Wood saws differ in size cutting teeth. This indicator determines what kind of cut the cut will be, what types of wood the hacksaw is suitable for, and how convenient it will be to work with it. But, besides this, there are other indicators that you need to pay attention to when choosing a tool. Therefore, the question of how to choose the right hacksaw for wood requires careful study.

Technical characteristics of a hacksaw for wood

For a wood saw, the main importance is:

• canvas width;
• blade length;
• tooth size;
• handle;
• blade steel grade.

The length of the blade affects the width of the cut workpiece, and also greatly facilitates the work. A long stroke makes it possible to apply less effort, because in one movement the cut is made by a large number of teeth. Moreover, the longer the canvas, the stronger it will spring. When working with hardwoods such as ash, maple or oak, a hacksaw will cause a lot of inconvenience and will quickly become dull.

From a practical point of view, short hacksaws, with a cutting blade length of up to 35 cm, best used for one-time small work. They are great for those who live in an apartment because they don't take up much space. So, in a private household, it is advisable to immediately choose a long hacksaw (50–55 cm). This will make it possible to work with workpieces, as well as cut trees.

As a rule, the width of the blade is 10–20 cm. Narrower blades are not allowed due to technical reasons (they break even with a slight bend), wider ones are quite inconvenient to work by hand. When choosing a saw for wood, you must remember that thin workpieces are easier to saw with a narrower blade, and, conversely, thick ones (roof joists, tree trunk, etc.) - wide.

Regular pens are made of plastic. It is best to choose a handle with a rubberized backing. This will protect your hand from calluses and make it possible to make a tighter grip.

The saw tooth is the most important part of the tool, so we will dwell on this point in more detail.

Purpose and types of teeth

The following types of teeth are distinguished in wood hacksaws:

• for universal cutting;
• for cross cutting;
• for longitudinal cutting.

Longitudinal cut most often done either with a jigsaw or circular saw. But there are also hand saws for these purposes. As with power tools, the tooth on a hacksaw looks like a hook. The angle between the teeth can be 45–60 degrees.

Hook shape makes it possible to cut in only one direction. It is best to cut along the grain. In this case, the saw easily penetrates the wood and the cut comes out most accurate and even. The purchase of this hacksaw is appropriate only for those people who want to make furniture with their own hands. Because it is not suitable for any other purposes.

Cross cut tooth the most popular. Externally it looks like an isosceles triangle. The tooth angle is 45–55 degrees. This design makes it possible to cut well both while the blade moves forward and in the opposite direction. As a result, cross cutting occurs without special effort, quickly and as accurately as possible. When choosing a hacksaw, you must take into account that this type of tooth is only suitable for dry workpieces. The saw will tear fresh wood, and the sharpening will deteriorate.

For fresh wood use triangular teeth with parallel sharpening. This means that the teeth are ground in a checkerboard pattern and only on one side. As a result, a free channel appears between the teeth inside the cut, through which wet sawdust can freely exit without complicating the advancement of the blade.

Next option – combined teeth. Here the triangular ones intersect with the semicircular ones. Moreover, a semicircular tooth is larger than a triangular one. As the blade moves forward, long and narrow teeth make a guide cut, and when the blade returns to its original position, the triangular tooth enlarges the cut channel and removes shavings and sawdust. We must not forget that the smaller the angle between the triangular and semicircular teeth, the more accurate the cut will be.

Saws for universal cutting It is advisable not to choose; as a rule, they have a different set of teeth, which theoretically should perform any job equally well. But in practice, these hacksaws become dull much faster, and their sharpening is usually more expensive than a new saw.

And what is most important is that in any high-quality saw, the teeth must be made of hardened steel.

Types of hacksaws for wood

There are several types of saws, including:

• regular;
• narrow;
• onion;
• with a butt.

The cheapest saw for wood is narrow hand saw. This tool is suitable for cutting branches when working in the garden and small work with workpieces. As a rule, either double-sided triangular teeth or parallel sharpening are used.

You need to understand that This hacksaw can only be used with workpieces no more than 7-12 cm thick. A very short blade does not make it possible to create leverage; accordingly, cutting thick parts requires a large load.

Conventional saws can be with any type of teeth. The choice will depend only on what tasks you plan to purchase the tool for. You only need to pay attention to the fact that it is not advisable to use these saws during furniture production. Or you need to buy special large miter boxes so that you can cut at a certain angle.

Back saws applied as auxiliary tool. Their the main task– small cuts in the part.

Bow saws- This is an analogue of an electric jigsaw. They make it possible to make the most accurate cut and work with various workpieces under different angles. Exist:

• transverse;
• sweeping;
• thorny;
• rounded.

Swinging hacksaws make it possible to perform longitudinal cutting. Today there are canvases 40-80 cm long. Longer workpieces can only be sawed using a power tool.

Cross saws used for cutting workpieces across the grain. They can make cuts at right angles and at any other angle. Moreover, perfectly smooth edges emerge at the incision site.

Circular hacksaws narrower ones, used for figured cutting. They are used to make curves and other complex elements. A characteristic feature is the use of very flexible steel grades.

Tenon hacksaws make it possible to create simple geometric shapes on a workpiece.

The difference between bow saws is that the fastening mechanism is purchased once, and you do not spend money on saws directly, purchasing new blades.

Manufacturers of wood saws

Professional saws distinguished by good quality and compliance with the specified characteristics. By purchasing tools from trusted manufacturers, you will be confident that this product will serve you reliably and for a long time. Among the trusted manufacturers it is necessary to highlight:

Bahco is a Swedish company that is part of the SNA Europe corporation. For more than 200 years of history, the company has never changed its basic concept - the production of high-quality and affordable hand tools. Bahco saws are characterized by durability and reasonable price.

