Types of Saws and When To Use Them

Rip Saw

The original hand saw; your great-great grandfather probably had one of these in his tool shed. It features a long, wide blade that tapers gently from the wooden handle to the other end. It cuts on the push stroke and is suitable for cutting relatively large pieces of wood. Chipping and tear-out become problems on small pieces.

Uses

• Rip-cutting (along the grain) and cross-cutting (across the grain) plywood and solid wood boards;
• Trimming tree branches;
• Cutting plastic sheeting and pipes.