Best Hand Saw For Cutting Plywood
While power tools often steal the spotlight, there’s something undeniably satisfying about using a hand saw.
But when it comes to plywood, choosing the right one can make all the difference between a smooth cut and a splintered mess.
In this article, I’ll explore the key features to consider when selecting the best hand saw for cutting plywood and provide a list of top recommendations.
Read More: How To Cut Plywood with a Hand Saw?
Understanding Plywood’s Challenges
Plywood presents unique challenges for hand saws. Its layered construction can cause tear-out and chipping, especially with the wrong blade. Here are some key factors to consider:
- Thickness: Thicker plywood requires a longer blade for better control and deeper cuts.
- Grain Direction: Plywood has two-grain directions, so a versatile saw capable of both ripping (cutting along the grain) and crosscutting (cutting across the grain) is ideal.
- Glue: The glue used in plywood can clog teeth, so choose a saw with a smooth, easy-to-clean blade.
Types of Hand Saws for Plywood
Now, let’s explore the different hand saw options:
- Western Crosscut Saw: This classic features large, sharp teeth designed for clean crosscuts. Its shorter length makes it ideal for thinner plywood.
- Western Rip Saw: With finer teeth angled for ripping, this saw excels at cutting along the grain but struggles with crosscuts.
- Japanese Ryoba: This double-edged saw features a crosscut and rip-cut blade, offering versatility for both cuts. Its pull-cut design minimizes tear-out and requires less effort.
- Japanese Dozuki: Similar to the Ryoba, this saw has a replaceable blade, allowing you to choose specific teeth for ripping or crosscutting.
- Keyhole Saw: This small, narrow saw with a fine-toothed blade excels at making intricate cuts and tight curves in plywood.
Top 4 Picks for the Best Hand Saw For Cutting Plywood
1. KAKURI Japanese Pull Saw
2. Goldblatt Folding Hand Saw with Soft Grip Handle
3. IRWIN Tools General Carpentry Pull Saw
4. QYQRQF 14 in. Pro Hand Saw
#1 KAKURI Japanese Pull Saw
Specs and Key Features
- Blade Length: Available in various sizes, such as 180mm, 210mm, and 240mm.
- Blade Types: Includes Ryoba (double-edge for rip and crosscut), Kataba (thin and flexible), Dozuki (rigid spine for straight cuts), and Azebiki (curved blade).
- Impulse Hardened Teeth: Ensures excellent sharpness and durability.
- Narrow Kerf: Provides clean, precise cuts.
- Non-Slip Cork Handle: Comfortable grip for extended use.
KAKURI Japanese Pull Saw Review
If you are looking for a versatile and high-quality saw for your woodworking projects, you might want to consider the KAKURI Japanese Pull Saw.
This saw is designed to cut on the pull stroke, which makes it easier and smoother than Western-style push saws.
The blade is thin and flexible, allowing you to make curved and straight cuts with minimal effort. The teeth are finely spaced and sharpened, giving you a clean and accurate cut every time.
One of the best features of this saw is that it has a replaceable blade that can be interchanged with other blades in the KAKURI Fine Cut Saw Series.
This means you can customize your saw to suit different purposes and materials, such as plywood, bamboo, plastic, or pruning. The blades are easy to attach and detach with a simple screw mechanism.
You can also choose from different handle styles, such as cork, wood, or metal, depending on your preference and comfort.
The KAKURI Japanese Pull Saw is a great tool for both beginners and experienced woodworkers, as it offers a lot of flexibility and functionality.
It is also inexpensive and long-lasting, making it an excellent investment for your workshop.
As one user review on Amazon.com says, “This is a fantastic saw. It cuts like butter and leaves a very smooth surface. I highly recommend it to anyone who does any kind of woodworking.”
KAKURI Japanese Pull Saw Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Effortless cutting due to pull-stroke design.
- Thin blade for cleaner cuts.
- Versatile blade types for various tasks (Ryoba, Kataba, Dozuki, Azebiki).
- Impulse-hardened teeth for long-lasting sharpness.
Cons:
- Blade sharpening can be challenging due to unique teeth design.
- Initial adjustment needed if transitioning from push-style saws.
