Mastering Rip and Crosscuts with a Hand Saw (Proven Tips)

Have you ever marveled at the precision and skill required to make perfect crosscuts or rip cuts with a handsaw? It’s an art that blends strength, technique, and a touch of old-world craftsmanship. 

In this article, we’ll describe the steps we use for ripping and crosscutting with a handsaw. 

Our comprehensive guide takes you through expert tips necessary for mastering this skill. So, grab your saw, and let’s dive into the world of precision woodworking. 

Can You Make Rip Cuts With a Handsaw? Possible or Not? 

Alright, we’ll kick things off by ripping, and after that, we’ll switch gears to crosscutting. Now, if you’re wondering whether this is doable or not, let me assure you it’s absolutely possible.

Hand saws specifically designed for ripping have characteristics tailored for cutting along the wood grain, such as larger teeth and a lower TPI, which facilitate this type of cut. 

Properly sharpened and set hand saws can efficiently make rip cuts, and many woodworkers still utilize these traditional tools for their precision and control. 

The use of hand saws for rip cuts is validated by historical woodworking practices and endorsed by experienced craftspeople who manage to effectively use these tools for such tasks.

Before we go further, I’d ask you to read our detailed guide on Rip Cuts and Crosscuts and then come back and read this article.

Learn more about the type of cuts a hand saw is capable of creating: Hand Saw Magic: Types of Cuts & Their Many Uses!

How Do You Make Rip Cuts With a Handsaw? (Our Techniques)

Alright, now that you know a handsaw can be used for rip cuts, let’s dive into the specific steps we follow when cutting wood with a handsaw. 

Although we don’t often use handsaws, we still bring them out when new students come to our shop to learn about woodworking. 

1. Marking the Board 

Begin by marking your board. Use a straightedge to draw a reference line at the desired width of your cut. Set your marking gauge to this width, here one inch, and scribe a line along the board’s length.

2. Positioning for the Cut 

Secure the board on a saw bench, ideally at a height where you can comfortably place your knee on it to hold it steady. Your non-dominant hand should stabilize the board while your dominant hand holds the handsaw.

3. Starting the Cut

Choose a handsaw with a large tooth profile, such as five points per inch, which is suitable for rip cuts. Lift the saw slightly so the teeth just graze the wood. Guide the saw with your thumb to keep it on track.

4. Proper Form for Straight Cuts 

Align the saw with your arm, keeping your movements fluid. Avoid forcing the saw; instead, focus on letting the saw’s teeth do the work. If you hear the saw’s end making noise, adjust your form.

Making straight cuts with a hand saw is a proper technique. If you want to be a pro of that technique, read our guide on this: Straight Cuts With a Hand Saw

5. Continuing the Cut 

Maintain light pressure and keep the saw close to the line to minimize cleanup later. As you reach the end of the board, you may need to adjust your position to finish the cut comfortably.

6. Finishing the Cut 

After completing the cut, inspect the edge. A cleaner cut indicates better technique. Use a plane to clean up any rough edges, achieving a smooth finish.

Our Proven Techniques for Rip Cuts with a Handsaw

Initial Cuts: Cut down one face about 3 inches, then flip and continue to ensure squareness.

Use a Sawhorse: For longer timber, a sawhorse provides stability; adopt a vigorous, boxer-like stance.

Full Strokes: Utilize the entire blade length in each stroke for efficiency.

Kerf Maintenance: Insert a wedge if the kerf starts to close, preventing the saw from binding.

Understand the concept of Kerf here: What is KERF in Woodworking?

How Do You Crosscut With a Handsaw?

When we talk about handsaws, there’s a type known as a crosscut saw, which, as the name suggests, is used for crosscutting. 

On this website, we’ve emphasized in various articles the need for a finer-toothed saw blade for crosscutting, and a crosscut saw fulfills this requirement. 

Crosscut saws are designed specifically for cutting across the grain of the wood. Crosscut saws have teeth that are shaped to act like small knives. Each tooth in a crosscut saw is filled with two angles, resembling a knife blade. This configuration allows the teeth to cleanse the wood fibers as the saw moves across the grain.

Crosscut Saws Has High TPI

Crosscut hand saws vary in teeth per inch (TPI). Higher TPI saws produce finer, slower cuts that are suitable for detailed work, while lower TPI saws cut faster but have a rougher finish. 

The selection of TPI depends on the specific cutting requirements: high TPI for precise cuts, medium TPI for a balance of speed and finish, and low TPI for quick, coarse cuts. This differentiation is key in choosing the right saw for specific cross-cutting tasks in woodworking and carpentry.

But, what if you only have a rip blade? Here’s the hack: Can You Turn A Crosscut Saw Into a Rip Saw & Opposite?

Steps to Cut Wood Using a Crosscut Saw 

Now that you know that handsaws, especially crosscut saws, can be used for crosscutting, let’s walk you through the steps we use for this process.

These steps will be quite similar to the ones we discussed for ripping, but we’ll review them separately to ensure nothing is missed.

1. Prepare Your Work Area

Ensure your workspace is stable and well-lit. A solid workbench with clamps is ideal to hold the wood securely. Why? Because an unstable working area will not only damage your work but also keep you at risk. 

2. Inspect Your Saw 

Check your crosscut handsaw. The teeth should be sharp and properly set. A well-maintained saw makes a significant difference in the ease and quality of the cut. 

Another reason to check the saw blade is that a dull blade will ruin your whole project and exhaust you. 

3. Mark Your Cut 

Use a pencil and a straightedge to mark the line where you want to cut on your workpiece. This step is crucial for accuracy. I’ve found that a clear, precise line serves as an excellent guide during cutting.