You can also find Sandvik saws on the market. This company is part of Bahco, so the quality of the product is general requirements companies.

American saw manufacturer Stanley, also focuses on the availability of its products. The company is distinguished by a large staff of engineers and designers. Thanks to their developments, the cutting edge and blade of hacksaws differ from domestic GOST, but this does not affect the quality at all. This company is great for those who choose a hacksaw for the dacha. Because the combined large teeth make it possible to produce any type of cut.

German company Gross younger than other companies. It achieves the competitiveness of its product due to its very low cost. However, the products are of quite high quality and meet all standards. The only drawback is that the choice of products is very small.

There are also domestic manufacturers offering high-quality and relatively inexpensive saws. Among which:

• Piranha;
• Bison

Saws Bison Manufactured in China, however, they meet the requirements for teeth and steel. Disadvantages:

• cannot be used for working with hard wood;
• time permanent job no more than 10 minutes (then a pause of 15 minutes);
• Do not leave it outside (it will quickly rust, even with low humidity).

Despite this, the characteristics of the hacksaw are suitable for pruning trees.

The Piranha company is relatively small and has been operating relatively recently. Like everything new, its products are quite affordable and different good quality. Saws Piranha are presented in only a few options. The largest country producing this product is China. But the products of this company are coated with Teflon, which protects the hacksaw from corrosion, even if you forget it on the street.

About safety and comfort

When choosing a hacksaw for wood, pay attention to the handle. The most convenient is a two-component handle with rubberized insert. It provides a strong grip, does not allow the palm to slip and does not rub the hand.

For working with workpieces of various sizes and performing different types of cuts a set of replacement blades is far from superfluous. Saws are often equipped with equipment with different cutting edges and different shapes - for cutting branches, making transverse and straight cuts, etc. It is also quite convenient when the hacksaw is equipped with a case for carrying and storage, or at least a plastic plug that covers the sharp edges, eliminating injury and damage to the surface of the canvas.

What are the differences between a high-quality and a bad hacksaw? Low quality can be seen by poorly sharpened teeth. Sometimes manufacturers cheat and make the teeth seem sharp, but after a few jobs they become dull. A good hacksaw, on the other hand, is made of steel that will hold its edge for a long time. The review contains a rating of the best hacksaws for woodworking, indicating the features of choice and functions.

Category	Name	price, rub.	Short description
		900	The model is equipped with a fixed handle. Features hardened teeth and Teflon coating.
		600	Equipped with a fixed handle. Only wood is processed with a 500 mm long blade.
		1000	Fine teeth allow you to make the cut as accurately as possible.
		450	Can process laminate, wood and plastic.
		450	Suitable for smooth and precise operation. Designed for wood processing only.
		950	Belongs to the category of new products. Cutting direction: longitudinal-transverse.
		720	Performs cutting of wood, plastic and laminate. There is also a 3D sharpening function.
		600	The fixed handle with a rubberized insert ensures comfortable work.
		1100	Processes wood, plastic and laminate. The set includes one canvas.
		1200	A miniature hacksaw will be indispensable in tourism and farming. The length of the entire tool is 302 mm.
		1500	Friction during operation is reduced by the low friction coating. This protective layer reduces the degree of heating of the canvas and also protects against corrosion.

Purpose

The main purpose of a hacksaw for wood is cutting wooden materials. Blade, teeth, handle included. The blade is the working part of the tool. Sawing wood is divided into several types. The first is the separation of dry materials into parts, that is, boards, logs, plywood and other rubbish. The second type is pruning the garden, improving other trees. The following materials are also processed:

• bars;
• laminate;
• plywood;
• polystyrene foam;
• aerated concrete;
• foam concrete.

Criteria for choosing a hacksaw for wood

When choosing, you should be guided by the following criteria:

• the size and shape of the teeth, as well as their pitch length;
• handle configuration;
• what material can be sawed (oak, cherry, brushwood);
• canvas length.

The comfort of work will be influenced by the shape of the handle. This parameter is the main one during intensive training. To avoid rubbing calluses, use gloves.

Length and size of the canvas

The average length of the canvas is from 350 to 600 millimeters. The choice depends on the thickness of the tree you plan to cut. Try to choose average length. For example, if you cut with a blade that is too short, you will spend more time cutting, and if you cut with a blade that is too long, it will begin to spring back after half the distance.

The length should be 2 times the diameter of the workpieces. Wherein minimum thickness The workpiece should have a pitch of three teeth.

Tooth size and shape

The entire work process depends on this parameter. There are hardened/unhardened teeth. Unhardened teeth can always be sharpened if the owner has certain skills. Hardened teeth are more reliable. Once worn, they cannot be sharpened.

The teeth are divided into small, medium, and large. Cutting speed/accuracy - this parameter determines the degree of efficiency of wood cutting. High precision work is ensured by fine teeth. A large tooth is ideal for cutting materials quickly, but this will compromise accuracy and quality.

For products of the smallest sizes, teeth ranging in size from 2 to 2.5 mm are used. They provide high accuracy sawed.

Medium-sized teeth ranged in size from 3 to 3.5 mm. Large teeth can be used to cut logs. Their length ranges from 4 to 6 mm.

Differences between incisors in appearance

There are several types of wood saws. They are determined by appearance teeth:

• Performs the functions of longitudinal sawing. These teeth are used to cut trees along the grain. The teeth will be in the shape of an oblique triangle.
• For dry wood, use a cross saw.
• Triangular teeth are suitable for occasional use. These teeth are regularly replaced with semicircular ones. Suitable for mixed sawing of wood.
• For high speed work, it is recommended to purchase a saw with trapezoid-shaped teeth. The owner will cut quickly and not get tired.

