Saws

About Saws

MyToolShed.co.uk offers an extensive range of professional hand saws designed for precision cutting across timber, metal, plastic and tile applications. From traditional carpenter's saws to specialised cutting tools, this collection encompasses everything from versatile hacksaws and tenon saws to precision fret saws and Japanese-style pull saws. Each saw type has been engineered for specific cutting tasks, ensuring tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts can achieve clean, accurate results across diverse materials and joinery techniques.

Whether you're working on fine dovetail joints, cutting metal pipework, or trimming architrave flush to the wall, the right saw makes all the difference. MyToolShed stocks trusted brands delivering sharp, durable blades with comfortable handles for extended use. Our saw category includes complementary products like saw sharpeners to maintain cutting performance, ensuring your tools remain in professional condition throughout their working life.

Applications

Saws are essential tools across numerous trades and applications:

• Carpentry and joinery: Cutting timber joints, trimming architrave, crosscutting and rip cutting
• Plumbing: Cutting copper pipe, plastic waste pipe and metal fittings with hacksaws
• Cabinet making: Precision dovetail joints and tenon work for furniture construction
• Tiling: Manual scoring and cutting of ceramic and porcelain tiles
• Model making and craft work: Intricate cutting with fret saws and coping saws
• General construction: Breaking down timber, cutting through plasterboard and general site work
• Decorating: Flush cutting dowels, trimming beading and cutting coving mitres

Choosing The Right Saws

Selecting the appropriate saw depends on several key factors:

• Material type: Wood-cutting saws feature larger teeth (TPI) for fast cutting, whilst metal-cutting hacksaws have finer teeth for smoother cuts without snagging
• Cut precision: Fine woodworking requires saws like dovetail or tenon saws with rigid backs and fine teeth, whilst rough cutting suits larger panel saws
• Cutting direction: Traditional Western saws cut on the push stroke, whilst Japanese pull saws cut on the pull stroke for thinner blades and finer kerfs
• Access constraints: Flush cut saws, jab saws and pad saws excel in confined spaces where standard saws cannot reach
• Blade length: Match blade length to typical workpiece dimensions—longer blades for wider materials, shorter for control and precision
• Handle comfort: Ergonomic handles reduce fatigue during extended use; consider grip style for your cutting technique

Safety Information

Always inspect saw blades before use for damage, rust or loose teeth. Secure workpieces firmly with clamps or vices to prevent movement during cutting. Keep fingers clear of the cutting line and use controlled strokes to maintain accuracy. Store saws with blade guards where provided, and keep cutting edges protected to prevent damage and injury. Wear safety glasses when cutting metal or brittle materials to protect against flying fragments. Maintain sharp blades—dull saws require excessive force and increase accident risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

What TPI (teeth per inch) should I choose for different materials?

For softwood, 6-10 TPI provides fast cutting; hardwood benefits from 10-14 TPI for smoother results. Metal cutting requires 18-32 TPI depending on thickness—thinner materials need finer teeth. General-purpose hacksaws typically feature 24 TPI for versatile performance.

How do I maintain and sharpen hand saws?

Keep blades clean and lightly oiled to prevent rust. Traditional saws can be sharpened using saw files and saw sets, though this requires skill. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks saw sharpeners for maintenance, though many modern hardpoint saws feature induction-hardened teeth designed as disposable—replace the blade when cutting performance diminishes.

What's the difference between rip saws and crosscut saws?

Rip saws have chisel-like teeth designed to cut along the wood grain, whilst crosscut saws feature knife-like teeth that slice across the grain. Universal or general-purpose hand saws offer tooth patterns suitable for both cutting directions, providing versatility for mixed applications.