Do-it-yourself bow and grinding saws: cheap and better than purchased tools

Friends spontaneously got together for a long hike and invited me. I saw no reason to refuse, so I decided to agree. They also asked to take some kind of saw with them to cut wood for firewood. I realized that in that situation, a saw for cutting along curved lines, which I did not have, would be more suitable. So there was an urgent need for such a saw. I asked my friends - no one had any, I looked in stores in my small town - I couldn’t find it anywhere, I decided to order on the Internet, I found it, and the price suits me and the quality seems good, but it will take almost a week to arrive by mail, which is too long. So I decided to assemble a bow saw with my own hands. This is what came out of it.

Source barx.org

How to make the right choice

Hand saws for wood have cutting teeth of different sizes.
This characteristic determines the future cut, suitable types of timber and whether it will be comfortable to hold in your hands. However, there are a number of other indicators that are worth paying attention to when purchasing a tool

Main characteristics:

blade width
blade length
tooth size
handle shape
blade steel grade.

The length of the file affects the width of the workpiece being processed, and also greatly simplifies the work. A long stroke allows you to spend less force, because during one movement the cut is carried out by a large number of teeth. However, a long canvas will have a noticeable spring. When working with hard types of wood, for example, ash, maple or oak, the hacksaw will not be convenient and will quickly become dull.

Most often, the blade has a width of 10 to 20 cm. Narrower files will break even with slight bending, and wider files are inconvenient for manual labor. Remember that when working with thin workpieces you need to use thin saws, and when working with thick ones, respectively, thick saws.

Many models have a plastic handle. Choose options with a rubberized backing, which protects against calluses and also allows for a tighter grip.

The saw tooth is the most important part of the tool. The teeth are:

for universal cutting
for cross cutting
for longitudinal cutting.

Typical bow saw design

The saw is called “bow” not because you can shoot from it, and also not because it is similar to Robin Hood’s weapon; its design is based on the same principle of elasticity as in the ancient bow.

The basis of the entire product is a machine made of durable, carefully processed and often varnished racks. There are three of them - two lateral and one horizontal. The stands are made of hardwood (oak, hornbeam or ash). At the bottom of the vertical posts there are symmetrical through holes for attaching handles. The horizontal stand is called the center;
The working handles of bow-type saws are not even a subject of carpentry, but of carpentry; the convenience and productivity of work depends on their quality. The general shape of the handles is round; in the end part there are cuts and holes for attaching the working blade.
Thin strips of tool steel with a slight “notch” are most often used as blades. The wider the blade, the less maneuverability of the saw, and the weaker the tension force in the clamps.
Each bow-type saw is equipped with a bowstring, which brings it even closer to the throwing weapons of ancient eras. But the purpose of this bowstring is purely peaceful - it serves to firmly and reliably tension the working blade between the handles. The bowstring is usually made from natural materials (linen rope or hemp twine). Synthetic cables as a bowstring have not yet proven themselves - their elasticity and durability are not sufficient for cutting solid wood;
Along the axis of central symmetry, between the center post and the bowstring, there is an auxiliary bar - an arrow. When the arrow bar rotates, the hemp or linen bowstring is stretched, the hacksaw blade freezes firmly between the handles - you can begin sawing woodworking.

Criterias of choice

Which saw do you use most often?

LuchkovaHacksaw

When selecting a tool, you need to proceed from the following considerations:

Purpose of the saw.
What kind of workpieces need to be sawed?

The length of the saw is also worth considering; it can be 300 mm or more than 700. The smaller this value, the smaller the diameter (or width) of parts (or branches) can be cut.

A blade is often included with the saw, but often it is not of very high quality and is only needed to demonstrate the features of the tool. It is recommended to immediately purchase new blades of the required type and length.

The width of the saw also limits the possibilities when processing thick workpieces; for ease of work, the front part is sometimes made narrower than the back part - near the handle. This makes it easier to cut shapes.

It is recommended to buy bow saws with rubberized handles - they will allow you to work for a long time without rubbing your palms and allowing you to hold the tool securely.

Do-it-yourself collapsible bow saw, based on a folding mechanism, convenient for hiking

In this instructable, I'll show you how to make a functional DIY bow saw that you can make using materials you have on hand, plus a few lightweight items to take with you.

There are portable camping bow saws on the market, but they have 3 problems:

They are too small for bulk work. As a rule, only with a 30 cm blade.
They are too heavy. You can argue with this, but my saw turned out to be 20 times lighter.
They are too expensive. High-quality saws cost 1500-2000 rubles.

Model rating

Among domestic manufacturers, I would like to highlight the Enkor model range, which is made of carbide steel. One of the best representatives is the Anchor 19183 model, the distinctive feature of which is the tooth size of only 2.5 mm. The tool is supplied for sale with a comfortable handle and hardened teeth, which indicates a long service life of the product.

It is impossible not to highlight Japanese saws, for example, the Silky Sugowaza model, which is used for the most complex work, since the size of its teeth is 6.5 mm. Gardeners and summer residents prefer to purchase such a tool for forming the crown of fruit trees when they want to work quickly without putting a lot of effort. The special arc shape makes it easy to cut off unnecessary branches.

