Learn how to properly utilize a handsaw. In this post, I'll demonstrate the correct body and hand positions for letting the instrument do the work and achieving a flawless cut every time.
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The first and most essential thing to learn about hand instruments is how to avoid their path. When performing simple activities such as cutting dovetail joints by hand, I believe the greatest challenge for most woodworkers using hand tools is applying excessive force.
Using Saws Improperly
Most people use excessive force when sawing because they have become accustomed to using force to overcome the wood after using dull instruments for so long.
Learn how to hone any object here. You should be able to move out of the path and immediately begin sawing.
Allow Gravity to Act
You will observe that the backsaw has a back. This is so that gravity can perform its function. All you have to do is move it back and forth, and gravity will draw it through the opening on its own.
Correct Body Positioning
The saw is in your stronger hand. Your non-dominant foot should be forward, your dominant foot back, and your non-saw hand should be resting on the workpiece to distribute your body weight evenly.
In this position, my body forms a triangular base of support that allows me to stand firmly and steadily without leaning on the saw at all. My arm is free to swing in the path of the saw without interfering with my body.
Correct Hand Position
Next is the hand position, which should resemble a pistol handle. You can direct the saw along the desired path by pointing your finger forward. You're essentially pointing in the direction you want to go, which also helps to move in that direction.
We will take great care to maintain the supple handle in a relaxed position. The greatest analogy I've ever heard is that you're holding a baby bird and don't want to crush it.
TIP: If you notice white on any of your knuckles, you are likely grasping the saw too tightly.
Here we have our pistol grip and the radius of our forefinger (see image above). Observe that as I place the radius of my thumb against the saw, the index finger and thumb have created a trace. We can see an extremely straight line by placing my index finger and applying pressure with my thumb.
Begin with a Push Stroke rather than a Back Stroke.
It's likely that everyone's grandfather passed down the advice that you should begin sawing by pulling the saw back on yourself. Although it is possible that this will work, the best way to start is on the push stroke.
After positioning my thumb so that its radius is just above the saw teeth, I will loosen my grip, check that my body is positioned in such a way that it will not get in the way of the cut, and then begin the saw stroke with confidence. As soon as I've established a good starting point for my saw cut, I pull my hand out of the way and carry on cutting.
Proper Saw Angle
Modern saws have a reflective saw plate, so if I tilt my saw, the reflection in the saw will alter. You want to see a perfect reflection of the entire piece of wood on the saw plate so that the piece of wood appears continuous through the reflection. If the parallel reflection begins to deviate, you must stop, readjust your body position, and attempt again.
Maintain Consistent Saw Pressure
After gaining some comfort with my movements, I will concentrate on using the entire saw plate because I want the teeth to wear uniformly. Focus on making smooth, lengthy, and even movements.
Ensure that the saw is lubricated.
We'll need to oil the saw if we're going to make an extremely long cut. As the saw plate heated, mutton tallow or beeswax aids it. This lubricant will allow the saw to cut straight through the material.
Proper Height
You'll also notice that I'm leaning over a lot in the video above because this workstation is set up for hand planning. If I were doing more than a few joinery cuts at a time, I would set up a Moxon vice, which is simply a vice that sits on top of my bench and lifts the cutting of the workpiece so I don't have to bend over as much.
Work smarter rather than harder
When making a large number of cuts, such as when hand-cutting dovetails, perform all cuts with the same angle first, then swap body positions for the other angles.
And that concludes it! With practice, perseverance, and a sharp saw, you'll soon be sawing to your heart's content!
