For those living self-sufficiently off the grid, having reliable tools is a crucial part of survival and maintaining some modern comforts through woodcraft. A rugged, well-maintained ripsaw is an indispensable addition to any off-grid tool chest.
This saw’s sturdy frame paired with extremely sharp teeth can rip through wood like no other hand tool, making it ideal for breaking down large stock into workable boards or crafting furniture and structures. When every item must stand the test of time, choosing the right ripsaw is key.
This guide covers everything from what defines this versatile saw to picking durable brands and keeping your ripsaw operative for decades of woodworking projects ahead.
What is a Ripsaw and How Will You Use It?
A ripsaw is a large handsaw designed specifically for cutting along the wood grain to rip solid boards into thinner planks or slabs. This process is known as “rip cutting” in contrast to crosscutting across a board’s grain.
Ripsaws utilize very coarse teeth, usually between 4 to 8 teeth per inch on the cutting blade. This distinct tooth shape and spacing is optimized for fast, efficient ripping action rather than delicate finishing cuts. The teeth’s chisel shape helps prevent them from getting jammed in the wood while aggressively removing material in deep, fast strokes.
For off-grid living, a good ripsaw is invaluable for breaking down large rough-cut lumber into usable stock for woodworking. The ability to resaw boards allows greater flexibility working with found wood and harvesting one’s own trees rather than relying on modern sawmills. Sturdy ripsaws can slice down the grain through green or seasoned wood up to 10 inches thick.
Beyond resawing capabilities, a ripsaw also helps ensure straight edges on any solid wood needing to be ripped to precise widths.
This aids in joinery and fitting pieces together when crafting furniture, structural joints, flooring, and more. A ripsaw’s fast cutting action also helps construct shelters and buildings more rapidly.
From felling trees to final details, a good ripsaw saves time and labor when working wood off the grid. The ability to hand rip boards gives self-sufficient woodworkers much greater control over the entire building process.
Need To Know What Other Rugged Off-Grid Wood Working Tools To Get?
Choosing Durable Ripsaw Materials
When selecting a ripsaw for lifelong off-grid use, the materials and construction should be as rugged as possible to withstand years of hard use. Key traits to look for include:
Sturdy Frame: The saw plate holding the cutting teeth needs thick-gauge steel to resist bending and buckling under pressure. Narrower blades around 5 inches wide allow keeping the thickness substantial without too much drag. Sturdier frames also aid starting cuts by reducing flexing.
Corrosion Resistance: Any exposed steel parts like the saw plate need protection from the elements to avoid pitting or rust when stored in less-than-ideal conditions. Some brands apply corrosion-resistant coatings. Handle fasteners should also be durable brass or stainless steel.
Hardened Teeth: The cutting teeth themselves must maintain sharpness over time as gritty wood dulls edges. Look for ripsaw blades through-hardened or induction hardened to hold an edge. Softer teeth require frequent sharpening.
The handle completing the frame plays a key role as well. Wood handles like ash provide shock absorption but need proper grain orientation to keep solid. Some brands integrate fiberglass for added durability. Ergonomic shaping with a reinforced grip aids control.
While modern saws utilize these rugged traits, many traditional woodworker’s ripsaws also meet the criteria with proper upkeep. Vintage saws made in past centuries often prove just as durable. Key brands making both classic and current models are covered next.
Top Rugged Ripsaw Brands & Models
Several companies craft ripsaws ideal for a lifetime of off-grid woodworking. Models from traditional saw makers to modern versions built for durability include:
Bad Axe Toolworks: This Michigan-based company combines old world techniques with modern refinements when handcrafting saws. Their 24” Rip Saw features a 0.025” thick saw plate of high carbon steel hardened to last. It utilizes a traditional wood handle secured with stainless steel fasteners. Priced around $255.
Gramercy Tools: This brand specializes in updated Western saws made in Japan. Their 22” Rip Carcass Saw integrates innovative tooth geometry to start cuts easier with a thinner 0.020” saw plate. The handle incorporates fiberglass layers within wood for durability when ripping. Also priced approximately $255.
Gyokucho Razor Saw: Japanese pull saws utilize ultra-thin, ultra-sharp teeth hardened to 65 HRC for longevity. The Gyokucho 730 24” Rip Saw can tackle rough stock removal along with fine joinery. Its 3.5” depth can resaw up to 8” boards. Priced under $100.