Swedish hacksaws are not inferior in quality to domestic ones. Among them, the Bahco brand stands out, which has established itself due to its high quality. In the universal tool category, the Ergo 2600-19-XT-HP model stands out, used for medium-thick workpieces.

My folding saw "from what was"

I, like many of you, have various Soviet tools, and I usually don’t throw away various pieces, trimmings and remnants of building materials - maybe they will come in handy.

And this is what I used from my supplies.

Materials:
Blade from a “Soviet” hacksaw
A small piece of plywood, 10 mm thick
A piece of plastic, 5 mm thick
Bolts (with nuts) M5 – 4 pcs.
Bolt for clamp M5, 12 mm – 1 pc.
A piece of a metal ruler, 40 mm long
Nylon lids for cans – 2 pcs.
Wood varnish
Tools:
Bulgarian
Jigsaw
Drill
Sandpaper (40)
Piece of block
Brush

What is it and what is it for?

A bow saw can easily be defined as an outdated device. But even if you have the entire necessary set of power tools stored at home, there may be many situations when you cannot do without a hand-held bow saw. If we consider the main purpose of this tool, it is worth noting that this kind of device is intended for accurate sawing of metal parts, as well as for working with wooden surfaces.

A bow saw can be used to make various parting cuts with any type of wood. We must not forget that for a product intended for cutting wood, the method of cutting it – lengthwise or crosswise – does not matter. There is also the ability to work with only one hand. This tool can be easily selected for cutting wood: in the longitudinal direction, as well as in the transverse and figured, even in the angular direction. True, for thick logs it is better to choose a more serious tool.

If we compare a standard saw with two handles with a bow saw, we should highlight the following positive features over the classic product:

a bow tool will allow you to make a much more beautiful cut;
you will spend much less effort - sometimes you can work with a bow and a pair, which will not work when working with a hacksaw saw;
easy care.

How to cut with a two-handed saw alone

It often turns out that it is difficult to find a partner for sawing, so it becomes necessary to use the tool alone. It is impossible to do this without first modifying the saw, so it remains to figure out how to turn a two-handed hacksaw into a one-handed one, while maintaining the length of the blade. There is a way out, and it is quite simple - turn a flexible hacksaw into a rigid bow saw. All you need to do is make a frame.

The first way to make a frame is to attach a beam or a narrow board to the existing handles on top with self-tapping screws. At this point, the manufacture of a long saw for hand sawing can be considered complete. The disadvantage of homemade products is that the blade will vibrate, so if you want to get a more reliable tool, you should choose the second option
The two-handed saw uses two wooden handles that are removable. In the cylindrical holes on the canvas, it is necessary to install two elongated sticks, between which a rail of the required length should be placed crosswise. In the upper part, parallel to the rail, pull a rope, which ensures tension of the web. As a result, you can work the device alone without a partner, adjusting the degree of tension

If you plan to use the hacksaw for work yourself, then the frame can be welded from metal pipes. This design will be more reliable and will last no less than the tool blade. The principle of the conversion is simple and uncomplicated, so if you have accumulated a bunch of thick logs, then it’s time to cut them with a two-handed hacksaw alone.

This is interesting!
You can buy a crosscut saw, since modern manufacturers continue to produce this type of device, allowing themselves to modernize it.
Instead of primitive handles in the form of cylindrical bars, full-fledged handles are used, as on ordinary hand hacksaws. https://youtube.com/watch?v=8dZ5o6lG3xI%3F

How to choose a saw?

The wood saw is available in different versions on the market. How products may differ:

Tooth shape and size;
Canvas size;
The grade of steel from which the working part (blade) is made;
Handle shape.

A hacksaw with a change in one of the specified parameters can radically change its characteristics. Also, sitting comfortably in the hand of one master, it will not suit another at all. These factors must be taken into account when choosing a tool for different purposes.

Teeth size

This parameter affects the quality and speed of work. To make it easier to determine the size and number of teeth, the designation TPI was introduced, indicating the number of teeth in one inch. This parameter can be seen in the description of a hand saw for wood; the value is often written on the blade.

A wood saw with a large tooth produces a rough cut at high speed. It is useful for cleaning the area from branches, cutting boards for firewood and other activities where you can get by with the rough ends of products and trunks. For such instruments, the tooth size TPI 3...6 is selected.
For products that need to be cut neatly and evenly, a fine-tooth hacksaw with TPI 7...9 is suitable. This type is used for sawing fiberboard, chipboard, laminate, and in repair work. The productivity of such a tool is significantly lower than that of a coarse-toothed one.

A carpenter's saw is selected primarily based on the size of the tooth. So, for ordinary wood, small and large are suitable, but for “delicate” materials such as fiberboard, a fine-toothed saw is needed. In stores you can now find similar designations: “for wood”, “for drywall”, etc. Their main difference is the size of the teeth, which is optimal for sawing each of the materials indicated on the label.

The teeth are distinguished by shape, depending on this the tool acquires different purposes:

The hacksaw for longitudinal sawing is equipped with triangular teeth with oblique angles. Their appearance resembles hooks that are sharpened on both sides. Because of this, the saw slides along the wood fibers and cuts the blade smoothly, almost without jagged edges.
The crosscut tool is equipped with teeth in the shape of an isosceles triangle. A mechanical hacksaw of this type cuts as it passes back and forth, but it can only be used for processing dry wood.
A manual hacksaw for mixed sawing is equipped with both types of teeth alternately located one after the other. Long curved saws the material in the forward direction; in the reverse movement, the triangles expand the channel for passage and catch shavings and sawdust behind them. In modern models, teeth alternate with voids. This allows you to use the saw on dry and freshly cut wood; coarse unnecessary fibers are removed through the holes.