#2. Goldblatt Folding Hand Saw with Soft Grip Handle
Specs and Key Features
- Total length: 11-3/4 inch (299 mm)
- Handle length: 6-3/4 inch (172 mm)
- Saw blade length: 5 inch (127 mm)
- Saw blade hardness: HRC 62-68
- Blade material: D6A+M2 steel
- Surface recommendation: Drywall, wallboard, plywood, plastic, PVC
- Power source: Manual
- Special feature: Folding design
- Included component: One folding drywall saw
Goldblatt Folding Hand Saw with Soft Grip Handle Review
I bought this saw to cut some plywood for a DIY project, and I was very impressed by its performance. The blade is sharp, durable, and rust-resistant, thanks to the Japanese carbon steel material and the plating.
The handle is comfortable and ergonomic, with a soft grip and a safety latch. The saw is also compact and easy to fold and store, making it ideal for portability.
The saw cuts through plywood smoothly and precisely, with minimal effort. The teeth are aggressive and effective, and the blade is flexible enough to maneuver around curves and corners.
The saw can also handle other materials, such as drywall, PVC, and metal, with ease. I have used it for various tasks, such as cutting holes for lights, trimming branches, and sawing pipes, and it has never let me down.
The only minor drawback I found is that the blade screws are Torx heads, while the handle screws are Phillips heads, which can make changing blades a bit of a hassle.
However, this is not a big issue, as the blade is sturdy and long-lasting, and I have not needed to replace it yet.
Overall, I would highly recommend this saw to anyone looking for a versatile, reliable, and affordable folding hand saw.
It is a great tool for woodworking and other projects, and it delivers excellent results every time.
Goldblatt Folding Hand Saw with Soft Grip Handle Pros and Cons
Pros
- Versatile and durable
- Smooth and fast cutting
- Comfortable and anti-slip handle
- Folding and locking design
- Lightweight and compact
Cons
- None that I can think of
#3 IRWIN Tools General Carpentry Pull Saw
Specs and Key Features
- 12-inch blade with 14 teeth per inch
- Flexible blade for flush cuts
- ProTouch grip for comfort and control
- Ideal for cross-cuts and ripping
- Induction hardened teeth for durability
IRWIN Tools General Carpentry Pull Saw Review
I bought this saw for cutting plywood and other wood materials for my carpentry projects. I was impressed by how sharp, fast, and smooth it cuts with minimal effort.
The blade is flexible and can make flush cuts easily. The handle is comfortable and has a quick release button for changing blades. The saw is also durable and can withstand outdoor conditions.
The best thing about this saw is that it cuts on the pull stroke, which eliminates binding and facilitates a straight cut. It is also great for cleaning out circular saw cuts on stair stringers or bird’s mouth rafters.
The blade has 14 teeth per inch and a narrow kerf, which reduces tearout on the exit side. The saw is ideal for exterior trim work or cutting the overhang of a gable soffit.
The only downside is that I could not find replacement blades for this saw. I tried a different brand but it did not fit the handle.
The blade stays sharp for a long time, but eventually it will wear out or break. I wish IRWIN would sell replacement blades for this saw.
Overall, I am very happy with this saw and I would recommend it to anyone who needs a general carpentry pull saw.
It is a super tool and a bargain for the price. It is one of my favorite saws and I use it all the time.
IRWIN Tools General Carpentry Pull Saw Pros and Cons
Pros
- Smooth and clean cuts
- Flexible blade for flush cuts
- Comfortable and secure grip
- Durable and sharp teeth
- Versatile and easy to use
Cons
- Blade may bend if forced too much
- Not suitable for very thick or hard materials
- No protective cover for the blade
Read More: How to Prevent Plywood From Warping?
#4 QYQRQF 14-inch Pro Hand Saw
Specs and Key Features
- Size: 14 inches, 350 mm hand saw, 0.9 mm thick
- Material: 65Mn steel, heat treated, soft ergonomic non-slip TPR handle
- Wide usage: designed for precise cutting of wood, plastic pipe, plywood, wallboard
- Quick cuts: three cutting surfaces may cut up to 50% faster than typical handsaws.
- Deep gullets: provide rapid removal of chips
QYQRQF 14-inch Pro Hand Saw Review
The QYQRQF 14 inch Pro Hand Saw is a great tool for cutting plywood and other materials. It has a sharp blade with 11 TPI (teeth per inch) that can cut up to 50% faster than traditional handsaws.
The blade is made of 65Mn steel, which is heat treated and rust-proof. The handle is ergonomic and non-slip, making it comfortable and safe to use.
The saw also comes with a plastic protector for the teeth and a hard paper sleeve for the blade.
