Are hand saws as rare as dial phones?

[DKCDKC]

I've got a half dozen hand saws, and a lot of other non-powered tools. I'd much rather use a manual tool for a little quick job than go take the power saw/drill/whatever out of its box or cabinet, plug it in and use it. It's actually faster to go manual for little jobs every time. I do have electric and battery tools for when appropriate. But I have actually used a brace-and-bit for drilling some special holes in tight tolerances - much more control and a better job than a power drill.

Tools are just tools. You use the one that best does the task to the quality and in the time desired.

 

[whistlepig]

I once tried to train a graduate from a machine shop trade school. I gave him a level and told him how to level up a part while I went to the bathroom. When I came back he was still looking at the level. He asked me why the level had a bubble in it.

 

[efam3300]

I have 2 , a 10 pt and a 12 pt. They get used a couple of times a year. Years ago when I worked with my carpenter tools and before cut saws became popular we used hand saws for cutting out door plates and finish up cuts on stair stringers and heel cuts on rafters.

 

[ultrarunner]

I carry a short one with me and use it quite a lot... just easier to cut a single 4x4 or limb or something quick.

 

[geko]

This is hilarious!

In the UK, everyone uses handsaws! Getting a straight, accurate cut is a skill but I think you need to be able to do that before you use a chop sawetc.
Power tools are great, but using traditional tools is a must in my opinion - it's always the last cut you need to do and batteries are flat, the blade needs changing - so you grab a handsaw and off you go.

Also, the comment about using a hammer & spirit level...really?! They're used literally every day by tradesmen over here!

Good thread guys, interesting.

 

[timbatrader]

I built an all timber house a few years ago everything. Timber floor T and G paneling interior walls board and batten exterior timber joinery etc. Started out using power tools but as the job progressed I used the power tools less a hand saw more and more much more control and able to cut straight rather than a arc While I can file a saw I don’t bother The new breed of hand saw are much harder steel to hard to file but hold their edge much longer and are cheaper enough replace once blunt

 

[radioman]

I still have my first hand saw I bought and still use once awhile now. I collected a bunch other hand saws just because.:thumbsup:

 

[sseelhoff]

I use a hand saw often. Great for quick cuts when I don't feel like getting out the circulur saw.

 

[k0ua]

How do you sharpen one? I've never done it but have an old saw that could use it!

Welcome to Vintage Saw's Saw Filing Treatise

here you go.

James K0UA

 

[3930dave]

I once tried to train a graduate from a machine shop trade school. I gave him a level and told him how to level up a part while I went to the bathroom. When I came back he was still looking at the level. He asked me why the level had a bubble in it.

Whistlepig - If I hadn't previously read a lot of your posts, and the OP, I would swear that you guys are making this stuff up ! :laughing:

I have my Dad's hand saws, and have collected a few others over the years. Tend to prefer 'em for accurate cuts.

Over the winter, finally picked up a sturdy handle that will take Recip saw blades. Like it for multi-purpose quick and dirty stuff, and that I can always quickly find blades anywhere.

If anybody is looking for a source for better quality hand saws, try Lee Valley Tools.

Lee Valley Tools

Veritas is their trade-name for their in-house designs.

Rgds, D.