How to Saw Wood With a Handsaw

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Anyone who intends to take on a home improvement, woodworking or construction project will need to saw wood in order to obtain the right size of wood. Handsaws are best used to cut precise shapes and pieces of wood. Circular saws are powered by electricity. While those are usually used to cut large, even pieces of wood, they move quickly and can be dangerous if the user is not skilled and experienced in power tools. Perfecting the technique of using a saw takes a lot of practice but having a basic skill like this useful in areas from DIY projects to construction. Using a handsaw can give you control over the cutting process and with practice, the end result will be exactly the right shape and size.

Steps

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/98\/Saw-Wood-With-a-Handsaw-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Saw-Wood-With-a-Handsaw-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/98\/Saw-Wood-With-a-Handsaw-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid1359259-v4-728px-Saw-Wood-With-a-Handsaw-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Leave plenty of space to work around the wood. Woodworking clamps can be purchased at hardware stores. Attach the clamps to the wood and the surface that the wood is resting on before beginning.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c0\/Saw-Wood-With-a-Handsaw-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Saw-Wood-With-a-Handsaw-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c0\/Saw-Wood-With-a-Handsaw-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/aid1359259-v4-728px-Saw-Wood-With-a-Handsaw-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Use a tape measure to determine the size of the wood, and where it needs to be cut. With a pencil and a square, draw a line across the wood, indicating how and where you will cut the wood.
    • If you are a beginner, continue the line all around the workpiece so that you have a better guide and an idea of how straight your cut is.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fc\/Saw-Wood-With-a-Handsaw-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Saw-Wood-With-a-Handsaw-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fc\/Saw-Wood-With-a-Handsaw-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/aid1359259-v4-728px-Saw-Wood-With-a-Handsaw-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The saw doesn't cut along a one dimensional line, it cuts a path of about 1 to 2 millimeters. It is necessary to take this into account or the end result will be a few millimeters too short or too long. Angle the far edge of the handsaw down towards the ground, and slightly raise the elbow that is holding the saw.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/af\/Saw-Wood-With-a-Handsaw-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Saw-Wood-With-a-Handsaw-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/af\/Saw-Wood-With-a-Handsaw-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/aid1359259-v4-728px-Saw-Wood-With-a-Handsaw-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The grip should be firm but relaxed.
    • Avoid having a rigid posture as this will make using the saw more difficult.
    • Do not hold it too tightly, or it will be difficult to move the saw.
    • Do not hold it too loosely or the saw will be difficult to control and keep on the line.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/78\/Saw-Wood-With-a-Handsaw-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Saw-Wood-With-a-Handsaw-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/78\/Saw-Wood-With-a-Handsaw-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/aid1359259-v4-728px-Saw-Wood-With-a-Handsaw-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The hand that is not holding the saw should rest on the piece of wood in order to keep it still and secure. Be sure to keep that hand a good distance from the saw to prevent an accident.
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e1\/Saw-Wood-With-a-Handsaw-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Saw-Wood-With-a-Handsaw-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e1\/Saw-Wood-With-a-Handsaw-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/aid1359259-v4-728px-Saw-Wood-With-a-Handsaw-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Use another piece of wood to keep the saw from moving away from the line if necessary. Once the saw has made a slight cut into the wood, check that you're cutting in the right direction and at the right angle.
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e0\/Saw-Wood-With-a-Handsaw-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Saw-Wood-With-a-Handsaw-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e0\/Saw-Wood-With-a-Handsaw-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/aid1359259-v4-728px-Saw-Wood-With-a-Handsaw-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Lightly press down on the saw and keep cutting through the wood. Try applying less or more pressure onto the saw to find the right balance of force. Your sawing motion should be smooth and accurate. Slowly move the saw back and forth, towards the body and away from it. Stop after every few motions to level the saw on the cutline, and make sure that the cut is straight.
  8. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1b\/Saw-Wood-With-a-Handsaw-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Saw-Wood-With-a-Handsaw-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1b\/Saw-Wood-With-a-Handsaw-Step-8.jpg\/aid1359259-v4-728px-Saw-Wood-With-a-Handsaw-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Slow down and apply less force towards the end, to avoid cracking or splintering the wood. Hold on to the piece that you're about to cut off to prevent the weight of the wood from breaking off in splinters.
  9. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1c\/Saw-Wood-With-a-Handsaw-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Saw-Wood-With-a-Handsaw-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1c\/Saw-Wood-With-a-Handsaw-Step-9.jpg\/aid1359259-v4-728px-Saw-Wood-With-a-Handsaw-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    10. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How do you keep the blade from hanging up in the wood?
    Community Answer
    Stop using so much muscle. Let the saw do the work while you power it back and forth, not down!
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 3 Helpful 13
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • Watch for sawdust covering the line when cutting through wood, this will make it more difficult or near impossible to follow the line. If this happens, stop and remove the sawdust.
        Thanks
        Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Wear goggles while sawing wood to prevent dust and chips entering the eyes.
        Thanks
        Helpful 8 Not Helpful 4
      • Remember to keep fingers, hands, legs and other body parts and people away from the sharp teeth of the saw.
        Thanks
        Helpful 2 Not Helpful 5
      Advertisement

      Things You'll Need

      • Wood
      • Handsaw
      • Pencil
      • Square
      • Tape measure
      • Workbench or sawhorse
      • Clamps
      • Goggles

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Measure and Determine the Cost of a Cord of Wood
      How to
      Build a Wooden Gate
      How to
      Connect Wood to Concrete
      How to
      Remove Burn Marks on Wood
      4 Ways to Bend Wood Without Breaking It
      How to
      Cut Grooves in Wood
      How to
      Mod Podge Paper Onto Wood
      How to
      Mod Podge Pictures onto Wood
      How to
      Bend Plywood
      6 Easy DIY Ways to Fix Cracks, Gaps, & Holes in Wood
      7 Things to Look For to Tell if Wood Is Pressure Treated
      How to
      Cut Hardboard
      How to
      Determine the Wood Type Used in Furniture
      How to
      Adhere Fabric to Wood
      Advertisement

      References

      1. http://www.disstonianinstitute.com/howtocutwood.html

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 78,244 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement