Hey everyone! I'm looking for some advice on getting into hand-tool woodworking and wondered if a handsaw and miter box would be a good combo to start with. I'm on the hunt for a solid handsaw for rough miter cuts, preferably under $50. In the past year, I've enjoyed working with my power tools like a planer, table saw, and lathe, but I've been thinking a miter station with a handsaw could be a fun shift. I only need to cut stock to rough length since more precise work will still be done on the table saw with a crosscut sled. If I find I enjoy using hand tools, I might explore them further. What do you all think? Thanks in advance!
2 Answers
If you're mainly focusing on rough crosscuts, honestly, a miter box may not be necessary. You could just mark your line with a square and get to cutting! A decent Japanese saw with impulse-hardened teeth might be a smart choice for you. They’re typically affordable and do a good job. Just keep in mind that vintage or used saws can require some cleanup and sharpening, but they can still be great options!
A miter box is pretty handy for repetitive cuts, but if you’re already using a crosscut sled, you might find it just adds more complexity. You can definitely make a miter box yourself from seasoned hardwood, and if you're aiming for cuts at your bench, consider building bench hooks that can double as miter cut guides! Building your workbench with some solid work holding features will be your best investment in the long run.
Sounds like I need to rethink my approach! I'm building a mobile workbench that will let me use 4x4 legs and at least half-lap joints, so I’ll have plenty of durability for hand tools later on—thanks for the advice!
Thanks for the input! That's super helpful. I didn't realize a good new saw could be so affordable, though!