Design

The design comes in a variety of configurations and sizes. So, the following structures are distinguished:

• Narrow - saw small workpieces that are no more than 10 mm thick. Curvilinear parts and branches in the garden are also cut out. A blade with narrow triangular teeth is installed here.
• Standard hacksaw. Any teeth can be installed. They are equipped with replaceable sets of canvases. This is convenient when performing carpentry work.
• Hacksaws equipped with a backing are protected from strong bending.
• The award-winning hacksaw has two handles. A bit like a plane. Designed for cutting grooves in wood.
• The blade in the form of an arc is presented on a bow-type hacksaw. Excellent help where complex cuts need to be made.
• Folding hacksaws with small teeth are suitable for outdoor enthusiasts. They are positively assessed by tourism/fishing enthusiasts. They differ from other types in lightness/compactness. Outwardly it resembles a folding knife.

Other types:

• Garden hand saw.
• Two-handed saw for two people (transverse).
• Chain hand saw for hiking trips.
• Electric hacksaw.

Handle type

This parameter determines the ease of use of the tool. If the handle is made of two parts, then use will be less comfortable, since it does not have a sufficient level of rigidity.

Universal or hand saws are equipped with reversible handles, where blade changes are required during operation. Next, let's look at which hacksaw for wood would be better.

Popular models

The best new wood hacksaw models are presented below.

Gross Piranha 24106 450 mm

High quality hacksaw affordable price. It can be purchased for 900 rubles. The model is equipped with a fixed handle. Features hardened teeth and Teflon coating.

Has the following advantages:

• 3D sharpening.
• Processes wood, laminate and polystyrene foam.
• Rubberized handle.

The length of the canvas is 450 mm, and the pitch is 11-12.

Gross Piranha 24106 450 mm

BLACK+DECKER BDHT0-20169 500 mm

One of the cheapest hacksaws for wood. Its cost is about 600 rubles. The teeth are hardened and their pitch is 11. Equipped with a fixed handle. Only wood is processed with a 500 mm long blade. The saw with hardened teeth received a longitudinal-transverse direction. There is also a 3D sharpening function.

BLACK+DECKER BDHT0-20169 500 mm

STANLEY JETCUT 2-15-595 450 mm

Fine teeth allow you to make the cut as accurately as possible. Also processes wood. Teeth pitch 11 points. The hardened teeth received a longitudinal-transverse direction. The fixed handle adds reliability during operation. The length of the blade is 450 mm. The price is within 1000 rubles.

STANLEY JETCUT 2-15-595 450 mm

BISON Professional 15154-250 250 mm

Great option for hiking. The length of the canvas is 250 mm. This is optimal for small jobs. Can process laminate, wood and plastic. It will cost only 450 rubles. Ideal option for tourists.

BISON Professional 15154-250 250 mm

Vira 800240 400 mm

A fixed handle and 3D sharpening function are typical characteristics of modern hacksaws. Suitable for smooth and precise operation. Designed for wood processing only. The 400 mm long blade is suitable for small and medium-sized jobs. The direction is transverse. Price 450 rubles.

Vira 800240 400 mm

STANLEY JETCUT 2-15-281 380 mm

Belongs to the category of new products. Cutting direction: longitudinal-transverse. Hardened teeth process the wood. The length of the canvas is 380 mm. The price is within 950 rubles. Teeth pitch 7 points.

STANLEY JETCUT 2-15-281 380 mm

Kraftool Katran Precision Cut 1-15194-18-22 185 mm

Performs cutting of wood, plastic and laminate. There is also a 3D sharpening function. The length of the canvas is 185 mm. The price starts from 720 rubles. The direction of the saw is longitudinal-transverse. Suitable for hiking or trimming small branches in the garden.

Kraftool Katran Precision Cut 1-15194-18-22 185 mm

JCB JSW002 550 mm

This model is equipped with the longest blade of the models presented in the rating. Its length is 550 mm. The fixed handle with a rubberized insert ensures comfortable work. Can process materials sufficiently large diameter and thickness. Tool steel prevents possible spring actions. Such a tool will cost 600 rubles.

JCB JSW002 550 mm

Gross Piranha 24100 450 mm

Processes wood, plastic and laminate. The set includes one canvas. Its length is 450 mm. Longitudinal direction The saw is provided with hardened teeth. The fixed handle and the possibility of 3D sharpening play an important role. The tooth pitch is 7-8 points. The cost of a copy is 1100 rubles.

Gross Piranha 24100 450 mm

STANLEY Fatmax 0-20-556

A miniature hacksaw will be indispensable in tourism and farming. The length of the entire tool is 302 mm. Outwardly it resembles an ordinary knife, but differs in the presence of teeth. The reliable rubberized handle prevents slipping in the hand. Best suited for cutting drywall or thin plywood. The price is in the average range for such a tool. It will cost 1200 rubles.

Bahco 2600-16-XT11-HP

Universal model for cross cutting. This is one of the most best models rating. Many are amazed by the long-lasting sharpness of the teeth. Friction during operation is reduced by the low friction coating. This protective layer reduces the degree of heating of the canvas and also protects against corrosion. Unfortunately, the cut quickly begins to turn black. This model costs 1500 rubles.

A hacksaw is a small but handy cutting tool that has a solid metal frame and a serrated blade. Although the original purpose of this saw is to cut metal, it is also used for plastic and wood.

Peculiarities

There are various variations of hand saws, but the main (or most common) ones are full-frame ones, which use 12-inch or 10-inch blades. Regardless of the type of hacksaw, it is important to ensure that you purchase a high-quality tool made from a special steel alloy.

In more modern models, the blade can be adjusted in length, allowing you to remove branches of varying thickness. The cutting element is placed in pillars that are located on the frame. Many people do not realize that they can install it in different positions to suit their own needs. The blade simply moves left and right or up and down.

