Essential handsaws
Steve Kubien
>Hi everyone,
In the 'tablesaw' thread, Eric asked about handsaws for a newbie neaderthal, specifically which types of saws would eliminate the need for a tablesaw. This kind of question has been asked before and I vaguely remember Adam and Joel offering fairly simple answers which helped me get addicted to handsaws. I cannot find those posts in the archives (I am useless at searching for stuff like that) but fear not Eric, I am always willing to help a newbie develop their own version of a 'saw problem'......
Most basic thing a TS will do is rip stock to width so you need a rip saw. Look for something 26" long (the blade) with a taper ground blade (skewback). For work on stock over 1" thick, 4-5 tpi should suit you well. If thinner stock is used, maybe a 5-7tpi.
Crosscutting can be done with a variety of weapons, errr, tools. My favourite saw is an EC Atkins 8tpi. I use it a lot. Between 7-12 tpi is what to look for, with lower numbers for rougher, thicker stock and higher numbers for thinner, harder materials like maple, and many exotics. I have a 10tpi Disston which eats through oak up to 1" thick but is very slow going in pine. There is probably a reason for this but I don't know what it is.
I think the only joinery operation you would try with a TS is cutting tenons. For this, a backsaw 14-18" long (blade length), filed rip between 11-15 tpi will serve you well. You can use this saw for cutting the shoulder too even though it is a crosscutting action.
With any of these, brand is largely a matter of personal choice. As I said before, I love my Atkins crosscut but I love my Disston 28" D-8 thumbhole rip saw just as much. Simmonds, Disston, Atkins and Keen Kutter are good names to look for in old tools. Except for Adria/STW/LN backsaws, I have yet to find a newer saw with a comfortable handle. The older saws generally have good quality steel and more comfortable handles.
Of course, this post does not deal with Japanese or 'pull saws'. I'll leave them out because I generally hate mine. Lots of people love 'em. They can have 'em.
I hope this helps you out. I am sure others will offer their 2 cents on this issue. What I have written works for me a guidelines. Other people will have other fews.
Steve Kubien - who can't believe he can justify ONLY having 5 saws plus a dedicated dovetail saw! (Don't tell SWMBO'd)
Ajax, Ontario