How to Saw Straight with a Handsaw | Paul Sellers

Ever wondered how to saw straight? Paul shows in detail how to cut an accurate and straight saw cut.

This provides some skills you will need to challenge yourselves to bigger and better projects. Using a handsaw to may prove harder than you think but with these tips and tricks, you will be able to saw straight and accurately.

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[gunner]

The best man I have ever seen with a handsaw was my late father. His cuts were laser straight. Ironically he had one arm but always found a way to hold the wood steady with a foot. Incredible skill, I miss him RIP.

[veddernnorth]

I've always appreciated the realness of your videos and your teachings. The encouragement you offer is so valuable.

[lennytheleopard]

Useful info. A "simple" straight cut with a hand saw for beginners like me is actually quite difficult. Thanks

[ROBINBEACHGreencoRecycling]

Thanks Paul. I’m always grateful for your insight and tutelage.
I believe sawing is an art and the first skill to master in our craft. You’re a great teacher. Practical and applicable for anyone.

[esa]

Many people don't even realize sawing is a skill, let alone understand how much skill is involved. You have made a great service to the new woodworking generation with your saw videos.

[JB-wlhd]

So nice to hear a lovely soft Midlands(?) accent on one of these videos. Thanks!

[Dave-ctjk]

So one of the biggest problems I had when doing cuts like this was finishing my cuts. I would cut parallel to my bench as you did when you started. But then when I got to the bottom of the cut the vice was clamping against my cut and it was very difficult to finish.

What you did was flip the wood so it wasn't pressing on the cut. I saw that and felt like an idiot for not thinking of something so simple.

[HomelessBiker]

I was always afraid to cut long lines, and when I get off course I'd always try to twist the saw instead. Will have to try bending method. I use a Japanese saw by the way (and love it). I love tips and tricks all the way down to very basic things, always great things to learn. Thanks Paul,

[Candoit]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and skills!! Never get to old to learn!! I'm 82 and still learning!😊😊

[linkedh]

Instantly liked and subscribed. I can recognize a good teacher when I see one.

[justplanebob]

Thanks so very much, Paul. I followed your instructions and resawed an 18 inch piece of poplar with my Grandfather's 100 year old Disston D-8 that I had restored and sharpened (your videos also). Then I planed the pieces flat with his Stanley planes (again, your videos) and made a box for the picnic table. I never knew my grandfather as he died when I was about six months old. However through restoring and using his tools, I feel like I have come to know him better. Thank you for showing me the way.

[ScottCalvinsClause]

I think the problem most beginners have is a lack of carpenter's vise. It's common for experts to forget that beginners don't have the tools that they see as basic. I have a saw, a few chissels, and a yard-sale plane, and I struggle through my hobby happily. But... The cost of a work bench AND a vice is so difficult to approach for most entry level hobbyists.

[colinweir]

Whether I'm using a wood saw or hacksaw, I often seem to cut straighter with less important jobs than with ones where the cutting is quite important. Thanks for your techniques.

[shahajahanshaju]

Paul because of you I have lost my technique of cuting wedge free-handed

[sunkat]

Excellent explanation. This exactly the cut i need to make for garden furniture slats. New subscriber. Cheers.

[ikust]

Thank you Paul. All always good to remember how to do it well. I tried to cut a 3/16. Pine. Went well for beginning but everything went crazy after 4”. Will do it again now. Cheers.

[wdhxen]

I could never cut a straight line for anywhere near that distance before. Using this technique works great!

[nightcatarts]

Thank you for covering this. It's one of the simple things they completely overlook in many D&T classes, along with laying your index finger along the saw to guide the cut & keep your arm in line. Back at school they taught me how to use an engineering lathe but not how to use a saw. Ridiculous.

[michaelauchter]

This is enormously helpful. Thanks, Paul!

[tommibjork]

Basic sawing tech everyone should learn. Great tips!