Among the huge range of products offered, all models differ in handle shape, dimensions, tooth sizes and other parameters. The buyer should take into account his own needs when choosing the material of the canvas and its size. If you plan to saw boards and remove small branches, then you should pay attention to a tool whose metal cutting part is from 28 to 30 centimeters wide. For construction purposes, fabric from 45 to 50 cm is used, but you can find more on the market - it all depends on what kind of work you plan to do.

The effectiveness of the tool depends on the proportions, so the thickness of the wooden workpiece should be half that of a hacksaw. In this case, more sweeping movements are obtained, and therefore the task can be completed faster. Large teeth must be completely included in the material - this is the only way the sawdust will be removed.

The user's comfort during operation will depend on how well the manufacturer has thought through the handle. This structural element is attached behind the blade; sometimes you can find a pistol-type handle on sale. The handle is made of two materials: wood and plastic. In more expensive versions, it can be rubberized, which significantly improves the interaction of the hand with the surface.

Another feature that can distinguish wood saws from each other is the brand and size of the cutting teeth. If you look closely, the pointed elements are never placed next to each other, since in this case the tool will immediately get stuck in the material. To simplify the task, the teeth are given different shapes, which is also used for various cutting options:

• longitudinal;
• transverse

A rip saw is used to cut along the grain of wood. The main distinguishing feature is that each pointed element is quite large and sharpened at a right angle. The tool seems to cut wood, working on the principle of a chisel.

To cut crosswise, take a different unit, in which each tooth is sharpened at an angle. There are also Japanese teeth, which are narrow and very long, and at the top of the blade there is a cutting edge with a double slope. You can also find a universal tool on sale that can be used in both cases. Its teeth are sharpened symmetrically.

Purpose

Depending on the number of teeth on the working blade, the purpose of the tool is determined - it will be used for sawing or cutting. As a rule, you can see this characteristic in the instructions or description of the tool. On some models, the manufacturer applied the necessary parameters directly to the surface of the working surface.

Large teeth indicate that the hacksaw is used for fast, rough cuts. Typically this is main tool summer residents and gardeners, since there is no way to do without it household. Using such a hacksaw you can cut firewood and remove thick extra branches in the fall. The tool should be marked 3-6 TPI.

If the tool description says TPI 7-9, it means that such a hacksaw should be used for better cutting, where accuracy is important. The main area of ​​application is working with laminate, fiberboard and chipboard. Due to the small size of the teeth, the user spends more time cutting the part, but the cut is smooth and without jagged edges.

Woodworkers buy a whole set of wood saws because each one is used to solve a specific task. The teeth of a tool for longitudinal cutting are always made in the form of triangles, the corners of which are beveled. If you look closely, this shape is somewhat reminiscent of hooks that have been sharpened on both sides. As a result, the cut is smooth, the blade penetrates the material tightly. Those teeth that allow cross cutting have a shape very similar to an isosceles triangle. Such a hacksaw can only be used on wood that is completely dry.

In the combined design, two types of teeth are used, which follow each other. Sometimes there are gaps or voids in the design of the cutting blade, thanks to which waste material is removed.

Types of hacksaws for wood

Hacksaws are presented in a wide range, they can be divided into three large groups, which have their own classification:

• with butt;
• to create a curved cut;
• Japanese.

If you plan to do delicate work, then you should use a tool with a backing, which has an additional strip of brass or steel installed on the upper edge of the blade to prevent bending. These hacksaws are classified as follows:

• tenoning;
• with swallow tail;
• with offset handle;
• edge;
• model.

The first ones on the list are the largest, since their main purpose is to work with thick boards and firewood. It is equipped with a closed handle shape, which is ideal for conveniently holding the tool in the hand. A smaller version of this model - dovetail– used for working with hard wood.

If you have to work with through tenons, then you should use a hacksaw with an offset handle. The user can adjust the element, and it is convenient to work with both the right and left hands.

If you need to make a thin cut, you cannot find a better tool than an edge saw, which has a compact size. But the smallest of all the presented options for this tool is the model file.

With any of the described models, a person should begin to work for himself, holding the hacksaw at a slight angle.

If necessary, cut out curved part, a completely different tool is used. This category also has its own classification:

• onion;
• openwork;
• jigsaw;
• narrow.

A bow saw usually has a length of 20-30 centimeters, while the cutting blade has from 9 to 17 teeth of the same size per inch. It is possible to rotate the canvas in the required direction so that the frame does not interfere with the view. There are folding travel models on sale that take up little space.

At the openwork file working surface reaches a length of 150 mm, and the frame is made in the shape of an arc. Main area of ​​use – artificial material and solid wood.

As for the jigsaw, its frame is also made in the form of an arc, but deep, since the tool is necessary to create strong bends in thin material, for example, veneer.

A narrow hacksaw is also known in the professional world as a round saw, since it is used in the middle of a wooden workpiece. The cutting element is very thin and tapers towards the end. It is thanks to this shape that it is possible to create curves with large angles. The design includes a pistol-type handle on which you can attach the desired blade.

Professionals know that the range of hacksaws is not limited to this, since there are also Japanese edged ones, which not every beginner has ever heard of. Their classification includes:

• kataba;
• dozuki;
• rioba;
• mawashibiki.

The main distinguishing feature of all these hacksaws is that their blades work for themselves. The teeth on the blade are very close to each other, so the cut is narrow, without serious breaks in the wood fibers.

In kataba, the cutting elements are located on one side. The tool can be used for both longitudinal and cross cuts, so it is considered universal. In comparison with the described model, the Rioba has a cutting blade for cross cutting on one side, and longitudinal cutting on the other. When working with such a tool, you should hold it at a slight angle.

