Using a back saw safely involves securing your workpiece, maintaining a proper grip and stance, and controlling the cutting stroke with care.
Back saws, recognized by the reinforced strip along the back of the blade, are excellent for precise cuts, especially in joinery. Safety is paramount when using any hand tool. Following established safety practices helps prevent accidents and ensures accurate results.
Preparing for a Safe Cut
Before you even pick up the saw, set the stage for a safe operation.
- Secure Your Workpiece: Always clamp the material firmly to a workbench or sawhorse. A wobbly workpiece is difficult to cut accurately and significantly increases the risk of the saw slipping.
- Mark Your Cut Line: Clearly mark where you intend to cut. This gives you a visual guide and helps you focus on the path of the blade.
- Check the Saw: Ensure the saw is sharp and in good condition. A dull saw requires more force, leading to less control.
Mastering the Grip and Stance
Your grip and body position are fundamental to safe back saw use.
According to safety guidelines for cutting with a back saw:
Before beginning your cut, it is crucial to adjust your grip for maximal safety. Grip it firmly in both hands with your fingers away from the blade. Hold this position throughout your entire cut.
- The Two-Handed Grip: Hold the saw handle firmly with one hand, typically your dominant one. Crucially, grip the saw firmly in both hands with your fingers away from the blade. Use your non-dominant hand to help guide the saw initially and maintain control, keeping all fingers well clear of the blade's path.
- Proper Stance: Stand balanced, slightly to the side of your cutting line. This position allows you to see the line clearly and use your body weight effectively without bending awkwardly or being directly in line with the blade's travel path.
Making the Cut Safely
Starting and controlling the cut correctly is key to safety and precision.
- Start the Cut Carefully: Position the saw teeth on the waste side of your marked line. To start a kerf (the saw cut) accurately, you can lightly guide the saw with the knuckle or thumb of your non-dominant hand initially, but remove your hand as soon as the saw begins to bite into the wood. Always keep fingers away from the blade during the actual cutting motion.
- Control the Stroke: Use long, steady strokes utilizing most of the blade length. Let the saw do the work; don't force it.
- Maintain Pressure: As the reference states, "Always keep pressure on its handle as you pull back or push forward." Consistent, light pressure helps the saw track straight and reduces the chance of it jumping or binding. Back saws often cut primarily on the push stroke, but maintaining control pressure on both strokes is important.
- Keep Your Eye on the Line: Continuously watch your marked line and adjust the saw's angle and pressure slightly as needed to stay on track.
Finishing the Cut
As you near the end of the cut, pay extra attention to prevent splintering and binding.
- Support the Waste Piece: As the saw gets close to cutting through, support the piece of wood being cut off. This prevents it from breaking off prematurely and splintering the edge, and it also stops the saw blade from pinching (binding) as the wood separates.
- Slow Down: Make the final strokes slowly and with reduced pressure.
Following these steps, especially maintaining a firm, two-handed grip with fingers away from the blade and applying consistent pressure as you cut, helps ensure safe and effective use of a back saw.