I used this saw to cut some plywood sheets for a DIY project and I was very impressed by its performance.
It cuts smoothly and easily, without any splintering or tearing. The saw was lightweight and easy to maneuver, even in tight spaces.
The handle was soft and grippy, and did not cause any blisters or fatigue. The saw was also durable and did not bend or dull after repeated use.
I would recommend this saw to anyone who needs a reliable and efficient hand saw for cutting plywood and other materials.
It’s a high-quality product that produces exceptional results. It is also affordable and easy to store. It is one of the best handsaws I have ever used.
QYQRQF 14-inch Pro Hand Saw Pros and Cons
Pros
- Sharp and sturdy blade
- Comfortable and non-slip handle
- Fast and smooth cutting
- Easy to clean and store
- Versatile and suitable for different materials
Cons
- Heavy and loud
- Hard to maneuver in tight spaces
Factors to Consider When Choosing Hand Saw For Plywood Cutting
1. Tooth Design:
Crosscut vs. Rip Cut: Plywood requires both crosscutting (across the grain) and rip cutting (along the grain). Consider a hand saw with a versatile tooth design that can handle both types of cuts effectively.
Teeth Per Inch (TPI): For plywood, a hand saw with a higher TPI is generally preferable for smoother cuts. Look for a saw with 10 to 12 TPI for optimal results.
2. Blade Length:
The length of the hand saw’s blade is crucial for determining the depth of your cuts. A longer blade allows for deeper cuts, but it may sacrifice maneuverability. Consider the size of your plywood sheets and the complexity of your projects when choosing the blade length.
3. Teeth Configuration:
Triple-Edge Teeth: Some hand saws come with triple-edge teeth, which provide efficient cutting and reduce the chances of splintering. This is particularly important when working with plywood to achieve clean and smooth edges.
4. Handle Design:
Ergonomics: Comfort is key, especially during extended periods of use. Look for a hand saw with an ergonomic handle design that fits comfortably in your hand, minimizing fatigue and enhancing control.
5. Material and Construction:
Blade Material: High-quality steel or other durable materials are essential for a long-lasting hand saw. A sharp and sturdy blade ensures efficient cutting and extends the tool’s lifespan.
Frame Material: Consider the material of the frame or back of the saw. A rigid and durable frame contributes to the stability of the blade during cutting, improving accuracy.
Choosing the Right Saw for Your Plywood Cutting
The best hand saw for plywood cutting depends on your specific needs and priorities:
- Frequency of use: For occasional cuts, a basic Western saw might suffice. For frequent use, invest in a quality Japanese saw or a dedicated rip-cut saw.
- Type of cuts: If you mostly need straight cuts, a crosscut or rip saw works well. For curves and tight spaces, a keyhole saw is essential.
- Budget: Western saws are generally more affordable, while Japanese saws and specialized options come at a premium.
- Skill level: Japanese saws require some practice to master the pull-cut technique.
Additional Tips For Choosing Hand Saw For Plywood Cutting
- Sharpness is key: A sharp saw cuts cleaner and with less effort, minimizing chipping and binding. Regularly sharpen your saw to maintain its performance.
- Use the right blade: Match the blade type and tooth count to the thickness of the plywood and the desired cut (ripping or crosscutting).
- Technique matters: Proper sawing technique, including using a sawhorse for support and maintaining a consistent angle, ensures smooth and accurate cuts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best type of hand saw for cutting wood?
The best type of hand saw for cutting wood is a crosscut saw, which features a versatile tooth design suitable for both crosscutting and ripping through wood fibers effectively.
What kind of saw blade is best for cutting plywood?
A saw blade with a high tooth count (10 to 12 teeth per inch) and a triple-edge tooth configuration is best for cutting plywood, as it provides smoother and cleaner cuts.
Can I use a hand saw to cut plywood?
Yes, you can use a hand saw to cut plywood. Choose a hand saw with a high tooth count and a versatile tooth design for optimal results.
Last Opinion
Selecting the best hand saw for cutting plywood involves considering various factors such as tooth design, blade length, handle ergonomics, and construction materials.
By choosing a saw that meets your specific needs, you can improve the accuracy and efficiency of your woodworking projects while achieving clean and polished results.
The recommended hand saws mentioned in this article are just a starting point, so be sure to explore additional options and read user reviews to find the perfect tool for your woodworking endeavors.
