Whether Japanese or Western saws are better really depends on the task at hand as each type of saw has its advantages and disadvantages. Japanese saws feature thin blades with fine teeth that makes them perfect for intricate work and cutting thin slices of wood.
They are also easy to start with a pull stroke and the handle shape makes it comfortable to pull the saw with one hand. However, they are difficult to make aggressive cuts with, meaning they require more manual labor and are better suited to finer work.
In comparison, Western saws feature thicker blades with larger teeth and are more suitable for making more aggressive cuts, meaning they require less manual labor than Japanese saws. They are also heavy enough to hold down with two hands, which also makes it easier to make a straighter cut.
However, their large teeth makes them difficult to start with a pull stroke and curved cuts can be harder to achieve due to their weight.
Ultimately, it can be difficult to definitively state which kind of saw is superior as the best type depends on what task needs to be accomplished and the preferences of the user.
Is pull saw same as Japanese saw?
No, a pull saw and a Japanese saw are two different saws. A pull saw is a type of backsaw that uses a relatively coarse, toothed blade to cut wood at a relatively slow rate. It is pulled through the material being cut by hand, using a sawing motion.
A pull saw is favored for its precision, accuracy, and ability to make angled cuts.
A Japanese saw, on the other hand, is designed for cutting along the grain and is typically used to cut thinner and finer material. Japanese saws are usually made of a thin plate of steel with a series of teeth that resemble files, allowing for faster and more precise cuts than a pull saw.
The blades are typically very thin, making them more flexible and allowing for angled cuts. Japanese saws are usually made with wooden handles placed in between two metal plates. They are usually preferred for production work, like making dovetail joints, because they are fast and accurate.
What is a Japanese pull saw for?
A Japanese pull saw is a type of cutting tool used for precision cutting of wood and other materials. It’s a type of hand saw that has a blade consisting of a set of uniformly spaced teeth set at an angle.
The blade is attached to a long, thin handle, and has a pull stroke instead of a push stroke like most hand saws. This pulling motion allows for more accurate and precise cutting, making it a popular choice for woodworking, carpentry, and other precision wood-cutting applications.
The thinness and flexibility of the blade also allow for cutting in tight spaces and difficult to reach places. Pull saws come in both flush and crosscut varieties, and many modern blades have a coating for improved performance, longevity, and rust prevention.
How long do Japanese saw blades last?
The lifespan of a Japanese saw blade is dependent on the type of blade, the materials it is cutting, and the frequency of use. Generally speaking, a high quality, sharpened Japanese saw blade can last for many years with proper upkeep and maintenance.
For example, blades used for cutting hardwoods should be resharpened every few times of use, whereas softwood blades can go longer between resharpenings. Additionally, it is important to regularly clean and lubricate the blade to keep it in the best condition possible.
With these steps, the blade should last a very long time and provide high quality cuts.
Can Japanese saws be sharpened?
Yes, Japanese saws can be sharpened. The process for sharpening Japanese saws is different than Western saws and it is important that you use a set of sharpening stones for this process. You will need to use different stones that are sized according to the size of the saw teeth you need to sharpen.
You will also need a guide such as a saw gauge to help you maintain the correct angle and an oil or honing fluid to help protect the saw during the process. To sharpen the saw, start the process by drawing the blade of the saw through the coarsest stone with a straight forward movement and stoke.
Work each side of the blade with the stone and you should feel a visible grinding burr on the backside of each tooth. Next, go over the blade again with progressively finer stones to remove the burr, finish sharpening and smoothing out the edge.
Finally, go over the blade with a honing stone and honing fluid. By doing this, you should be able to successfully sharpen your Japanese saw and start making quality cuts.
What to do with old Japanese saw blades?
Depending on the condition of the blade, you could use them as decorative wall hangings, re-forge them into a new blade, create a garden trellis or arbor from the blade, or even craft various items such as a knife, a fire poker, a garden tool, a knife blade, a candle holder, or even a coat hanger.
Additionally, old Japanese saw blades could be used for more practical purposes such as a garden tool for cutting roots and branches, or a saw for pruning plants.
If you are looking to find a creative use for an old Japanese saw blade, you could also try etching designs onto the blade and use it as a piece of art. To do this, you’ll need a deep etching tool such as a pneumatic or rotary engraver and you can use a variety of blades with different patterns and designs.
You can then use it to create wall hangings, or to etch decorative objects such as deer antlers, skulls, or even swords!.
Finally, if you just want to put it on display, you can mount an old Japanese saw blade on the wall with a unique stand or even in a shadow box. This will allow you to display the blade itself and show off the unique shape and design.
No matter what you choose to do with your old Japanese saw blade, it is sure to be a unique and interesting addition to your home.
How do you maintain a Japanese pull saw?
Maintaining your Japanese pull saw is important for keeping it in good condition, so that it can provide you with many years of reliable and accurate performance. Here are a few tips and guidelines:
• Before each use of your Japanese pull saw, inspect it for dullness and blunted teeth. Additionally, check the blade for bent or twisted teeth, or any other visible deformities. Make sure all parts are securely affixed to the frame, and that any fasteners are adequately tightened.
• Apply a few drops of light machine oil to all moving parts after each use to keep them lubricated, and to reduce friction and wear.
• Inspect the handle, making sure it is securely fastened and undamaged, and that all parts are adequately tightened. If there are signs of wear or damage to the handle, repairs should be undertaken.
