Kerf-The slot cut by
the saw bladeAnother factor in how the saw cuts is how many teeth per inch or tpi the
saw has. Less teeth and a wider set will cut faster and leave a rougher
edge. More teeth with a narrower set will cut slower but will leave a
smoother surface.
Decisions, Decisions
So which one should I buy? A crosscut saw makes the most sense
becausethatistheoperationthatyou’lldothemostofinthisbook.
Crosscut saws tend to have a smaller tooth and a set wide enough not to
get stuck in the wood. This is probably the best of both worlds. Now
how about a western or Japanese saw? In working with my own
children they have learned to use both but seem to naturally reach for
the Japanese saws first. They take some getting use to if you have
already learned to cut with a western saw, but most people catch on
quickly. If you can, buy both and let your kids chose. The ryoba, which
is a combination saw with rip teeth along one edge and crosscut teeth on
the other is two saws in one but can be expensive. My kids use a dosuki
style saw that works just fine and is less expensive. One thing to be
Lookingdown on the set of the teeth of a typical handsaw