Essential saws

Although these days their job is often usurped by power saws, handsaws are still valued, not least for their beauty and the soothing benefits of a good rip. Teeth design is the most important element of a saw, both the shape and the size. Smaller teeth are meant for finer work, while larger teeth give the satisfaction of a fast, coarse cut. Traditionally, saws either “ripped”-cut with the grain-or crosscut against the grain, but many saws now have teeth that work in both directions.

1. A flush-cut saw such as the Stanley allows you to make fine cuts, such as trimming the ends of dowels ($20)

2. Ripsaws cut with the grain, such as this handmade walnut-handled Lynx saw ($143, European Hand Tools, 888-222-8331)

3. With a dovetail saw, such as this rip-teeth version from Lie-Nielsen, you can make fine cuts and tight, clean joints ($163, Lie-Nielsen Canada, 877-967-5966)

4. Coping saws are for scrollwork and tight curves, such as this Lee Valley model ($14)

5. For cutting veneer, use a veneer saw such as this one from Canwood ($9)

6. An all-purpose handsaw such as this Bahco is sometimes called a “toolbox saw” ($42)

7. A long, narrow keyhole saw such as this Mastercraft cuts round holes for pipes or ducts ($15)

8. A double-edged Japanese ryoba saw can rip and crosscut, such as this one from Bakuma ($40).