Comments on: Accurately Make Rip Cuts Using a Handsaw

By: E.

E. — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 05:40:07 +0000

Are there specific tips to avoid the horizontal swaying/pivoting motion the arm-hand-saw-system wants to do all of its own? Using the thumb, and going slowly, is helping to some degree, but it would certainly be nice to get rid of it in the first place.

Thanks for the great site, and the wonderful videos!

By: Michael D

Michael D — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 02:28:14 +0000

Keith —

After seeing this and Craig’s demonstrations on cutting dovetails I wouldn’t mind if there was a detailed one about tools for marking the dovetails.

Did you buy the marking gauge or make his own Japanese style gauge? Did he make that tiny square?

Keith Note: Craig’s marking gauge is “shop-made” but very nice. Top drawer like everything Craig does. I’ll have to ask Craig about the square.

By: Michael D

Michael D — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 01:46:28 +0000

It seems simple enough, but I think one gets validation and insight in seeing and hearing someone go through the steps of using the saw properly.

It looked like, through the video, that the end of the dovetail cut was only delimited by the line itself and not a secondary line normal to the cutting line?

Keith’s Note: That’s what’s great about this topic. It seems that making a saw cut is easy, and it is at the most basic level. But to get the accuracy that Craig gets consistently, it takes some thoughtful technique. What makes Craig’s approach so interesting is his explanation of how to sight the saw blade with the pencil line.

By: Keith

Keith — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 00:48:28 +0000

Eric – glad you are enjoying. I’m noting our interest in the hand re-sawing topic and welcome ideas and suggestions on topics.

By: Eric

Eric — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 06:44:01 +0000

This is great! I love my ryoba, and a dozuki is next on my wish list.

Would be great to see how to accurately make long rip cuts (resawing) using a handsaw as well!