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My Rip Sawing Technique

Shift Your Weight Forward and Saw Between the Bench

This week I’m answering a claim that I’m “using my sawbench wrong” by talking about how my sawing technique has evolved over the years in my own work but also through teaching other woodworkers through The Hand Tool School. But how I used to use my sawbench is very different today than it was even 3 years ago.

The secret to sawing accurately with any saw is letting the saw to the work.

To let the saw do the work you have to first get out of its way. This means body mechanics are so important. Working at the right height is a first step and that’s why a saw bench is helpful. But you are only halfway there unless you setting up with the right body position for a true cut and maintaining that position throughout the entire cut.

Here’s Some More Hand Sawing Stuff

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Steve B

Time to go build some shop or saw bents! I’ve seen these featured in Tom Fidgen’s first book I think…
The bottom rest is the same height as my saw bench, the top rest same height as my work bench…..and of course you need a pair!
Thanks. Shannon ,great excerpt…

Andrew

Shannon – I’m sure you’ve mentioned it in other videos – but to save me searching all of your videos, I’m going to go ahead and ask…

What brand of rip saw do you have? Mine is a crappy Lynx saw, and I’m looking for something to replace it. I know there are lots of old saws out there, but I would prefer a newly manufactured saw if possible. Yours looks new. Is it a Wenzloff & Sons? Looks nice – thanks for the video! I just recently moved to Italy and had to leave all of my power tools behind, so I’m getting a 2 year forced hand tool immersion course. First on the list – a sawbench.

    Shannon

    The saw shown is made by Bontz Saw Works. Ron is currently producing full sized saws, only back saws. Unfortunately this is very much the case for everyone else. There are next to no new makers of full sized saws. There are several panel saw makers (20-24″) but the best route is still to go vintage