Hand Cutting and Drilling Tools

Most Common Mistakes

1. Setting a board to be cut between two supports. Instead, cantilever the board over the outside of one support to avoid binding the saw blade when the board drops. This method will avoid "kick back."
2. Neglecting to choose the appropriate saw blade for the material being cut Always use the proper cutting edge for the job you are doing. That means one, that is sharp as well as made for a given material.

For sawing and assembling, one of the most useful accessories is a pair of sawhorses. They can mean the difference between an easy, comfortable task and a difficult one. Sawhorses support both ends of your work while allowing room for the saw.

Hand Tools

Hand tools are as essential as the power tools.

Crosscut Saw. This is used to cut across the grain of wood. It has smaller, offset teeth. An 8-point saw is best for general use.

Rip Saw. A rip saw cuts with the grain, and has much larger teeth.

Combination Saw. This cuts both across and with the grain.

Hacksaw. This tool is used on metal, plastic, and electrical conduit.

Backsaw. This saw is used in conjunction with a miter box to cut a perfectly straight line across a piece of wood. The steel backing keeps it aligned.

Keyhole Saw. This has a blade that is narrower at the tip than at the heel or handle. It is used for cutting openings in drywall or paneling or for curved cuts.

Coping Saw. A coping saw is needed to follow an irregular, delicate, or intricate cut in wood. The blade is thin, fine toothed, and removable.

Tips on Sawing

1. Do not store saws in toolboxes or where the teeth will get damaged. Hang your saws if possible. If not buy a plastic tooth guard or make one out of cardboard.
2. Keep saw blades sharp. Keep them out of contact with metal or concrete and stone. Remove any nails from wood before saving.
3. Protect your saw blades by coating them with paste wax or a lighter grade of machine oil. Keep them in a cardboard sheath.

Chisels are wood-cutting tools. It is best to purchase a set of chisels ranging from 1/4" to 1 1/2" in widths for general use.

Socket Cchisels are meant to be used with a mallet. (I recommend not Using a hammer to strike a chisel.)

Tang Chisels are for working with the weight of the hand only. For more specialized use, purchase a good beveled-edge

Cabinetmaker's Chisel for finish work.

The square edge of a framing chisel is best for forming work, while the narrow mortise chisel serves to break waste away.

Tips on Chiseling

1. Start your blade digging into the wood, slightly inside your guideline mark.
2. Do not cut too deeply. Chisels are meant to chip and shave away. The beveled edge goes into the work so that it constantly directs the chisel out of the wood for better control.
3. Keep the cutting edge directed away from your body and hands.