For the off-grid woodworker, having the right tools in your chest is crucial for maintaining self-sufficiency. One of the most essential hand tools for fine woodworking is the backsaw. This versatile saw allows for precise and controlled cuts that would be difficult with other hand or power saws.
What is a Backsaw?
A backsaw features a stiffening rib along the top edge opposite the cutting edge [1]. This rib gives backsaws enhanced control and accuracy compared to conventional hand saws. The rib also limits the depth a backsaw can cut.
Backsaws usually have fine teeth with little or no set. The close teeth and thin blade allow for intricate cuts. Common types of backsaws include:
- Dovetail saws
- Carcass saws
- Tenon saws
- Coping saws
These saws are designed for detailed joinery work, fine trimming, cutting curves, etc. Their thin blades can access tight spaces power tools cannot fit into.
Need To Know What Other Rugged Off-Grid Wood Working Tools To Get?
Choosing a Rugged Backsaw
For the off-grid woodworker, you’ll want a backsaw made of quality materials that will hold up to heavy use. Look for saws with:
- High carbon steel blades – These resist rust and wear better than other steels [2]. High carbon steel is harder than mild steel, keeping a sharp edge longer.
- Hardened teeth – Teeth that have been induction hardened will stay sharper much longer than untreated teeth [11].
- Full tang blades – The blade should extend the full length of the handle. This makes for a stronger saw less prone to the blade loosening or breaking off.
- Wood or fiberglass handles – Wood handles provide a secure grip, even with sweaty hands. Fiberglass handles are durable and weather-resistant [4].
Vintage backsaws from reputable makers can also be great additions to your off-grid toolkit. Brands like Disston, Bishop, W. Tyzack Sons & Turner, Spear & Jackson, and more made high-quality saws built to last [21]. These saws were designed before planned obsolescence.
With proper care and sharpening, an antique backsaw can serve for generations. While vintage saws can be more expensive, you’re investing in a tool that may outlive you rather than a disposable modern saw.
Maintaining Your Backsaw
To keep your backsaw performing for as long as possible:
Store the saw properly between uses. Get a dedicated saw sheath or roll to protect the teeth [15]. Storing loose in a tool chest can damage teeth. The saw plate can also be vulnerable to kinking without proper storage.
Sharpen when teeth become dull. As soon as you notice effort increasing to cut, it’s time to sharpen. Learn to sharpen your saws and maintain their edges [13].
Use a saw set to maintain set. The set of a saw’s teeth impacts cutting accuracy. Use a saw set to maintain the proper width of the kerf your saw cuts [23].
Clean regularly. Use a brass brush to clean sawdust and debris from the teeth. Wipe any moisture or sap from the blade to avoid pitting or rust. Oil all metal parts to prevent corrosion.
Proper storage, sharpening, setting, and cleaning will keep your backsaw cutting like new for decades or more. Learn to care for your saws and they’ll provide a lifetime of service.
Using a Backsaw Effectively
Mastering backsaw technique is vital for precision work. Here are some tips:
Use light pressure. Let the saw do the cutting rather than forcing through a cut [23]. Excess pressure can cause the saw to bind and drift off line.
Use a bench hook. A bench hook or saw hook provides a stable platform to saw against [14]. Holding the workpiece by hand allows it to shift, ruining cuts.
Use the whole blade. Using short stroke cuts prevents using the full cutting edge [6]. Lengthen strokes to increase efficiency.
Start cuts with light pressure. Until the kerf is established, use light pressure and few teeth in contact [23]. Once the cut is started, slightly increase pressure.
Use a cutting angle. Tilt the saw about 5-10 degrees toward the toe of the blade. This helps teeth start cutting efficiently [23].
Use an appropriate saw. Smaller saws are for small workpieces. Using a large tenon or carcass saw for a delicate cut will make precision difficult [18].
Mastering these fundamentals will have you sawing perfect dovetails and joinery work in no time!
Alternative Cutting Tools
While a quality backsaw is essential for detailed woodworking, the off-grid toolkit benefits from having alternative cutting tools as well. Other saws that complement a backsaw include:
Bow saw – For cutting larger pieces of wood for projects or firewood, a bow saw is indispensable. The large rigid frame and wide blade can rapidly crosscut branches up to 6 inches thick.
Coping saw – The thin, narrow blade of a coping saw allows you to cut intricate shapes and interior cutouts. Once a cut is started with a backsaw, a coping saw can finish intricate curved cuts.
Hacksaw – For cutting metal, a hacksaw is the go-to choice. A hacksaw can cut rod stock, pipe, angle iron, and more for essential metalwork. Select blades have fine teeth for tighter curves or rapid stock removal.
Folding saw – For venturing out to harvest wood, a folding saw takes up little space. High-quality folding saws cut efficiently and rival a bow saw for portability [4].
Having this variety of specialized saws in your toolkit will allow you to handle fine woodworking as well as rough cutting. Invest in quality tools and learn proper maintenance and care techniques. This will equip any off-grid woodworker to handle projects from intricate boxes to shelter construction. The right tools truly empower self-sufficiency.
Citations:
[1] https://brfinewoodworking.com/storing-hand-tools-part-2/
[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Backsaw
[3] https://brfinewoodworking.com/making-a-tenon-saw-part-1/
[4] https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/topics/camping-and-hiking/best-folding-saw
[5] https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIuZj_PjKWRm1GpHQYQcw3ms9KS8hEeEW
[6] https://youtube.com/watch?v=jCglAsHP2VA
[7] https://youtube.com/watch?v=KIJgzq3ORnE
[8] https://www.bobvila.com/articles/best-back-saw/
[9] https://youtube.com/watch?v=ZogBWZ1NlLE
[10] https://youtube.com/watch?v=mcXHr377Yn4
[11] https://bandsawblog.com/hard-back-and-flex-back-saw-blades/
[12] https://www.toolsid.com/backsaws.html
[13] https://youtube.com/watch?v=ZdPXOW603iU
[14] https://www.popularwoodworking.com/review/how-to-use-a-backsaw/
[15] https://www.blackburntools.com/new-tools/new-saws-and-related/saw-cover/index.html
[16] https://www.popularwoodworking.com/tools/efficient-backsaw-storage-in-a-tool-chest/
[17] https://www.finewoodworking.com/project-guides/hand-tools/how-to-master-the-backsaw
[18] https://www.finewoodworking.com/project-guides/hand-tools/4-must-have-handsaws
[19] http://thevalleywoodworker.blogspot.com/2018/01/the-stanley-mitre-boxes-family.html?m=1
[20] https://homingnext.com/backsaw/
[21] https://www.popularwoodworking.com/review/backsaw/
[22] https://www.finewoodworking.com/2019/10/31/a-look-inside-the-gentlemans-tool-chest
[23] https://www.workprotool.com/news/how-to-use-backsaws-for-precise-sawing-67658267.html
[24] https://www.myhomco.com/2774299/product/stanley-17-202
[25] https://youtube.com/watch?v=4zLJ3FTxAOI