Marking the wood makes it easier to cut large lumber or accurate cuts because you won’t have to keep checking the cuts while cutting. 

4. Secure the Wood 

Stabilizing not only the working areas but also your workpiece is important. So, use clamps. 

Clamp the wood firmly to your workbench. Make sure it’s stable. Any movement during cutting can lead to inaccuracies or even accidents.

5. Start the Cut 

Position the saw at the edge of the mark, using your thumb as a guide to start the first few strokes gently. This initial control is key to a straight cut. I’ve learned that rushing this part can lead to jagged starts.

6. Use Full Strokes 

Use full, even strokes once the saw is set in the groove. Apply steady pressure, but let the saw do the work. Over time, I’ve noticed that consistent rhythm and minimal downward force yield the best results.

7. Control the Angle 

Keep the saw at a consistent angle relative to the wood. This angle is usually around 45 degrees but can vary based on personal comfort and the type of cut.

Why do that? Maintaining a consistent angle, often around 45 degrees, while sawing wood is important for precision and control, ensuring straight and accurate cuts.

This angle optimizes the saw’s efficiency, enabling smoother cutting with less effort and reducing wear on the saw’s teeth. The quality of the cut is improved, yielding cleaner edges, which is crucial in fine woodworking. 

However, The typical 45-degree sawing angle can be modified based on personal preference and the nature of the task, with practice informing the ideal angle for each situation.

Regarding the cutting angle, you should read our dedicated In-depth article: Find the Perfect Angle – Hand Saw Cutting Essentials

8. Follow Through on the Cut 

As you near the end of the cut, slow down to prevent splintering or breaking off the wood piece abruptly. Support the off-cut piece if necessary to avoid any tear-out.

Here you need to control your speed. For speed, you can read our other guide on cutting speed for wood.

9. Finish with Sanding 

After the cut, there might be some rough edges. A bit of sanding smooths these out, giving a neat finish to your work.

Should You Use a Hand Saw For Ripping and Crosscutting? (Our Advice)

Yes, we admit it is possible to use hand saws for both types of cuts, but we suggest not using them for frequent or professional usage. 

We usually recommend power tools like tables and circular saws, which offer a more advantageous route, providing swift, precise cuts with minimal effort and greater safety. 

The handsaw remains a fallback for scenarios lacking access to power tools or when traditional craftsmanship is sought. However, for consistent, high-quality results, the use of modern sawing equipment is strongly advised.

While traditional hand sawing has its place in woodworking, we have found several reasons why using a hand saw to make rip-cuts may not be the most efficient choice:

Skill Intensive: Proper hand sawing technique is not inherently known; it requires time and practice to develop. The skill barrier may deter newcomers from achieving the desired precision and efficiency when making rip-cuts.

Time-Consuming: Hand sawing is significantly slower compared to using power tools. Each action must be manually executed, which can extend project timelines, making it impractical for those under time constraints.

Physical Demand: Despite common misconceptions, hand sawing is physically demanding. It requires sustained exertion and can be exhausting, particularly for larger or more challenging projects.

Safety Hazards: Hand saws have a higher risk of injury from flying debris and mishandling of the tool. Protective gear is essential, adding a layer of complexity to what could be a straightforward task with a power tool.

Read our guide for using the hand saws safely. It’s packed with our proven tips for safety.

Tool Maintenance: Hand saws demand regular maintenance. A dull blade can lead to increased effort during cutting and potential tool malfunction, which may not be ideal for those lacking the time or skills for proper tool care.

Accuracy Challenges: Maintaining a straight cut is more challenging with a hand saw. The slightest deviation can compromise the entire cut, potentially wasting materials and needing do-overs.

Tips and Safety Recommendations While Using Handsaw For Cutting the Wood 

Blade Maintenance: Before working, check the sharpness of your saw. A sharp blade not only makes cutting easier but also safer. 

Avoiding Kickback: Be aware of kickback, which can occur if the saw pinches or binds. To minimize this risk, ensure the wood is not under tension, and the off-cut piece is free to fall or move away.

Handling Sawdust and Debris: Sawdust can be slippery and hazardous. Keep your work area clean, and consider using a dust extraction system if working indoors or in confined spaces.

Proper Storage of the Saw: Store the saw in a dry, safe place, preferably in a case or with a blade guard. This protects the teeth from damage and prevents accidents.

Mind the Finish: If your project requires a clean finish, consider using a finer blade for the final few millimeters of the cut to reduce splintering.

Balance and Ergonomics: Pay attention to your body’s ergonomics while sawing. Avoid awkward positions that could lead to strain or injury over time.

Dealing with Binding: If the saw starts to bind, don’t force it. Gently wiggle free or slightly widen the cut with a wedge to reduce friction.

Handling Partial Cuts: Be cautious for partial cuts or notches, as these cuts can weaken the wood and lead to unexpected breakage.

Continuous Learning (The most important): Every project is different; do not try to follow the same steps and work while working. Rather, work according to your project and make decisions.

Summing Up

Aspect	Details
Rip Cuts with Handsaws	Possible and feasible with proper technique and tools
Crosscutting with Handsaws	Specialized crosscut saws are required, with higher TPI for precise cuts. (Crosscut blades)
Advice on Saw Usage	Power tools like tables and circular saws are recommended for frequent/professional use.
Skill and Time Considerations	Hand sawing requires skill and is time-consuming.
Tool Maintenance	Regular blade maintenance is required for hand saws.
Accuracy Challenges	Maintaining straight cuts can be challenging with hand saws.

So, that’s all we have to say about ripping and crosscutting with a handsaw. If you’re still not sure, leave a comment or contact us.