I'm planning to replace some rotting boards on my deck with pressure-treated (PT) boards. I'm new to woodworking, so I don't have any electric saws, but I do have a few hand saws. I've heard that PT wood can be difficult to cut because it's wet, and I have a question: will the chemicals in PT wood damage my handsaws? Is there anything else I should keep in mind while working with this material?
3 Answers
You can definitely cut PT wood with a handsaw! I do it regularly for smaller projects. I don’t think it will harm your saws, but just to be safe, you could wipe them down after use, clean them with mineral spirits, and apply a bit of wax to protect them. It’ll keep everything in good shape!
You might also want to check if your local library has a tool lending program. It's a great way to get access to more tools without having to buy them outright!
That's a great idea! I'll check mine out.
You can absolutely replace a 10 ft board with another 10 ft board using a handsaw! It might feel a bit old-fashioned, but PT won't hurt your blades, so just give it a go!
Thanks for the tips!