Handsaws

Tenon saws are often called 'backsaws'. These have a rigid bar on the back of the blade and are used to make accurate straight cuts in smaller sections of timber.

Because of the course teeth which are used to 'rip', tenon saws can sometimes cause splinters in the wood. Other saws with finer TPI (teeth per inch) are sometimes available where a smoother finish is required. Japanese saws are an Asian variant of the tenon saw and favoured by master craftspeople.

Coping saws are easily identified by their very thin blade with a high number of TPI (teeth per inch). They have a tall, square frame and are used to create curves and cut around tight corners in wood and plastic.

Junior hacksaws are used to make small sectional cuts in wood, metal and plastic.

They should not be used to cut through sections greater than 8-10mm in diameter, or where a hand-hacksaw would be more appropriate.

Hand-hacksaws are generally used to make fine, medium-accuracy cuts in small to medium sections of metal or plastic. They usually have up to 24TPI (teeth per inch).

A hacksaw blade should be sufficiently tightened that it does not twist to an angle greater than 45°.

A panel saw is used to cut through large sections or sheets of timber quickly.

They are relatively inaccurate and not suitable for fine detail woodwork.

They have large, course teeth and rip apart the material indiscriminately.