I've recently picked up an Irwin pull saw for a project and am really impressed with how lightweight and sharp it is. I originally intended to use it for cutting smaller pieces of lumber, but I'm curious about its durability for cutting 2x4s, especially made of softwoods like Douglas fir or pine. Do you think this type of saw could handle at least 100 cuts before needing to be sharpened? Also, are inexpensive pull saws worth sharpening, or is it generally better to just toss them and buy a new one?
3 Answers
That saw will outlast your expectations! It’s made with hardened steel, so it’ll stay sharp longer, but remember, resharpening isn’t an option. Just keep cutting, and you'll be fine! I’ve used mine for over 100 cuts on hardwood and it’s still going strong.
You'll definitely get more than 100 cuts out of your pull saw when working with softwoods like pine. Most construction lumber is pretty soft, so it's designed to last. Just keep in mind that you can't sharpen these disposable saws because they have hardened teeth. Once they're dull, it’s time for a new one!
Got it! So if I got a specialized saw, like a 16-20 tpi, would sharpening be easier or just a real hassle?
Sharpening fine-tooth saws can be a pain, trust me, but you can do it with the right tools. For a crosscut, a diamond file might help, but it's more of a touch-up job for minor nicks than a full resharpen.
Seriously, you can cut way more than you think with those saws. The soft nature of 2x4s paired with the hardness of the saw blade means it's built for longevity. For example, my $16 Japanese ryoba has tackled some tough hardwoods and is still very sharp. Just keep at it and enjoy!
Awesome to hear! I’m definitely more confident now about using it. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Nice! Any chance you could share a photo of your saw after all that use? It’d be cool to see how well it holds up!