For a neat and thin cut, a dozuki is used. Closer to the handle, the teeth are smaller, which makes work easier.

The narrowest hacksaw of the listed options in this group is the mawashibiki. All actions using such a tool should be pulling - this will reduce the likelihood of the blade bending.

The tooth pitch of hacksaws can range from 14 to 32 teeth per inch. With the development of technological progress, this instrument moved from the category of manual classics and began to be made electric. Electric hacksaws have a powerful motor that provides the necessary power to cut branches.

Stationary silent vertical machines have the greatest power, but some portable models are also not inferior. Power depends on the type of power supply. Rechargeable ones are inferior to stationary electric ones, but they can be used even where it is not possible to connect to the network.

There is also a separate award in the category of the described tool - a product with a thin blade no more than 0.7 mm. The cutting part fits very tightly into a block made of wood. Used with one or two hands for small cuts or notches.

Saw tooth sizes

Large

Teeth measuring 4-6 mm are considered large. Their distinctive feature is that they create a rough cut, but take less time to work. It is best to use such a tool with large workpieces, for example, logs, where the quality and fineness of the lines are not so important.

Small

Fine teeth include any hacksaw in which this indicator is in the range of 2-2.5 mm. One of the advantages of such a cutting blade is precise and very neat cutting, so it is recommended to use the tool when processing small parts.

Average

If the teeth on a hacksaw are 3-3.5 mm, then this is a medium size, which is also used for small-sized wooden workpieces.

Types of steel

Hacksaws of any type are made from various types of steel, including alloy or carbon. The quality of the product is indicated by the hardness of the canvas - it is tested using the Rockwell method.

Hardened hacksaw blades are made from hardened high quality tool steel. They are very hard, but in some situations they are poorly susceptible to bending loads. Flexible blades contain hardened steel only on the teeth. The backing is a flexible sheet of metal. They are sometimes called bimetallic blades.

Early blades were made from carbon steel, now called "low alloy" steel, and were relatively soft and flexible. They didn't break, but they wore out quickly. Over the course of several decades, the metal blade has changed; various alloys have been used, which have been tested in practice.

The high-alloy metal blades cut accurately but were extremely brittle. It limited them practical use. A softer form of this material was also available - it had high resistance to stress, greater resistance to breakage, but was less rigid, so it would bend and result in less accurate cuts.

Since the 1980s, bimetallic blades have been actively used in the manufacture of hacksaws for wood. The advantages were obvious - there was no risk of breakdown. Over time, the price of the product has fallen, so such cutting elements are used as a universal option everywhere.

Carbon steel is usually the softest and least expensive of the other types. It began to be used in the manufacture of instruments household level. The material is prized by craftsmen because it can be easily sharpened. Most woodworking tools are made from carbon steel because it can sometimes be quite expensive to use another material.

Stainless steel undergoes heat treatment, its hardness coefficient is 45. It is used for the manufacture of tools with a high-quality cutting edge. It can be used in difficult conditions, but it is more expensive than carbon.

High alloy is widely used in tool making. It is available in various options: M1, M2, M7 and M50. Among them, M1 is the most expensive grade. Although few hacksaws are made from this material, this type of steel can withstand more than long-term operation. Not used for making large instruments due to its inherent fragility. Hacksaws made from high alloy steel are often marked HS or HSS.

Carbide steel using carbide is used in making hand tools because it allows you to perform tasks efficiently. Being very hard, the alloy undergoes careful processing so that it can be used in the future, since the products can break easily.

Most often, steel hacksaws are made of high-speed steel. The most popular will be BS4659, BM2 or M2.

Model rating

From domestic producers I want to highlight the lineup"Enkor", which is made of carbide steel. One of the best representatives is the model “Enkor 19183”, distinctive feature which has a tooth size of only 2.5 mm. The tool is supplied for sale with a comfortable handle and hardened teeth, which indicates a long service life of the product.

It is impossible not to highlight Japanese saws, for example, model Silky Sugowaza, which is used for the most difficult work, since its teeth are 6.5 mm. Gardeners and summer residents prefer to purchase such a tool for crown formation fruit trees, when you want to work quickly without putting in a lot of effort. The special arc shape makes it easy to cut off unnecessary branches.

Swedish hacksaws are not inferior in quality to domestic ones. Among them stands out Bahco brand, which has proven itself due to its high quality. In the universal tool category, the Ergo 2600-19-XT-HP model stands out, used for medium-thick workpieces.

How to choose?

• Before buying a hacksaw, the user should pay attention to the material from which the hacksaw blade is made. It is best if it is M2 steel, since it has not only an attractive service life, but also decent reliability.
• When choosing, be sure to take into account the diameter of the processed wooden workpieces, since when purchasing a hacksaw with a smaller blade size, the user will have to put more effort during work.
• For cutting wood and other rough work, it is best to use a hacksaw with large teeth.
• Saws made of alloy steel can be sharpened using a special disc on a grinder.
• If there is complex work ahead, it is better if the design of the hacksaw includes a reversible handle.

As for operating rules, the user needs to know how to use this tool correctly and safely. The sharpening angle may vary depending on the type of hacksaw you choose; some can be sharpened yourself, but without the proper experience, it is better to entrust this to a professional, as you can damage the tool.

Hacksaws feature a metal blade that is mounted in a solid steel frame. Although it itself is flexible, held in a state of high tension, the user is advised to wear protective gloves, even if the operation process takes only five minutes. Share with friends

In the arsenal home handyman There is always a functional and easy-to-use circular saw. But there are situations when you need to saw off a part and perform a small amount of woodwork, but there is no time or desire to deploy and connect the unit. In these cases, a hand saw is a great help. But let’s look at how to choose a hand hacksaw for wood so that it is easy to use and can easily “gnaw” through any type of wood.

