A ripsaw has chisel-like teeth that gouge through wood fibers. It is designed specifically
to cut wood lengthwise, with the grain.
Using a Ripsaw
Support the board on a pair of sawhorses so you can cut between them. Grip the saw
comfortably, with your index finger alongside the handle and pointing toward the tip.
Start the cut by drawing the saw toward you in a series of short strokes along the waste
side of the cutting line. Use the knuckle of your thumb against the side of the blade
as a guide. When the cut is about 2 inches long, move your free hand away and begin
sawing in earnest. Lift the handle of the saw so the blade forms an angle of about 60
degrees to the board's surface, and sweep the saw back and forth to nearly the full
length of the blade. Apply force with your shoulder; use your forearm and hand only to
guide the saw. Adjust your stance to keep the side of the blade perpendicular to the
board.
If the saw bends, you are probably applying too much force. If the end of the saw chatters
on the backstroke, you are probably cutting at a bad angle. On long cuts, place a wedge
in the kerf, or slot made by the saw, to prevent it from binding (getting "stuck"). As
you approach the end of the cut, shorten your strokes and support the waste piece with
your free hand.
Purchasing
Ripsaws range in length from 22 to 28 inches, and have 4 to 7 teeth per inch (tpi). For
general use, choose a 26-inch-long blade with 5 tpi. If you often rip stock thinner than
1 inch, choose a finer-toothed version. Check to be sure the handle fits comfortably in
your hand. More expensive saws have blades of higher quality steel, which stay sharper
longer and are tapered toward the top edge to reduce binding.
Other Names
Ripping saw
Substitutes
Alternatives to the ripsaw are the powered circular saw
and saber saw.
back to main
Brought to you by Book of Skills and Tools and New Complete Do-It-Yourself Manual
|
|
Del.icio.us
Digg
Reddit
Facebook
StumbleUpon
Should Everyone Read This? Yes! I vote for this story
Advertisement 
Your Comments
See all
...