Steel selection

To make the tool last longer, you should choose high grades of steel for the production of the blade. It's better if it's stainless.

The teeth can be hardened or regular. Regular saws can be sharpened at home, saws with hardened teeth are disposable, and once worn out, nothing can be done with them. They are easy to recognize by their dark color as in the photo.

Blade length

This parameter is determined by the size and pitch of the saw tooth.

A mini-hacksaw is always equipped with small, frequent teeth; the length of its blade does not exceed 350 mm;
A universal hacksaw has an average tooth size and a length of no more than 550 mm;
The wide hacksaw is equipped with large teeth with an increased pitch, the length of its blade is over 600 mm.

In addition to the length, the canvas can vary in shape. A traditional saw has the shape of a rectangle narrowed on one side. This is a universal type of tool that can be used to cut anything.

The rounded blade is adapted for working with branches and other objects at a distance: it is lightweight and easily glides along the wood without much effort.

Handle shape

This part of the saw determines the ease of work. The tool should fit perfectly into your hand and be comfortable. Various plastics that are pleasant to the body are used to make handles.

An important note: the material should not slip if your hand suddenly becomes sweaty. For this purpose, the handle body has recesses and grooves, a rubberized pad

Types of hacksaws for wood

Hacksaws are presented in a wide range; they can be divided into three large groups, which have their own classification:

with butt;
to create a curved cut;
Japanese.

If you plan to do delicate work, then you should use a tool with a backing, which has an additional strip of brass or steel installed on the upper edge of the blade to prevent bending. These hacksaws are classified as follows:

tenoning;
with swallow tail;
with offset handle;
edge;
model.

The first ones on the list are the largest, since their main purpose is to work with thick boards and firewood. It is equipped with a closed handle shape, which is ideal for conveniently holding the tool in the hand. A smaller version of this model, the dovetail, is used for working with hardwoods.

If you have to work with through tenons, then you should use a hacksaw with an offset handle. The user can adjust the element, and it is convenient to work with both the right and left hands.

If you need to make a thin cut, you cannot find a better tool than an edge saw, which has a compact size. But the smallest of all the presented options for this tool is the model file.

If it is necessary to cut out a curved part, a completely different tool is used. This category also has its own classification:

onion;
openwork;
jigsaw;
narrow.

A bow saw usually has a length of 20-30 centimeters, and the cutting blade has from 9 to 17 teeth of the same size per inch. It is possible to rotate the canvas in the required direction so that the frame does not interfere with the view. There are folding travel models on sale that take up little space.

The openwork file has a working surface of 150 mm in length, and the frame is made in the shape of an arc. The main areas of use are artificial materials and solid wood.

As for the jigsaw, its frame is also made in the form of an arc, but deep, since the tool is necessary for creating strong bends in thin material, for example, veneer.

A narrow hacksaw is also known in the professional world as a round saw, since it is used in the middle of a wooden workpiece. The cutting element is very thin and tapers towards the end. It is thanks to this shape that it is possible to create curves with large angles. The design includes a pistol-type handle on which you can attach the desired blade.

Professionals know that the range of hacksaws is not limited to this, since there are also Japanese edged ones, which not every beginner has ever heard of. Their classification includes:

kataba;
dozuki;
rioba;
mawashibiki.

The main distinguishing feature of all these hacksaws is that their blades work for themselves. The teeth on the blade are very close to each other, so the cut is narrow, without serious breaks in the wood fibers.

In kataba, the cutting elements are located on one side. The tool can be used for both longitudinal and cross cuts, so it is considered universal. In comparison with the described model, the Rioba has a cutting blade for cross cutting on one side, and longitudinal cutting on the other. When working with such a tool, you should hold it at a slight angle.

The tooth pitch of hacksaws can range from 14 to 32 teeth per inch. With the development of technological progress, this instrument moved from the category of manual classics and began to be made electric. Electric hacksaws have a powerful motor that provides the necessary power to cut branches.

Stationary silent vertical machines have the greatest power, but some portable models are also not inferior. Power depends on the type of power supply. Rechargeable ones are inferior to stationary electric ones, but they can be used even where it is not possible to connect to the network.

There is also a separate award in the category of the described tool - a product with a thin blade no more than 0.7 mm. The cutting part fits very tightly into a block made of wood. Used with one or two hands for small cuts or notches.

Criterias of choice

Both in everyday life and in production, the purpose of a wood saw is to work with wood. This could be a beam, a board, a wooden lining, or it could be gardening work, which also requires a sharp saw. However, there may be other work, for example, preparing firewood or making artistic frames for pictures; saws are also needed here, but different in characteristics and purpose.

Purpose. This criterion is usually indicated in the product description. However, for an experienced craftsman, depending on the type of blade, the shape of the teeth, the type of sharpening and the design of the handle, determining the purpose is quite simple:

General purpose for simple work;
Saw for rough work;
Saw for precise cutting;
Saw for cross-cutting wood;
Hacksaw for longitudinal dissolution;
Garden saw;
Touring or special saw.