The saw is rightfully considered the ancestor of a large family of hand tools. Since the creation of the first type of tool from iron, the saw has undergone many changes, having acquired numerous “sisters” capable of performing dozens of jobs.

In the household it is impossible to do without “toothed helpers”: they are indispensable for pruning the garden, small carpentry and joinery work

Hand saws for wood differ in many ways: blade size, steel grade, tooth shape, handle design. Let's look at each parameter in more detail.

How should a hacksaw blade be?

The main part of the tool is the hacksaw blade. The first thing you should pay attention to when choosing a product is the length of the canvas. The possibilities of its application largely depend on this parameter. At the same time, than longer blade, the more springy it is, which also complicates the process, especially when working with hard wood such as ash, maple or oak.

A long stroke makes it possible to use less effort when sawing, since the cut is performed by a large number of teeth in one stroke

To cut small elements such as plinths, bars or narrow slats, you can get by with a hacksaw with a blade length of 25-30 cm. Planning to use the tool when performing more serious construction work, choose a product with a canvas of 45-50 cm.

When determining the length of the hacksaw blade, follow the rule that the length of the saw exceeds the diameter of the elements being processed by 2 times. Failure to follow this recommendation will only make your job more difficult. The teeth of a short hacksaw will jam inside the wood, and everyone will have to make a lot of effort to move the tool to free it from sawdust. Uncomfortable work will cause premature fatigue.

Traditionally, the width of the product blade varies in the range of 10-20 cm. Models with a narrower blade are not allowed for technical reasons, since they fail at the slightest bend. But it is worth considering that too wide canvases are inconvenient for manual work.

The material used to make the blade, which is most often alloy steel, as well as its degree of hardening also play an important role.

For hacksaws, tool alloy steel with a high content of silicon and carbon grades is used:

• 65G, 60 C2A;
• 8 HF, 9 HF, 9 HS;
• U7, U7A, U8, U8A, U8G, U8GA, U9A, U10

Hardening of metal is carried out due to the influence of variable magnetic field, at which it appears electricity high frequency. Spreading over the surface, it heats the surface layer of the metal, which is hardened after cooling.

The standard parameter is considered to be a metal hardness of 45 HRC, but it is still preferable to choose products whose blade hardness is 55-60 HRC. A hacksaw with a blade of high hardness will have sufficient flexibility, but at the same time high stability of the teeth. Upon external inspection, such a tool can be identified by the darkish tint of the sharpened teeth.

Parameters of teeth on the blade

The determining indicator of the tool’s performance and the accuracy of cutting wood is the size of the teeth.

The teeth of a hacksaw for woodworking perform a dual function: they cut the wood and, at the same time, remove sawdust

Sawing accuracy is determined by the “TPI” indicator - the number of teeth per inch.

There is an inverse relationship between these technical parameters:

• blades with large teeth set a high speed of work, but the cut is rough and sloppy;
• hacksaws with fine teeth guarantee a clean and precise cut, but at a relatively low speed.

When determining the required tooth size, you should focus on the type of material being processed. For example, for working with chipboard, where high cutting accuracy is required, choose a tool with a high TPI of 7-9, and for sawing logs and garden work, where the cleanliness of the cut is not so important, choose a TPI of 3-6.

When choosing the optimal hacksaw option, be guided by the rule that the minimum thickness of the log should in any case be greater than a pitch of three teeth

If we compare a hardened and a regular tooth, the difference is that in the first option, provided that it is used in everyday life, the product does not become dull for a long time. But a hacksaw with a hardened tooth cannot be sharpened again. When it starts cutting badly, you just have to throw it away.

An ordinary tooth can be sharpened. This can be done periodically using a special file marked with an accident (for sharpening saws). To sharpen the blade, it is enough to perform several movements on each tooth.

Depending on the type of teeth used, there are three types of hand saws:

1. For longitudinal sawing. The products are equipped with teeth in the form of an oblique triangle and look like hooks. The tool allows you to cut wood along the grain. Such saws are sharpened on both sides of the tooth, thanks to which they are able to cut both when passing forward and in the opposite direction.
2. For cross cutting. The teeth of the instruments are made in the shape of isosceles triangles. This design makes it easy to cut material both when moving the cutting edge forward and in the opposite direction. But this type of tooth is only suitable for working with dry workpieces, but not with fresh wood.
3. For mixed sawing. The products have a combined composition, in which triangular edges are combined with slightly elongated semicircular notches. This solution allows the semicircular teeth to perform a guide cut when moving the hand forward, and when returning, the triangular teeth expand the channel, removing chips and sawdust from it.

Some types modern instruments equipped with teeth that are made in the shape of a trapezoid. This solution makes the fabric more durable and wear-resistant.

But it is worth considering that sharpening such a blade is very problematic, since it is difficult to give the trapezoidal teeth the desired shape. This significantly reduces the service life of the product, after which it is necessary to change the blade or purchase a new tool.

For sawing fresh branches, it is more convenient to use blades equipped with triangular teeth processed by parallel sharpening, in which each element is sharpened only on one side and in a checkerboard pattern.

You can often find a modernized type of hacksaw on the market.

Modernized hacksaws can be easily distinguished by the teeth located on the blade in groups, between which the spaces are clearly visible

Modernized hand saws are effective for cutting raw wood. Wet chips easily come out of the cut through the spaces between the teeth during the cutting process, without impeding the movement of the tool.

Types of hand saws for wood

A small narrow saw is a structure that consists of a straight flat blade and a handle. It is used to perform delicate work: through cuts, sawing out curved parts.

This type of tool is intended for cutting wooden pieces whose thickness does not exceed 8-10 cm, sawing small branches and minor work in the garden.

