Sawing explained simply: Everything you need to know

For wood and craft enthusiasts, understanding the language of the trade is essential. When it comes to saws, there are numerous technical terms that help you better understand the tools and their applications. In this article, we'll introduce you to the most important terms that will expand your knowledge of saws so you can make the right decision before purchasing. We'll cover the basic structure of a saw and then take a look at saw teeth.

Basic concepts of saw anatomy

A saw may seem like a simple tool at first glance, but every detail of its construction is crucial to its function and handling. Here's a closer look at the most important terms:

Saw blade:
The saw blade is the heart of the saw and largely determines its intended use. It is usually made of hardened steel and carries the teeth responsible for cutting performance. The thickness, flexibility, and tooth geometry of the saw blade influence the type of cut.

Back:
The back of a saw is usually reinforced, especially with fine-tooth saws or back-to-back saws. This reinforcement provides stability and prevents the saw blade from bending during the cut. This allows for greater precision, which is especially essential for fine carpentry work.

Teeth:
The teeth are designed to either cut through fibers (for cross-cuts) or split fibers along the grain (for longitudinal cuts). We'll discuss the teeth in more detail later in this article.

Handle:
The handle not only serves as a grip, but also transfers the entire cutting force to the saw blade. A well-balanced handle reduces fatigue and enables precise control.

Understanding the teeth of the saw

The teeth are the heart of every saw. Their number, shape, and arrangement determine the cutting ability and the application area. The geometry of a tooth encompasses several aspects that influence cutting performance:

• Cutting angle: The angle at which the tooth tips engage the material influences the aggressiveness of the cut. A steep cutting angle allows for faster work, but can result in rough cuts.
• Tooth face and back: These areas determine the cutting edge and stability of the tooth. Well-sharpened tooth faces provide less resistance when cutting.

Number of teeth and TPI (Teeth Per Inch)

The number of teeth per inch (TPI) is an important factor when selecting saws.

• Few teeth (low TPI): Ideal for fast, rough cuts as the teeth can remove more material.
• Many teeth (high TPI): Perfect for fine and very precise cuts with smooth surfaces, e.g., in furniture construction.

In the table you will find further materials and the appropriate tooth pitch of the saw.

Tooth division	material
rough	Wood, aluminum, copper
medium	brass, cast iron
fine	Cast steel, tool steel

Crosscut and Ripcut in comparison – which toothing is right for me?

While the crosscut cuts across the wood grain, the ripcut cuts with the wood grain. You'll find a detailed comparison in the table.

feature	Crosscut (cross-cut woodcut)	Ripcut (longitudinal woodcut)
definition	Cut across the wood grain, where the fibers are severed	Cut along the wood grain, splitting the fibers
Tooth alignment	Teeth are angled to cut through the fibers like a knife	Teeth are straight and work like a chisel, splitting the fibers
Tooth shape	Small, sharp teeth for precise and clean cuts	Large, aggressive teeth for fast material removal
Cutting quality	Clean and smooth, ideal for visible surfaces	Coarse cut, often rough, suitable for construction work
Difficulty of the cut	Requires more force as many fibers have to be cut	Less effort required as the fibers are split along the grain
Example tools	Cross-cutting saws, fine saws	Ripping saws, circular saws with ripping blade
Typical applications	Furniture construction, precise cuts for connections	Cutting boards, making beams
Time required	Slower, as the cut is finer and offers more resistance	Faster because the teeth work more aggressively
Fiber impact	Fibers are cut smoothly, leaving the structure clean	Fibers are torn, resulting in rough edges

Conclusion

Saws are versatile tools and indispensable for woodworking. You can find high-quality wood saws from the traditional English company Thomas Flinn & Co. or the young start-up Woxna in our online shop!