Back Saw Vs Hand Saw | What Is The Difference?

Have you ever wondered the difference between a backsaw and a hand saw?

In short, the Backsaw is best for making precise, clean cuts in woodworking projects while the hand saw is a more versatile tool that can be used for a variety of tasks, including cutting wood.

In this blog post, we’ll be discussing the differences between these two types of saws. We’ll also provide some tips on how to choose the right saw for your needs. So, let’s get started!

What’s the difference between a backsaw and a hand saw?

A backsaw is a type of handsaw that has a stiffening rib on its back for extra support. The blade on a backsaw also runs parallel to the handle.

This design makes it more efficient at cutting along the grain of the wood because it pushes against or pulls the wood fibers during the cut.

A hand saw is just what it sounds like a saw that you hold in your hands to use for cutting. It does not have a stiffening rib on its back and instead, relies on tension when cutting through wood.

Oftentimes, when using a hand saw, you’ll be pulling the blade toward yourself as opposed to pushing it away from you. This means less push strength is required but also results in more fatigue after long periods of work.

Now that we’ve gone over some basic differences between these two types of saws, let’s go over some tips for choosing the right one!

Choosing The Right Saw For Your Needs 

For many tasks around the home or shop, both a backsaw and a hand saw can be used. However, for those with larger projects such as construction or working with lumber, a backsaw is recommended.

This is because you’re able to cut longer and straighter lines without having to stop and apply more push strength. When using a hand saw, the tension will begin to loosen after making several cuts that are about 12 inches long or longer.

For straight cuts, a saw with stiffer teeth, such as crosscut teeth, will be ideal. For more curved cuts, softer teeth like rip teeth are good to use. To get the perfect cut, try out different types of blades to find what works best for you and the project you’re working on.

When would you use a backsaw vs a hand saw?

A Back Saw Is Better For Longer cuts that require more push strength Long, straight cuts when the wood fibers aren’t likely to split Rip saw blades for making curved cuts A Hand Saw Works Best For Short, curved cuts in which you’re pulling the blade toward yourself Less push strength is required Curved saw blades 

Tips

If using a backsaw or a hand saw, be sure to apply lubrication such as mineral oil or machine oil. Apply it on top of your blade where it’ll contact with the wood. This will result in a smoother cut and also lessens friction between the teeth and wood.

You can also purchase saw lubricants pre-made or you can make your own at home.

Quick tips before we go!

When cutting aboard, be sure to cut from the middle of the board toward each edge to prevent splintering. It’s also a good idea to mark where your cuts will be made with a pencil beforehand so that you know exactly where you need to position your blade.

If your hand saw is sticking while cutting, try loosening the tension by turning the screws on top of the handle slightly counterclockwise. This may take some trial and error before finding just the right tension for cutting smoothly.

In order to keep sweaty hands from slipping off of your saw handle, apply sandpaper or grip tape around the handle.

Which saw do you think is better for beginners?

Both a backsaw and a hand saw are great for beginners. However, because hand saws do not have stiffening ribs on their backs, they’re less sturdy and require more tension in order to cut properly.

Beginners that may prefer a hand saw over a backsaw would be those who aren’t as strong or who need shorter cuts when making curves in wood surfaces.

What are the advantages of using a backsaw vs a hand saw?

Advantages of Using A Back Saw: When working with larger projects, you’re able to cut longer and straighter lines without having to stop and apply more push strength. When using a backsaw, the tension will likely loosen after making several cuts 12 inches long or longer. For straight cuts, a saw with stiffer teeth such as crosscut teeth is ideal. 

A Hand Saw Is Better For Curved cuts that require less push strength Shorter and curved cuts where you’re pulling the blade in toward yourself (like when cutting out the handle of a pan and having to pull the saw from the middle of the pan to each edge) When making curved cuts, a saw with finer teeth is best 

Tip: If using a hand saw, apply lubrication such as mineral oil or machine oil. This will result in a smoother cut and also lessens friction between the teeth and wood. You can purchase saw lubricants pre-made or you can make your own at home.

Conclusion

The backsaw is a great choice for bigger projects that require more precision. It’s also a good option if you have to cut curves or angles, as it gives you more accuracy and control than the hand saw.

However, the hand saw is better for smaller projects and can be used in tighter spaces. Ultimately, which saw you choose depends on your needs and what type of project you’re working on.