I'm in the market for some hand saws for woodworking, specifically for making joints and other general tasks. I'm a bit overwhelmed by the options—Japanese saws, pull saws, coping saws, push saws, and all the different TPI (teeth per inch) variations. What are the must-have saws that I should consider? Any guidance would be greatly appreciated!
2 Answers
Here's a quick breakdown for you: The teeth per inch (TPI) is really about balancing speed and cut quality. Lower TPI cuts faster but rougher, while higher TPI is slower but gives you cleaner cuts. Generally, low TPI is best for ripping and rough work, and high TPI is more suited for joinery.
You might want to start with a Japanese ryoba saw, which has both ripping and crosscut teeth, making it super versatile for various projects. Japanese saws are thinner, making them good for precise cuts, while European saws are bulkier and cut both ways. So, it depends on what you plan to make!
When it comes to saws, I really recommend trying out Japanese pull saws. I switched from traditional push saws and found that the pull saws give me way better control and a smoother cut overall. They’re pretty awesome for precision work!
Wow thanks for such a detailed reply. Really appreciate your input. Very helpful.