Length and dimensions. Classification by saw blade size is considered to be one of the most informative for choosing a hacksaw. When working with this tool in one pass, the length of the blade should cover at least twice the size of the part being cut. And if so, then a length of 30 cm is suitable for simple work around the house and in the garden. Standard blades of 450-500 mm are more suitable for universal models, since they are able to work with most lumber, from lining to rafter beams.

To cut material thicker than 300 mm, it is better to have a two-handed saw rather than a hacksaw. Most carpentry work is done with saws 450-500mm long. For high-precision carpentry work, you will already need a whole arsenal, starting from a small saw with a backbone and ending with a thin bow saw.

Size and shape of teeth. Cutting wood with a hacksaw is carried out while the saw is moving - the teeth passing along the surface of the wood, bite into it and select the cut over and over again. The effectiveness of this work depends on several factors:

Tooth shapes;
Number of teeth;
Their sharpness and quality of sharpening;
The width of the spread step.

To work with rough material, when accuracy is not so important, large teeth are needed; this will increase the cutting speed. For construction work, hacksaws with a triangular tooth are usually used - they give an even and neat cut. For longitudinal sawing, the angle of the tooth is shifted forward, and for precise cutting, hacksaws have very small teeth without set.

The number of teeth is determined by a special coefficient “TPI”. This is a characteristic of the number of teeth per 1 inch of cutting surface.

Tip: For your home workshop, it is better to choose saws with large, medium and small teeth. This will allow you to cover almost the entire range of household work.

Most models on the market today have teeth of a classic type - in the shape of isosceles triangles. They provide an easy and even cut. The so-called “American” tooth of complex shape is mainly found on professional versions of the instrument. The fact is that to sharpen it you need to have certain skills and you can’t get by with an ordinary file.

Differences between teeth in appearance, type of sharpening and degree of set

Metal processing technologies today have made it possible to create saws with hardened cutters. Previously, the entire blade was hardened; today, most manufacturers offer blades with only the cutting edge hardened. On the one hand, this reduced the cost of production, on the other, the saw blade became thinner, which made working with wood easier.

Unlike regular metal with teeth made by stamping, saws with hardened teeth go through a process of cutting and sharpening the teeth. Most branded saws today are sharpened in this way, with high precision and a guarantee of a sharp cutting edge. But ordinary stamped blades will have to not only be edited with a file, but also do the wiring after 1-2 weeks of work.

Handle design. For a working tool, the handle has always been a special part. It’s not for nothing that the craftsmen tried to adjust the handle of the pen “to their own hand.” Computer technology has made it possible to create a comfortable, ergonomic handle shape. Today, high-quality plastic with a rubberized part is used for this element - the handle fits comfortably in the hand and during operation allows you to take any grip position of your palms and fingers without loss of control.

There are two main types of handles for saws:

Reversible universal for replacing cutting blades;
Classic - having only one canvas for work.

How to properly sharpen a hacksaw with a file

The instrument is held relative to the tooth at an angle of 60°-75°.
The even incisors are traversed first so as not to change the position of the hand. The blade is then rotated 180° and the procedure is repeated for the odd numbered teeth. Since ancient times, large saws for preparing firewood were sharpened this way. Real craftsmen did it “by eye” with high quality. A saw for rough work can be sharpened in this way. But tools for carpentry and carpentry require greater care. Not everyone can afford to buy a machine for sharpening hacksaws. If you have compact emery, you can make a homemade bed that will work no worse than the factory one.

You can sharpen a hacksaw using a grinder. The power tool is fixed at a certain angle to the workbench. The hacksaw is moved manually along guides so that each tooth is brought to the sanding disc in the same plane. A sharpening depth limiter is installed.

The principle is the same as for manual sharpening. First, the even teeth are passed, then the blade is unrolled and the odd row is processed.

Such machines are useful when you regularly dull the tool while performing large construction projects or repairing wooden products. If the question “how to sharpen a saw” arises once or twice a year, use a simpler device. There are various file or needle file guides available for sale that allow you to hold it at a given angle.

This device is especially useful for sharpening compact blades, when an error of a couple of degrees leads to damage to the tool. If you want to save even more, you can make the guide yourself.

The general principle is shown in the figure.

The blade is fixed at a certain angle, a stopper is installed for the file or needle file parallel to the workbench, and alternately 2-3 passes are made for each tooth. Then turn the canvas (without changing the angle of the guide), and pass the second side. The advantage of such devices is that they can be used to set and sharpen teeth.

Again, such devices are suitable for simple hacksaws, with a traditional cutter shape.

Design features

Manufacturers of modern tools offer a wide variety of bow saws. The main differences between such designs are:

frame shape and material;
saw dimensions;
tensioner design;
the length of the blade that can be installed in the saw.

The main element that defines the design of a bow saw is the frame. For modern saws, they are made of steel profile. It is usually given the shape of an irregular trapezoid with rounded corners. They try to select it for ergonomic reasons.