During production narrow models Manufacturers install blades with triangular double-sided teeth, or with parallel sharpening. The disadvantage of the tool is that when pressed during operation, the blade can deviate from the given direction.

Option #2 – regular

A standard hand saw can be equipped with any type of teeth and often comes with replacement blades various types and execution.

To be able to cut workpieces at a certain angle using a standard hand saw, you have to purchase special miter boxes

But despite the stated versatility of their use, it is not advisable to use saws of this type in the manufacture of furniture.

Option #3 – with a butt

Both narrow and regular saws tend to bend as the hardness of the material being processed increases. In these cases, it is effective to use canvases equipped with a backing, which acts as a kind of stiffening rib.

Hand hacksaws equipped with a backing are designed to create shallow cuts in a wooden surface of any thickness.

The presence of a backing prevents the saw from making a cut deeper than the width of the blade, since it prevents the cutting blade from passing further into the tree.

Option #4 – archery

Bow-type saws are more bulky devices that act as an analogue of a jigsaw.

The main purpose of saws of this type is to create an accurate cut when working with surfaces located at any angle.

Thanks to the solidity of the design and threaded connections handles, bow-type saws are able to easily overcome knots, cutting along radii and curved patterns.

Depending on the purpose and constructive solution saws can be:

• sweeping – for longitudinal cutting;
• transverse – for sawing workpieces across the wood fiber;
• round - for cutting holes, making roundings and figure sawing;
• tenon - for cutting connecting tenons, as well as cutting out simple geometric shapes on the workpiece.

Only with a bow-type hacksaw can you cut the material lengthwise and crosswise, sawing workpieces with complex lines and doing the work alone without the involvement of an assistant.

The procedure for choosing a hand saw for wood is quite simple:

1. Determine the purpose for which the tool will be used. For carpentry work, choose products with fine teeth, which ensure high cutting accuracy; for carpentry, choose blades with large teeth.
2. Frequency of application. If the hand saw will be used only for one-time work, choose a tool with hardened teeth. The service life of this type of product is quite long. In addition, you will not have to worry about sharpening and setting teeth during operation.
3. Uniformity of the canvas. While inspecting the tool, try to carefully bend the blade, setting an angle of 30-45°, and then release it. Re-inspect the blade: the slightest deviations at the bend point, even within 2 mm, indicate poor quality of the metal.
4. Product cost. As when choosing other tools, keep in mind that high-quality models from leading brands are always an order of magnitude more expensive than consumer goods. This overpayment acts as a kind of guarantee of the wear resistance and durability of the saw. But for one-time jobs there is no point in spending money on an expensive tool.

Conventional handles are made of plastic. Prefabricated plastic handles, made of two halves, do not have sufficient rigidity. It is much more convenient to work with a tool that has a one-piece handle, which is equipped with a rubberized backing for the fingers. The presence of a rubber insert allows for a tighter grip, preventing the formation of calluses on the palm.

Pay attention to the design of the tool handle: it is desirable that it has an ergonomic shape that allows you to correctly transfer force to the blade

There are products on sale with standard and reversible handles. The second option is convenient because it allows you, if necessary, to replace the worn blade with a new one.

Keep in mind that not all hand saws come on sale already sharpened. And this seemingly trifle largely determines how quickly you can get to work.

There are many companies producing hacksaws on the market. Judging by the reviews, they have proven themselves well: the Zubr hacksaw domestic production, Gross Piranha joint German-Chinese cooperation, Irwin Xpert made in the USA. They are famous for their decent quality at a low price, which varies between 10-20 USD.

Finally, we invite you to watch a video with tips for choosing:

One of the differences between wood and many other building materials is its ease of processing. And, nevertheless, manufacturers produce tools for sawing it in various modifications. How this tool differs, how important it is, how to choose the right hacksaw for wood - this article will help you find answers to all questions on this topic.

Hacksaws for wood are categorized according to the specific application into carpentry and joinery. The tools of the last group are designed for cutting dried wood. They provide a cleaner cut, and exactly according to the markings. In other words, hacksaws in the carpentry category are chosen for fine work. Carpentry, respectively, for rough.

Such a tool is used when sawing logs, beams, pruning trees, and the like, that is, in situations where it is not necessary to maintain certain linear parameters, significant errors in work are allowed, or it is enough to cut not according to a template, but “by eye.”

Blade length (mm)

This is the first selection criterion. Without deciding on the length, it makes no sense to evaluate all other parameters of the hacksaw.

There is a generally accepted standard for choosing this indicator, which it is advisable to adhere to. The length of the blade should exceed the size of the largest lumber with which it is intended to work, approximately 2 times, no less.

Why? Firstly, the teeth of a hacksaw become clogged with sawdust in the process of sawing wood. Doubling the length ensures that the blade in extreme positions will completely come out of the wood. As a result, it self-cleanses due to the falling of debris.

Secondly, the greater the amplitude of movement of the hands when working with a tool, the less they get tired. And this directly affects productivity. If a hacksaw is chosen for intensive use, sawing large volumes of wood is more than important.

• If a hacksaw for wood is purchased as a household hand tool, for all cases, 300 cloth is enough.
• Major repairs, especially construction, also include sawing up dimensional samples (logs, boards, etc.). For such purposes, you should choose a hacksaw with a blade in the range of 475 ± 25.

Steel type

There are many brands of metals. For hacksaws for wood, as a rule, this is 45 HRC. It's more difficult with teeth. They can be hardened (have a darker shade than the canvas) or without preliminary heat treatment.

Hardened teeth will not stand up to sharpening. In essence, this hacksaw, although more durable, is in a sense disposable. If, due to negligence or non-compliance with operating rules, the cutting edges of the tool are dulled, then it will not be possible to bring them into working condition. But for occasional work, small household chores related to sawing wood - best option. Having chosen a hacksaw from a well-known manufacturer, you can rest assured that it will last for a long time.

