If you intend to cut your firewood, you are likely to use the handsaw. The handsaw is best suitable because of its versatility and its ability to cut firewood of any size and shape. Unlike other power tools that use electricity or batteries, a hand saw is suitable for woodworking.
Those automated tools are risky sometimes because they cut at high speed, and some expertise is needed. However, you need to understand how to cut appropriately to get the best out of your handsaw. Keep reading through the article and get the limelight on how to cut firewood with a handsaw.
How to Cut Firewood using a Handsaw?
For the DIYers, you need to master the necessary skills of cutting using a handsaw. You can control your woodworking experience with the right skills by getting firewood of any size and shape. Here are a few things that you should know to understand how to cut firewood using a handsaw. Woodtoolspro.com also shares some tips for this.
Get the Firewood in the Workbench
Probably this is the first thing that you should do. Ensure after you have set the firewood in the right place, you leave enough space around. Make sure you have all the woodworking clamps ready, and this is found at the stores. After purchasing the clamps, ensure you attach them to the clamps to the surface where the firewood rests.
Identify and Mark the Cutline
Different saws come with various cutting rules. These rules are essential because they allow you to cut the firewood accurately. Nobody will love to carry out a full of errors, especially if the firewood is meant for commercial activities.
You need to determine the correct size by use of a tape measure. Use your pencil and a square to draw a line on the wood to show where you will cut.
If you don’t have the experience, consider continuing the line through the workpiece to guide straightness.
Let the Handsaw Be At the Top of the Wood
It is important to note that basically, the handsaw cuts a path of about 3 millimeters and not in a one-dimensional line. When this one is taken to account, you are sure that you will end up with a wood that is not too short or long. It is likely to differ in a few millimeters.
The edge of the handsaw should be angled towards the ground while leaving your elbow slightly raised.
Grip the Handle of the Saw.
Another important trick that you should employ is ensuring that the grip keeps firm and relaxed. Have a relaxed posture always so that you can easily make use of the handsaw.
Consequently, for you to have a smooth cut, you need to hold it gently so that it can move easily. At the same time, keeping it too loosely is detrimental because you are likely to lose control and get out of the line.
Ensure the other Hand Holds the Wood in Place
Let the other hand that does not hold the handsaw rest on the wood so that it remains secure. The hand should be kept at a distance to avoid possible injuries in case there is an eventuality.
Start the Cutting Without Applying Pressure.
When it comes to the real cutting, you should determine where you need to start the cutting. Ensure below the firewood, there is a piece of wood that keeps the saw on the line during the cutting process.
Immediately there is a small cut into the cut, always check whether you have kept the saw on the line and the right angle. The recommended angle depends on the type of handsaw. For instance, crosscut saws cut efficiently when angled at 45 degrees. Moreover, a ripsaw’s correct cutting angle is 60 degrees.
Start Applying Pressure.
After putting everything in place and getting the right place to cut, the real cutting entails applying pressure. While pressing the saw down, keep on cutting the wood as required. Ensure you maintain your sawing motion smoothly and accurately.
After getting the right balance of force, you can move your hand saw back and forth. Do it to the firewood body and away from the firewood. After a few motions, consider stopping to get the handsaw on the level while on the cutline. Experts recommend you to keep maintaining the cut straight.
Proceed With the Sawing Motion Up To A Point Where the Wood Almost Breaks
At this stage, you should slow down the cutting motion while applying less force to the end side. This helps to prevent possible cracking and splintering. To curb any possible splintering, you should hold the piece that you are about to cut.
Ensure that you follow the set rules for holding the saw if you want the best sewing experience. Just to mention, you should have your handsaw using four fingers. Keep your index finger extended forward and ensure it remains parallel with the handsaw blade. An extended index finger allows you to direct the saw blade and always keep it on track.
When you almost complete the cut, exert less pressure to avoid getting a splintered amount at the vet end. And always keep your elbow close to your body while leaving your arm free to move back and forth.
Conclusion
We have discussed essential steps and guidelines that you should follow when using your handsaw. These tricks may seem simple to you, but they are incredibly vital if you are a woodworking enthusiast. Therefore, it is good that you always do constant practice before deciding to use it. Beginners should ensure that they follow these guidelines strictly with a lot of care. This is to enable you to acquire the right skills and more experience of your handsaw. If you want to have your firewood cut into small pieces, you don’t need to struggle while your handsaw is at your disposal.