Particular attention is paid to the configuration of the handle, which is installed on the longer side of the trapezoid. For its manufacture, various materials are used (plastic or durable rubber)

Some designs, especially homemade ones, use a wooden frame. The size of the trapezoid base depends on the size of the canvas that you plan to use. In modern saws, the blade length has three standards: the smallest size is 350 mm, the average is 530 mm, the largest is 760 mm. Each blade is divided according to the width and shape of the teeth present. The scope of its application depends on this. For example, a wide one is less maneuverable and is used for longitudinal or cross cutting. For narrow ones, it is more convenient to make curly cuts and cut along a predetermined curve. The structure of the teeth also affects the nature and quality of the resulting cut.

In modern saws, two devices for tensioning the installed blade are most widely used. In the first case, a special eccentric attached to the handle is used. Tension occurs as a result of a change in the angle of inclination of the handle relative to the longitudinal axis of the entire saw. Increasing this angle results in stronger tension. The second design has a screw mechanism. As the nut is tightened, a gradual tension occurs. Earlier products used a different bow saw design. Its main elements were:

two racks that were installed vertically in relation to the direction of movement;
middle rail to give the structure greater rigidity;
a bowstring that fastened the tops of the slats;
a latch fixed in the middle of the bowstring and the middle rail;
two handles located on both edges with elements for fastening the blade.

This structure was usually made of wood. To fasten the installed saw, removable cotter pins or so-called wing screws were used.

REPLACEMENT OF BLADES FOR CURVED SAWS

Curve saws have relatively thin blades that will break or warp over time, so always have a supply of them on hand. Installing a new blade in a bow saw Loosen the bowstring and insert it into the holder through the slots of the holders in the handles, so that the tops of the teeth are directed away from you. Insert the conical pins into the holes of the holders and the blade at the same time. Pull the string with a twist and secure it by placing it on the muzzle. Level the canvas.

Replacing the bowstring

Replace the broken bowstring with a new long cord. Without removing the blade, lightly clamp the posts between the workbench stops. Tie the cord to one of the posts, then make about four turns around both posts. Wrap the remaining end of the tourniquet around the resulting tourniquet near one of the posts and tie a knot, passing it through the turns. Pass the twist through the center of the strand and twist the strand to the required tension of the fabric.

Installing the jigsaw blade

Each end is secured with a wing screw. Slightly squeeze the frame when installing the blade with its teeth towards the handle - the jigsaw cuts when moving towards the handle. Installing the circular saw blade To replace the circular saw blade, loosen the mounting screws and insert the split end of the circular saw blade into the handle. Tighten the fastener.

Bow miracle saw

Who is interested in this bow saw? Except for homemade craftsmen and specialists who know the value of hand tools.

And yet I will try to surprise the curious with what has surprised me for many years.

First and not at all important: the saw even litters beautifully.

These are shavings from pears, for stuffing pillows or toys.

And these are hornbeams: ordinary at the edges, selected in the center.

The most amazing thing is that all the shavings are different.

The shavings are firmly glued to the crocheted comb handle and coated with varnish.

Second. The saw not only cuts wood of any hardness quickly, without noise and dust, but cuts smoothly, for it is called a “planing saw.”

Here, in fact, is the tool on the original saw table (pidosk), attached to the wall of the balcony.

The board was sawn off from a log of solid sophora fixed in the pido.

The close-up gives some idea of the smoothness and precision of the cut, which is often brilliant. Literally!

Cutting soft willow.

View of the blade from the teeth side. Thickness 1.4 mm.

The thickness of the opposite edge is 0.3 mm. Thanks to this difference in thickness (1.4-0.3 = 1.1 mm), the blade is not pinched when sawing, and the teeth do not need to be set. This creates a planing effect.

Third. The accuracy of sharpening and lowering the tooth tips is 0.05 mm. and is controlled by a self-made tooth gazer.

Height alignment

After the setting has been completed, the hacksaw needs to be checked to ensure the same height of the teeth. Since the force may have been applied unevenly, there is a chance that teeth with less wear will appear that will protrude above the rest.

To identify such teeth on a hacksaw, you can use a simple method. It will require thick paper or cardboard along the length of the cutting blade. The sheet should be placed on a flat surface, such as a table, leveled well, and then the cutting part of the sheet should be pressed against it with force. Teeth that are out of alignment will make deeper indentations on the surface.

Thanks to this, they can be easily detected and corrected before sharpening begins. To remove excess height, various needle files are used. While performing this work, you should strive to preserve the shape of each hacksaw tooth as much as possible.

Which hacksaw to choose

If you buy a hacksaw for carpentry work, products with large teeth are suitable

In order for the purchase of such an instrument to bring only positive emotions, you should know the rules by which you need to choose it:

Determine how often the handsaw will be used. A hacksaw with hardened teeth is suitable for regular sawing work. Having bought such a “helper”, you don’t have to worry about tooth separation and sharpening. Models with a non-hardened cutting edge cannot be used as often. With constant sawing, they will quickly become unusable. Price. High-quality models from popular companies sell for more. But well-known brands provide a long warranty on their products. If you are purchasing a tool for one-time work, you can buy a simpler hacksaw. The uniformity of the canvas is an important parameter. To do this, when inspecting the tool in the store, carefully bend it and release it. If there are even slight changes at the bend point, then the metal is of poor quality and will quickly become unusable. The length of the blade affects the possibilities of using a hand saw. How the tool will be used depends on this value. The longer the canvas, the greater its springiness. Therefore, such hacksaws are not suitable for processing oak, maple, ash or other hard woods. If you buy a hacksaw for carpentry work, products with large teeth are suitable. A fine-toothed blade is useful for carpentry

It is very important that centimeter and millimeter divisions are marked on the canvas. Such a scale will help you not to break away from your work process in search of a ruler.

Sometimes manufacturers supplement it with a finger pad made of rubberized material. This detail will prevent calluses from appearing on your hands.

Hacksaw material

Hacksaws for wood do not get dull for a very long time and give an even cut

Most often, saw blades are made of steel. It can be cold rolled, alloyed or tooled. The last one is the most popular. Some hand tools are coated with a thin layer of Teflon. This material reduces friction during sawing and protects the metal from rust.

The quality of the teeth is also important. A hardened cutting edge is better suited for cutting raw wood.

The hardness of the teeth of such hand saws is 7-8 times greater than usual.

Therefore, these hacksaws for wood do not become dull for a very long time and give an even cut. Such models cannot be re-sharpened, which is very inconvenient. This means that after the service life has passed, the tool will have to be thrown away.

It’s easy to find out that the store in front of you is a hacksaw with a hardened cutting edge. Its canvas is black. This is the best saw for cutting any type of wood.

Shape and size of teeth

Experts recommend buying models with teeth from 6 to 8 mm

The cutting speed and accuracy when cutting will depend on the teeth of the saw. The fewer such parts, the cleaner the work will be. But using this tool will take more time. A hacksaw with large teeth will allow you to make cuts faster.

Experts recommend buying models with teeth from 6 to 8 mm. There will be much more sawdust when using it. When working with laminate, chipboard, MDF, etc. choose saws with teeth no larger than 3 mm. The hacksaw tooth can be:

Chisel-shaped. Used to make longitudinal cuts. Looks like a triangle with different sides. The sharpening in it goes across the blade.
Dagger. Works in any direction of the hacksaw. The tooth is easy to recognize by its appearance. It looks like a triangle with equal sides.
Universal. These include triangular teeth sharpened by the 3D method. They cut easily in different directions.

For cutting finishing elements and thin materials, a saw with a pitch of 9 to 15 mm is suitable. Medium-sized parts are cut with a 7- or 9-tooth tool.

Bow saws for wood

The slightly strange appearance of this type of hacksaw does not in any way affect the performance and quality of work. A special feature of this type is the ability to work both in the garden when pruning trees and with lumber blanks.

Bahco “ERGO”

A good medium sized bow saw for home use. The traditions of the European instrument of this type are embodied - a lightweight tubular frame and a handle with finger protection.

The saw blade is made of tool steel. Unlike other types of hacksaws, their use in pruning trees also means that the blade is coated with a protective layer against corrosion. This copy belongs to a professional instrument. The tension is screw-type, on the handle, which is much better than fixing it with a clamp. Maximum tension force – 120 kg. Canvas length 53 cm.

Fiskars 1000615 (124810)

Premium quality saw from the Finnish company Fiskars. The long length is designed for a wide range of work, including heavy work in the garden. Despite its impressive size, it weighs only 770 grams.

The shape of the teeth is also noteworthy - the use of the so-called “Kremlin” tooth, when small teeth are combined 2 into one, with a deep cut. The handle is ergonomic, with rubber inserts. The advantage of the tool is its excellent quality and ease of use.

STANLEY Pro Fleam Tooth 1-15-453

Large saw for a private home. Impressive dimensions - 750 mm significantly expand the application possibilities. The blade is made of tool steel, the tension on the frame is carried out by cocking the lever of the handle.

The handle is equipped with finger protection with a rubberized part for a comfortable grip with your fingers. The cutting edge is hardened teeth with an “American” profile. Designed for working with raw wood, it perfectly provides both transverse and longitudinal cuts.

GRINDA for wood, 530 mm / 21

A small bow saw for working in confined spaces. In fact, this is an indispensable hacksaw for working in the garden from ladders.

Tool steel blade. Tension is carried out by a lever on the handle. The handle is protected with additional protection. The teeth are hardened and of regular shape. The positive aspects include high-quality sharpening of the cutting edge of the saw.

What you need to know about the electric reciprocating saw

Do not think that an electric wood saw is an analogue of a manual model, only with an electric drive. Thanks to the original design, the canvas in such units moves in two planes.

Tree pruning.

In addition to the traditional reciprocating motion, the canvas also oscillates according to the principle of a pendulum. This reduces wear on the cutting edge and also increases the capabilities and life of the device. It is a middle option between jigsaws and chainsaws. With this tool you can cut wood, metal, stone and many other materials, the main thing is to choose the appropriate replacement blade.

Before choosing an electric hacksaw for wood, you need to understand for yourself what exactly you want from this unit. Careful study of the instructions will allow you to find out which hacksaw is better for wood.

Blades for power tools.