Teeth that have not been hardened can be sharpened and straightened yourself. On the one hand, it is convenient and practical. But this requires experience in this matter. How many people can boast about it? It is hardly worth purchasing such a hacksaw as a tool for everyday use. But if we are talking about large-scale work with wood (the same construction), then this right choice. You will inevitably have to master the basics of sharpening and straightening, especially since it is not so difficult.

How to check the quality of steel and sharpening

• You can check the quality of steel without a certificate. The hacksaw blade has a bending limit. Initially it is perfectly smooth. You need to carefully bend it (the permissible extreme position, when it is ready to break, the hand will “understand” itself), and then release it and check the geometry. A deviation of the area subject to deformation from the center line of more than 2 mm is an indicator of low quality steel. It’s better to overpay, but choose another hacksaw for wood.
• The type of teeth can be determined visually. If they are of a traditional, triangular configuration, then the hacksaw must be straightened and sharpened. Trapezoidal cutting edges are hardened. They have already been mentioned above.

Teeth size

This characteristic of a hacksaw is displayed on the blade with TPI symbols. The dimension of the value is the number of teeth/inch.

As a rule, craftsmen are interested in 2 indicators of the efficiency of sawing wood - speed and accuracy of the cut. The fact is that these parameters are inversely related. The cleanliness of the cut is ensured by fine teeth, but at the same time the cutting speed of the material is reduced. And vice versa - a hacksaw with large cutting edges cuts at a higher speed, but its accuracy deteriorates.

• 3 – 6. This hacksaw is suitable for rough work with a tree. For example, trimming large branches on the site, sawing small logs, boards, and so on. That is, in cases where the presence of fringe on the edges is not critical, and cutting accuracy is not a determining requirement when working with wood.
• 7 – 9 or more. It is advisable to choose this type of hacksaw when you plan to work with sheet materials– Chipboard, MDF, OSV, FC and so on. Such a tool will provide a “delicate” cutting, after which there will be no fringe or torn edges.

Hacksaw handle type

• Check if it is comfortable in your hand. The main difference between people's hands is their size. The solution is simple - take the hacksaw in your palm, clench your fingers and make several forward movements. A man will immediately understand whether this is “his” instrument or whether it is better to choose something else.
• The handles of hacksaws for wood are classic (cast) and reversible. The first allows you to replace the canvas.

And this is where it gets more interesting. If you choose a hacksaw with a reversible handle, then it makes sense to purchase a product with a “disposable” blade that has hardened teeth. Even if the tool is handled carelessly, it can be “repaired.” You just need to clarify whether it is on sale (in this particular point of sale or other in this locality) replacement blades and whether they are in short supply. When buying a hacksaw for small chores, it is enough to take 1 spare one. Considering increased wear resistance teeth and their strength, such a “set” will be enough for many years.

There is a relationship between the size of the teeth and their location. "Step" of three adjacent cutting edges should be smaller than the cross-section of the wooden piece being cut. This is easy to calculate if a hacksaw is chosen for sawing boards or small bars, that is, for everyday work, which is most often encountered in everyday life.

The cutting method depends on the type of sharpening of the teeth. Longitudinal blades have a length of up to half a meter, a greater slope of the cutting edges to the side and their one-sided sharpening. Sawing with such a hacksaw is carried out only in the “away” direction. This tool is quite specific and should not be chosen as a household tool for everyday use.

Wood saws with a transverse blade are considered universal. Sawing is carried out during its movement both forward and backward. Such a tool is easy to identify by the double-sided sharpening of the cutting edges.

A brief overview of the most popular wood hacksaws

This TOP list is based on the results of an analysis of reviews and opinions posted on thematic forums. To say that they are the only true ones would not be entirely correct. But it’s hardly worth ignoring them completely. If people have used one or another hacksaw for wood in practice, then it makes sense to listen to their assessments. And then finally decide which one to choose.

All prices are in Russian rubles, for the Moscow region.

"Zubr Expert"

Such a hacksaw for wood, given its reasonable price and versatility, is in high demand. Triangular teeth with hardening, plastic handle, both longitudinal and transverse cuts. The assortment is impressive. Big choice hacksaws of this brand according to TPI and blade length allows you to purchase the optimal option.

Price – from 738 (canvas 40 cm).

"Stanley General Purpose"

A hacksaw from a French manufacturer is characterized by a length of 0.5 m, hardened teeth with TPI = 8. Wood can be cut in any direction. For a private home or cottage - an excellent choice.

Price – 849.

"Gross Piranha"

This hacksaw is available in different modifications on the market. Differences in the number of cutting edges and blade length (400 – 550). The quality of the steel (52 HRc) is further enhanced by a Teflon coating, which makes the cutting process easier. In addition, edge cleanliness close to ideal is achieved.

Price – from 913.

Irwin Xpert

The main characteristics are identical to the hacksaw of the previous brand, although the cost is slightly higher. Users note high quality and ease of cutting, regardless of the density of the wood. Even when sawing hardwood, no significant effort is required. Those who regularly work with lumber at home should pay attention.

Price – from 705.

"Bahco"

Previously, such wood saws were sold under the Sandvik logo, so they are known to many. Production is established at several sites, and in the Russian Federation these samples are often imported under the “Tescha” brand. The cost is lower, while the quality remains high. Bahco hacksaws belong to the group professional tool, which is hardly advisable to choose for small work with wood. But the cheaper “Mother-in-Law” products are just right for those who want to save money wisely.

Price – from 389 (360 mm).

The criteria by which a hacksaw for sawing wood should be evaluated are described in detail, and basic recommendations are given. And what exactly to choose is up to you, dear reader.