a cleaner, finer cut. When cutting out shapes (in a sheet of timber for example) you need to first drill a hole on the waste side of your mark. Make sure this is big enough to accept the blade of your saw and use it as the starting point. It is always better to leave a small amount of waste to file off later, rather than risk cutting into the body of the wood.