Handsaw help

[Bob Moyer]

A good friend of mine is preparing his uncle's estate for auction. He has a number of handsaws; because we are using my truck to get rid of some stuff he said I could pick a few. Most of them are Disstons; I am actually looking to use a few since I always loved cutting with a handsaw and I have a few projects.

Can you help as to what the various uses are; i.e 6 teeth per inch vs. 14, which ones are good to cut paneling, molding etc.

Thanks

[Pete Bradley]

http://www.disstonianinstitute.com/

[Terry Beadle]

The less teeth the rougher the cut.

Rip cut for cutting with the grain...recommend a 7 or 8 tpi.


Cross cut for cutting across the grain....more teeth ... 9 ~ 10 tpi

If you are cutting paneling or molding pieces you want a very fine cut. Cross cut with about 12 would be good.

If you are cutting 2x4 or rough lumber for framing, then a 5~6 tpi rip is a great tool.

The best saw has a comfortable handle no matter the tpi or rip/cross cut.

You can always convert a saw to the number of teeth or filing pattern.