• If gummed up sawdust accumulates on the teeth, a solvent such as turpentine can be used to clean the blade. A light brushing with soft wire brush can also help remove sawdust and dirt.
• Store your Japanese pull saw in a dry, dust-free area, and be sure to protect it from moisture and other environmental damage.
Following these guidelines will help ensure your Japanese pull saw remains sharp, free of rust, and performs at its best for years to come.
When should I change saw blade?
It is recommended to change the saw blade when:
1. It appears to be dull, or is visibly chipped or cracked;
2. The teeth become brittle, particularly if the saw blade is exposed to extreme temperatures;
3. The blade begins to give off an unpleasant burning smell;
4. The blade starts to cause tear-out in some materials, especially hardwoods; and
5. If the blade has been used for extended periods of time without any changes.
In addition, it’s important to consider the type of material you are cutting. Different materials require different saw blades for the best performance. For example, a multi-purpose saw blade designed for cutting through a variety of materials could dull quicker than a saw blade designed specifically for hardwood or softwood.
It’s important that you always inspect the saw blade before using it and consider if it would benefit from a fresh blade. If a saw blade is used beyond its lifespan, it could damage the material, cause injury, and potentially damage the saw blade itself.
Why do Japanese saws cut on the pull?
Japanese saws are designed to cut on the pull stroke rather than the push stroke, unlike the traditional Western saws which typically cut on the push stroke. This is because a pull stroke produces more power and is more efficient and accurate than the push stroke.
The pull stroke is smoother, ensuring a clean, straight cut, and the design of the saw’s teeth helps to guide the workpiece into the blade. In addition, the pull stroke creates a back tension when using a Japanese saw, which serves to minimize chip formation, allowing for a smaller kerf and less material waste, leading to a more efficient cut.
The pull stroke also reduces fatigue on the user since there is less vibration, and users of the saw are able to push the saw down the workpiece which can reduce fatigue in the wrist and arm. Finally, a Japanese saw does not require clamping or securing, as the pull stroke saws into the workpiece.
This makes it easier and quicker to use compared to traditional Western saws.
Does a saw cut both ways?
A saw typically refers to a tool that is used to make a straight or curved cut in a material, commonly wood. The most typical type of saw is a handheld or table-mounted tool with a blade consisting of a continuous band of metal with teeth along one edge.
In general, saws cut when pushed, but depending on the type of saw and material being cut, they can also be designed to cut when pulled.
The most common type of handheld or table-mounted saws, such as manual measure saws, hack saws, coping saws, and dovetail saws, all cut when pushed. This is due to the design of the blade, which bends and flexes when pulled, allowing the saw to cut in the same direction.
However, certain types of saws, such as jigsaws, can be designed to cut both when pushed and when pulled, depending on the blade and material being cut. This is due to the specific design of the blades, which creates curved shapes when they are pulled, allowing them to make a cut in both directions.
What is a pull push saw?
A pull push saw is a type of saw that is useful for making quick, accurate cuts with minimal effort. It allows the user to pull the saw in a straight line and then push it away again in the same direction with a smooth motion.
This type of saw is particularly efficient in cutting through wood, plastic, or metal. It is designed with a narrow blade that has been sharpened on both sides, allowing it to make both straight and curved cuts.
While it is a relatively simple tool, it is a versatile, lightweight option that can be used in a wide variety of applications. For example, it can be used to cut plywood and other sheet goods, make accurate crosscuts, trim molding and other trim pieces, rip boards and beams, and for many other cutting tasks.
Pull push saws are available in both corded and cordless models, as well as in a variety of lengths and blade sizes.
How do you use a push saw?
A push saw is a hand saw that you use by pushing rather than pulling in order to cut, making it an incredibly useful tool for a variety of projects. To use a push saw, begin by attaching a saw blade to the saw handle and tightening the screws to ensure it is secure and won’t move during use.
Make sure the saw is positioned correctly in your dominant hand, with your thumb on the upper surface of the saw handle and your fingers wrapped around the handle. Place your free hand on the object you are cutting and, while providing back pressure to keep it steady, slowly and steadily push the saw forward in a back-and-forth motion.
When you reach the end of the stroke, slowly lift the saw; at this point, it is important to pause before beginning the next stroke. You will want to slowly work your way across and through the material until you have near broke through the other side.
Then, simply flip the object and continue the same motion using a lighter cut before flipping the object back over to finish the cut.
What saw cuts on the backstroke?
Saws that cut on the backstroke are typically called “rip” saws and are designed to cut along the grain of wood. The blades on these saws have teeth that point in the opposite direction of the cutting direction, meaning they will cut on the backstroke.
These saws are usually used to make long, straight cuts on boards and are best suited for cutting along the grain of wood, rather than across it. For instance, when cutting a board into two sections, a rip saw would be the best choice.
The saw can also be used to create joints and rabbets, and cut dadoes and grooves. It can also be used to cut bevels and other kinds of compound angle cuts.
Are pull saws better?
Overall, pull saws are better than push saws in many ways. Pull saws are more efficient since they pull the blade through the material instead of pushing it, meaning less force is required to work with the material.
This type of saw is also less likely to cause kickback or binding, allowing for a more precise and reliable cut. Additionally, pull saws are able to make cuts from both sides, effectively doubling the cutting speed.
Additionally, pull saws designed for curved or irregular cuts are much better than their push saw counterparts because the blade is able to move freely and efficiently in either direction. Finally, pull saws tend to be quieter than push saws, making them a better choice for situations where noise is a factor.