Any well-stocked toolbox will have one or two hand saws. These are regularly used in almost all general home improvement projects. If you are just new to woodworks, it is important to understand what is a hand panel saw used for.
Nowadays, we have modern power tools which do not require much effort to use. However, they may not always be reliable. In case of limited power, power tools might not be of help. Most often, tenured carpenters still opt for a hand saw due to factors like accessibility, ease of use, weight, and safety.
What are Hand Saws
The market today offers almost every kind of hand saw you can think of. Like other manual cutting tools, knowing what is a hand panel saw used for is vital if you want to get the best outcomes.
Some hand saw are made for general use, while others are more useful for precision-engineering tools. Some specific cutting jobs might also require a specific type of hand saw. Knowing all these will help you answer the question, what is a hand panel saw used for?
Names of different hand saws vary depending on the manufacturer. Some almost the same looking saws might have different names. Moreover, you’ll sometimes find several names being used interchangeably, often referring to what looks like the same basic hand saw type. In many cases, the differences between these subtypes can be subtle. Alternatively, even when the hand saw themselves appear to be different, their actual uses might, still, be similar.
Other Things to Consider
- Application
Hand saws are typically used for almost all general construction tasks at home. However, one major characteristic of hand saw is its large blades. If you are planning on making more precise cuts, then this saw might not do the trick. Different kinds of saws are available for specific uses. - Material
Material is also an important part of understanding what is a hand panel saw used for. A wood hand saw is usually used to cut both hard and softwood, for instance, plywood. On the other hand, a general-purpose hand saw can cut both hard and softwood, plastic, and non-ferrous metal. Always check the product specification to see what type of hand saw you have and if it’s intended for the job you require.
Characteristics of Hand Saws
- A hand saw is equipped with a long, wide blade that’s irremovable from the handle. Its typical blade lengths range from 380 to 600mm (14.9-23.6″ approx.)
- Traditionally, hand saws have either a crosscut teeth for cutting wood across the grain or rip teeth for cutting along the grain. Now, most models have “universal” of “utility” teeth that can do both.
- Hand saws generally cut using the push stroke. But now, more and more models available can cut on both the push and pull stroke, making cutting easier and faster.
- More teeth per inch mean a neater finish. Generally, hand saws do not produce a very neat finish. They are made to be used for quick and rough cutting of materials. Their large blade makes them inappropriate for delicate woodworks.
- Hand saws utilize a closed pistol grip handle. This type of handle is intended for fast and aggressive cutting. The lager handle ensures not accidental slips when in use. A closed design is added to protect the user’s hand from ever touching the blade, which can be dangerous, especially when sawing swiftly and roughly.
Benefits of Using a Hand Saw
- Portable
Manual saws are smaller and more light-weight compared to power ones. So you can easily carry around a manual hand saw without any difficulty. If you need to go from one place to another to complete your work, bringing a manual hand saw would be a more convenient choice. - It does not need electricity to operate
Manual saws utilize human labor, so they do not require a power cable nor a rechargeable battery. Since they do not need a power source in order to work, a manual saw can be helpful if you need a fast cut or when power is limited. - Lower risks
Using a power saw, especially when you are an inexperienced user, can be dangerous. This type of saw uses electricity, making it cut quickly and forcefully given any material. Thus, losing control is not impossible. With a manual saw, you are the power source, so you can fully control your saw’s movement. Also, hand saws eliminate the risk of trips or falls resulting from trailing electricity cables. - Cost-effective
Manual saws are far cheaper compared to power saws available in the market. Therefore, if you’re working on a budget, this equipment is the one for you.
Conclusion
Understanding what is a hand panel saw used for, allows you to select the right tool for the specific job that you need to do. The different types of hand saws, including their uses, might be too overwhelming. But taking the time to understand each one will help you make your work easier and more precise. Find out more about the hand saws.