The most important characteristics are the following:

Initially this is the engine power. The device has a power of up to 600W, suitable only for thin branches or small carpentry work. For more serious tasks, there are hacksaws up to 1 kW. A professional tool starts from 1.2 kW.
It is preferable for the blade to be changed without a key, it is much more convenient.
The presence of a cutting depth limiter is a very useful option. It can also be adjusted with or without a key, the second option is better.
In order not to constantly look for a branded blade, it is better to take a unit with a universal head into which you can attach any blade.
The speed controller will make working with different materials much easier.
The pendulum switch-off function will allow you to make a cleaner cut and eliminate vibration.
For ceiling work, the ability to change the angle of the blade is useful.

Saw model with battery.

The video in this article provides additional tips on the topic.

Differences in work and features

A jigsaw cuts material through the reciprocating movements of a file, which should be selected according to the work ahead. Some types of tools allow you to adjust the forward and backward oscillations to achieve less overheating of the cutting blade and get a smoother cut. A jigsaw allows you to cut both vertically and at an angle, and the thickness of the material that can be cut directly depends on the length of the file.

A circular saw makes a cut using a toothed blade. You need to hold this tool with both hands, unlike the previous one. Most manufacturers of circular saws provide the ability to install the tool with the blade facing up, thereby turning it into a small machine. The cut can be made both perpendicular to the plane of the material and at various angles. The depth of the cut is adjusted by moving the position of the saw platform and usually does not exceed 85 millimeters.

Before purchasing one of these tools, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with their most significant advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages of a jigsaw

Small size and weight, allowing you to hold it with one hand
Quick blade change
The ability to make cuts from any area of the material by pre-drilling a hole
Ability to cut various shapes

Flaws

Overheating of the saw blade leads to a significant deterioration in the quality of the cut and the appearance of slight waviness in the cut.
Cannot set cutting depth
Rapid wear of files

Advantages of a circular saw

Long disk life
Ideal for processing materials where long longitudinal or transverse cuts are required
Ability to perform large volumes of work without having to stop to cool down
Significant increase in productivity due to the ability to install the saw with the blade up

Flaws

It is impossible to make a curved cut or start cutting from the middle of the sheet material
Massiveness
Long saw blade replacement

Purpose

Depending on the number of teeth on the working blade, the purpose of the tool is determined - it will be used for sawing or cutting. As a rule, you can see this characteristic in the instructions or description of the tool. On some models, the manufacturer applied the necessary parameters directly to the surface of the working surface.

Large teeth indicate that the hacksaw is used for fast, rough cuts. As a rule, this is the main tool for summer residents and gardeners, since it is impossible to do without it in the household. Using such a hacksaw you can cut firewood and remove thick extra branches in the fall. The tool should be marked 3-6 TPI.

If the tool description says TPI 7-9, it means that such a hacksaw should be used for better cutting, where accuracy is important. The main area of application is working with laminate, fiberboard and chipboard. Due to the small size of the teeth, the user spends more time cutting the part, but the cut is smooth and without jagged edges.

Woodworkers buy a whole set of wood saws because each one is used to solve a specific task. The teeth of a tool for longitudinal cutting are always made in the form of triangles, the corners of which are beveled. If you look closely, this shape is somewhat reminiscent of hooks that have been sharpened on both sides. As a result, the cut is smooth, the blade penetrates the material tightly. Those teeth that allow cross cutting have a shape very similar to an isosceles triangle. Such a hacksaw can only be used on wood that is completely dry.

Selection by purpose

In addition to taking into account the main types of saws, the choice of a hacksaw for wood should be made upon request for a specific type of work:

Swing for longitudinal sawing;
Transverse copes well with wood across the grain;
Tenoning for cutting grooves, tenons and technological recesses in products;
Circular for cutting holes of different shapes;
Folding hacksaw for wood

These types of wood hacksaws generalize the above tool models. The choice should be made according to the main purpose for which the selected type of tool is purchased. For the household, it is advisable to purchase a saw with replaceable blades or have several hacksaws of different types in your arsenal.

How to decide

This amount of new information is not easy to put into practice, so we will give you some tips on how to consistently choose the right saw.

The first factor to consider is what sawn material will be used and what is the desired quality of the cut. Carpenters who work with small wood products choose small saws with a short blade. For a carpenter, it is better to use large teeth and a blade - this master does not require high precision work, speed is a priority. A folding garden hacksaw is ideal for summer residents who will only cut through trees and shrubs.
Frequency of application. Determine how often you will need to use the tool. If the need arises rarely, take a saw with hardened teeth; if the need for sharpening often arises, use ordinary steel.
The quality of the steel must be high for a tool with any frequency of use. The higher the class of metal, the better the quality of the product. Before purchasing, take the tool in your hands and carefully bend the blade to 45 0. Good metal is elastic and, when the end of the saw is released, it will restore its shape without displacing the central axis. If you notice a deviation, return the hacksaw to the seller.
In this case, price is a guarantee of quality. Of course, provided that the seller is honest and does not offer you a fake. A good product cannot be cheap. Choose in the middle price range, if your wallet allows it - don’t skimp on an expensive saw. Select a manufacturer based on its trust rating and give preference to its products in the store. In most cases, this tactic allows you to avoid buying something unknown instead of a good tool.
Take the hacksaw tool in your hand. You should feel comfortable holding it. The material used can be solid plastic with a rubberized handle.

By following these simple rules, you can easily choose a wood hacksaw that suits your needs.

Designed for sawing wood. There are several types of saws by design.

