Hand saws are some of the most iconic tools of a woodworker, and back saws foremost among them. My first experience in cutting joinery was with a hand saw, trying to learn how to get a straight cheek on a tenon. While I appreciate the efficiency of power tools, I still find myself returning to a back saw for cuts that might otherwise be awkward or even dangerous.
Before power tools, back saws were the main tools for joinery. The numerous, fine teeth made clean cuts, and the metal back (often brass or folded steel) provided extra support for a thinner blade, meaning a thinner kerf. While the back does limit the depth of cut, this isn’t a problem for most of the work a back saw does.
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