Hico: This German company has produced sturdy woodworking saws since 1883. Their 11ppi Rip Saw 22” PRO trades some depth for a narrower 0.04” saw plate to resist binding on longer cuts. It also utilizes a fiberglass handle and induction hardened teeth. Priced around $125.
Spear & Jackson: Going back to 1760, this British saw maker offers their 10ppi Professional Rip Saw with a 22” blade made from hardened chrome vanadium steel with anti-rust coating. The beechwood handle gives classic durability. Also just over $100.
Vintage options like Disston, Atkins, Bishop, Simonds, and other traditional saw makers also prove durable. Flea markets can turn up quality finds for lower investments to restore.
The well-crafted teeth paired with thicker plates on these ripsaws ensure the ability to tackle heavy duty resawing when off the grid. Their corrosion-resistant metal and sturdy handles allow them to work reliably for generations rather than being disposable.
Proper Ripsaw Maintenance
To keep a ripsaw working optimally for decades, even quality saws need proper care and maintenance. Following these tips will maintain durability:
Cleaning: Use a brass wire brush to remove any residue from the saw plate’s teeth. Soak the plate to dissolve sap or pitch. Wipe down with light oil to protect from moisture. Clean wood handles with a damp rag.
Preventing Rust: Apply a thin coating of paste wax to the saw plate after cleaning. Wipe the blade down with an oiled rag after use. Store the saw plate-down to keep teeth from resting in moisture.
Sharpening: Use a saw file every few sharpenings to joint, or re-flatten, the teeth tips. Then set and file each tooth. Track tooth height to keep them uniform. Setting pliers can re-bend any overly sharpened teeth.
Handle Repairs: Tighten any loose handle fasteners. Fill cracks in wood handles to keep tight. Replace any split or damaged handles to maintain safety and control.
With proper care, a ripsaw often stays sharp and solid longer than lower quality counterparts. But maintenance is crucial for longevity when relying on tools daily off the grid. Keeping them clean, rust-free, sharpened, and tight ensures they rip through wood for years or even decades to come.
Historical & Modern Alternatives
While techniques now allow very precise cutting, ripsaws evolved from more rudimentary beginnings. Obsidian, flint, and bone allowed cutting wood and materials in ancient times. Early saw sets utilized chipped stone or copper held in the user’s hands without a frame.
Frame saws added stiffness from bronze and later steel around 4,000 years ago. This increased potential depth and accuracy. Early rip teeth took the form of angled chisels to sever wood fibers along the grain. This rip saw concept improved for centuries to increase speed and performance.
In modern times, powered table saws and bandsaws provide portable resawing capabilities rivaling traditional handsaws. But their need for grid power or generator fuel limits usefulness for truly off-grid work. Not to mention the safety risks and potential for blade damage from embedded debris like nails.
While some may choose modern Japanese pull saws for fine carpentry, Western-style ripsaws maintain dominance for rapidly breaking down rough lumber. Their aggressive tooth pattern paired with the pushing cutting stroke allows applying body strength and weight when powering through wood.
For those focused on self-sufficient woodworking, a sturdy traditional ripsaw remains a tried-and-true choice. Given proper blade steel, tooth hardness, and maintenance, this versatile saw can take on countless off-grid projects for years to come. Adding a rugged ripsaw to your toolkit is a wise investment in maintaining woodcraft independence and self-reliance no matter what the future brings.
Conclusion
While some may choose modern Japanese pull saws for fine carpentry, Western-style ripsaws maintain dominance for rapidly breaking down rough lumber. Their aggressive tooth pattern paired with the pushing cutting stroke allows applying body strength and weight when powering through wood.
For those focused on self-sufficient woodworking, a sturdy traditional ripsaw remains a tried-and-true choice. Given proper blade steel, tooth hardness, and maintenance, this versatile saw can take on countless off-grid projects for years to come.
Adding a rugged ripsaw to your toolkit is a wise investment in maintaining woodcraft independence and self-reliance no matter what the future brings. Having the ability to hand rip lumber provides greater control over building projects while off the grid. So take time to choose the right rugged ripsaw and keep it operative for a lifetime of woodworking utility.
