In using the hand saw, the most advantageous position is obtained by placing the board which to be sawed upon a pair of "horses" or trestles.

Whether ripping—cutting parallel to the grain—or crosscutting, the manner of starting the cut or kerf and guiding the hand saw throughout the operation is the same.

Fig. 15—Correct Angle of Hand Saw

Figure 14 shows clearly the position of the hands when starting the kerf. The index finger of the right hand extends along the side of the handle to assist in guiding the hand saw. The thumb of the left hand rests upon the board at the place where the cut is to be made. With the right hand the hand saw blade is pressed lightly against this thumb and thus assists in setting the saw at the desired point.

Begin with short, light, easy strokes, holding up on the hand saw so that it shall take small "bites" at first.

Gradually increase the length of stroke until the full arm stroke is obtained. Avoid short, jerky strokes and un­due pressure. Time is lost thereby, the saw cannot be properly guided, and the work is made unnecessarily la­borious. Figs. 15 and 16 show the proper po­sition to assume. The hand saw will cut best when held at an angle of about 50 or 60 deg. with the board. Stand so as to give the arm free and easy movement, keeping the eye, hand and saw in one and the same plane (Fig. 16).

If the hand saw should fail to follow the line, a slight and continued twist with the hand that holds the saw handle, as the sawing proceeds, will soon

Fig. 16 —Hand Saw, "Wrist and Elbow in One Plane

Where it is desired to cut out a small piece from a long board, al­ways ripsaw first, then crosscut to meet this kerf, leaving on the board all but just what is wanted for present use. There are two reasons for this: first, economy; second, there is always danger of splitting off the piece when making the second cut using your hand saw, if the crosscutting is done first.

Are You Ready To Move Onto The Next Lesson? Click Here….