Depending on the purpose and shape of the teeth, they are divided into transverse, longitudinal, fine-toothed and circular.

Saturday, March 15, 2014

You need different saws. Or how I came to the bow saw.

Homemade bow saw. According to the classical scheme. Collapsible.

Introductions or ode to camp saws.

I almost always take a saw with me into the forest. For PVD/autumn, a small saw is enough.

There is a large selection here:

Pros: -compactness -weight -efficiency -price - you can cut alone

Cons: - low reliability - gets dull quite quickly - cutting thick trees is quite difficult

I went with Tajima

ALOR-
A240 - Aluminis
t Black 240, Folding Saw, 9.4in 9 TPI (Japan).

I like this saw.
But it has a minus - the price. Our saw costs about 2000 rubles, replacement blades for it are quite rare and cost about 800 rubles. One blade is enough for 1-2 seasons of intensive use. I'm disappointed, it's Japan after all. The company specializes in professional hand tools. Among the advantages we can note: - compactness - relatively light weight (approximately 340g) - high efficiency (when the canvas is fresh)

We went on a boat trip to Karelia, we had a two-handed saw =) Naturally, watermen don’t care about weight, but it’s still too much. As a result, I only took out the two-handed tool once; the rest of the time I prepared firewood with a Tajima hacksaw. The saw did an excellent job with trees 20-25 cm in diameter.

But when it gets colder and you go overnight, you want to sit by the fire longer. Or in general, that hike requires something more serious. Options? petrol is clearly not our tool =) is there a two-handed saw left? Only if it's a ski trip. Those. I need a saw that is light, compact, and has high performance. To prepare firewood in large quantities.

Everything is new, well forgotten old.

In the old days, this was the main tool of a carpenter. High productivity, precision cutting, low weight, ability to work alone.

Bow saw according to the classic design.

These are not currently on sale. I was surprised when the sellers at Lirua threw up their hands when asked about the availability of such a saw. They just don't know. And they have a saw. But made from an aluminum pipe, you can carry such a saw on your backpack, but I don’t like it. And her weight is clearly more than 400g. + Price approximately 1000 rub.

What to do? Do it yourself.

Go.

I bought a canvas Bahco 607mm (Sweden). The company produces extremely high-quality tools.

In Liroy I bought a pvc pipe for heating d25, and an aluminum pipe, plus a couple of snap hooks. I made a frame for the saw according to the classic design with a crank.

All together weighs 340g. My Tajima folding hacksaw weighs this much. I like. A long blade will increase productivity and the diameter of logs that can be cut.

Pricing: Canvas bacho 630mm - 450 RUR, tubes from lyroy - 250 RUR

Manufacturing is very simple. You don't even need a drill. All you need is a torch and a piece of old metal cutting cloth. The main thing is to carefully mark future holes. By heating the transverse tube we form holes on the PVC tubes. The horizontal crossbar should be slightly shorter than the saw blade itself. We heat the old metal blade and form holes in the pvc tubes for the saw blade. Everything fits me perfectly. We assemble the saw, insert the carabiners (fix the blade). We put on the laces with any stick and twist them with a sliver. There is no need to over-tighten, just adjust the rigidity of the frame and the normal tension of the canvas.

My tubes bend a little, so I want to try to do the same but with all aluminum tubes, I wonder how much stronger and heavier it will be.

How to carry a saw? I need to sew a cover. The canvas can be protected with thin plastic, for example from a stationery folder, or simply take a stronger fabric for the cover.

There is another option to carry the saw blade in a bowler hat. Twisting it. I got this idea from Grigory Sokolov’s video, link to YouTube, for which I thank him. I'll try.

UPD

I’ll definitely write after I try the saw.

UPD_2

The saw passed the first test. Peels. Two problems have been identified: 1. Coupled snap hooks must be replaced with any non-coupled ones. The thread is capricious and jams.

2. It is necessary to replace plastic tubes with aluminum or wood. Insufficient saw blade tension. The tubes are bent. You can see it in the photo.

The saw cuts, but it is noticeable that the blade is moving. You can cut alone, but the output is small. If you cut together, it’s a song. It will take 3-5 minutes to fell a pine tree and cut it into logs for “nodya”. Swedish canvas - pass!

Here I found a youtube video. Probably the most correct saw, from my point of view. The crossbar is rectangular, the grooves on the crossbar are rectangular, i.e. torsional rigidity. + the canvas is retracted into the handles.

Source: widermove.blogspot.com

Tips to make your saw obedient

The saw must be moved in the cut along the entire length of its blade, which guarantees effective removal of the resulting sawdust.

The cause of the saw getting stuck in the cut may be insufficient tooth set or structural features of the material being processed. In the latter case, the hacksaw blade can be lubricated with soap or wax, and a wedge can be inserted into the cut.

When sawing layered materials or wood with a coarse-tooth blade, the saw should be slightly tilted towards the surface (15÷25 degrees). In this case, the material will be in contact with only three to five teeth, and this will eliminate the likelihood of individual fragments breaking off.

To avoid splitting when finishing the cut, place a block of wood directly under it.

So, we have introduced you to some important points that will allow you to choose the right type of hand saw, properly prepare it for work and work with it so that the work you do is enjoyable.