Replies

1. 
   AJinNZ | Nov 15, 2004 01:32pm | #1

   I use a handsaw a lot. To me it is easier and faster than setting up a machine for just a few cuts.

   So, no, it isnt madness. Once upon a time handsaws were the only option. Magnificent things got built. Once we get over the 'time' and 'effort' issue there really is no problem.

    

   Everything, 100% of it, depends on how you look at it.

   DW

2. 
   RMillard | Nov 15, 2004 01:44pm | #2

   It certainly is possible, but the glue lines will wreck havoc with your saws teeth. When I was in carpentry school, I once hand sawed a sheet of plywood in half down the 8 foot length, but for the life of me I can't remember why, since we relied almost exclusively on power tools. I'm definitely in the hand tool camp, so I completely understand your motivation.

   Rob Millard

3. 
   BenM | Nov 15, 2004 04:12pm | #3

   Using a handsaw is not madness but don't use your best quality saw.  The glue in the plywood will dull the teeth real fast.  Use one with hardened teeth.  A Stanley Shortcut (has a picture of a shark on the cardboard sleeve) works very well and will last a long time.

4. 
   Dave45 | Nov 15, 2004 05:16pm | #4

   My grandfather was a carpenter in the days before power tools.  He was an artist with his handsaws and he kept them in a special toolbox that was off limits to nosey grandkids.  He did, however, spend quite a bit of time maintaining his saws (sharpening, setting the teeth, etc) and was quick to use the early power saws for framing and other rough work.  By the time he retired (in the mid 60's) the handsaws only came out for finish work.

5. 
   VomSorb | Nov 15, 2004 05:52pm | #5

   I'm assuming you don't mean resawing plywood in the literal sense of the woodworking term "resawing."

   If you're just talking about regular crosscuts and rips in plywood I would use a throwaway saw - a Stanley toolbox saw with Japanese style teeth.  Tape the cutline with blue masking tape (both sides if your plywood has two face veneers and they will both show).

   I would not use a high-quality handsaw on plywood.  A saw with hardened teeth like the Stanley I mentioned is actually a better saw for the application.  Regardless of what you use, you need to use the tape to prevent tearout of the incredibly thin face veneers.

   
   

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   Edited 11/24/2004 5:18 pm ET by cstan

1. 
   TonyD | Nov 15, 2004 10:35pm | #6

   thanks for the encouragement to stay on working with handtools.

   I just ordered a handsaw that will fit the job.

   Tony

1. 
   IanDG | Nov 16, 2004 12:17am | #7

   I still occasionally use my Sandvik rip saw for sheet materials. It has a graduated tooth pattern -- starting off at 8 point, increasing in size to 4 point at the handle.

   It's actually a lot faster for one cut than getting out the circular saw.

   IanDG