How to Use a Japanese Saw
Are you looking to improve your woodworking skills using a Japanese saw? This guide will walk you through the essentials, from mastering basic sawing techniques to understanding the different types of Japanese saws. You'll also learn how these specialized tools can help you achieve cleaner, more precise cuts, along with steps to take before and after using them. We’ll even explore some of Kakuri’s top product recommendations. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced woodworker, this guide will help you get the most out of your Japanese saw and elevate your woodworking projects
Features of Japanese Saws
Before diving into the details of how to use a Japanese saw, let’s start with an overview of its key features. Japanese saws are crafted with different blade lengths, thicknesses, and tooth configurations (pitch, angle, and sharpness), each designed for specific materials and purposes. Unlike Western saws, which cut on the push stroke, most Japanese saws cut on the pull stroke, allowing for greater control and cleaner cuts.
The double-edged saw, one of the most popular types, has two cutting edges—one for rip cuts along the grain and one for crosscuts across the grain—making it versatile for various woodworking tasks. In this guide, we'll focus on the features and uses of double-edged saws, followed by a look at other specialized types.
Double-Edged Saw
To make the most of your saw, it's essential to understand its parts and their functions. The handle, also known as the e (柄), provides a comfortable and secure grip. The ejiri (柄じり), or butt of the handle, and the egashira (柄がしら), or end of the handle, give the saw its balance and structure.
As mentioned, the double-edged saws feature two cutting edges: one side is designed for rip cuts along the grain, and the other side is for crosscuts across the grain. This makes them highly versatile for a wide range of woodworking tasks.
Additionally, there are other specialized types of Japanese saws, such as Dozuki saws, Azebiki saws, Keyhole saws, and pruning saws. The choice of saw depends on the material you're working with and the type of cut you need to make.
Check out our Double-edged Saw
Role and Usage of Double-Edged Saws
The double-edged saw is believed to have been designed by Japanese carpenters to serve two functions in one tool, making it more convenient to carry and use on various tasks. While there are different theories about its origins, its practicality is undeniable.
Rip-cut blade: This side of the saw is specifically designed for cutting along the wood grain. It features larger, more aggressive teeth that easily slice through the wood fibers, making it perfect for straight, clean cuts along the grain.
Crosscut blade: Found on the other side, the crosscut blade is intended for cutting across the grain. It has finer teeth that reduce splintering and ensure smooth, precise cuts, making it ideal for trimming and finishing work. (The tooth configuration may vary depending on the specific saw model.)
Before Using a Double-Edged Saw
Before using a double-edged saw, it’s important to focus on two key factors: your grip and posture. Proper hand positioning and body alignment are essential for both accuracy and safety. Ensure that you hold the saw correctly and maintain a stable posture to guide your cuts effectively. Additionally, be sure to select the appropriate blade for the specific task and verify that the saw is properly assembled and securely attached before starting your project.
How to Hold a Japanese Saw
When using the saw with one hand, grip it lightly in the center of the handle. For two-handed use, place your right hand on the butt of the handle and your left hand closer to the blade for balance and control. Avoid gripping too tightly, as this can cause the saw to veer off the cutting line. If your grip or finger placement is misaligned, the cut may become uneven.
Start the cut by holding the saw with one hand to create a groove, and once the cut stabilizes, switch to using both hands. Always use the full length of the blade and apply pressure on the pull stroke. As a pull saw, it is designed to cut efficiently when pulled toward you. Relax on the push stroke and focus your strength when pulling.
In some models, such as the gun-grip saws from the GIKOH series, the curved handle design helps increase pulling power with minimal effort, allowing for faster and more controlled one-handed use.
No excessive force is needed when using a pull saw. The saw is designed to cut straight on its own. Simply pull the saw slowly, utilizing the full length of the blade, and let the blade's weight do the work. By avoiding the application of too much force and allowing the saw to glide naturally, you’ll achieve a clean, straight cut with minimal effort.
Posture During Use
Align your eyes with the saw blade and the marked cutting line to ensure precision. Keep your body steady, using your entire arm to guide the saw. If your line of sight is off, the cut will not follow the marked line, so maintaining alignment is key.
Expert advice from KakuriThe key to making clean, accurate cuts is to keep the material as stable as possible. Always secure the wood firmly with clamps before you begin cutting. This will prevent movement, allowing for better control and more precise results. |
Preparing for Sawing
Before you begin cutting, mark the exact location on the material where you intend to cut. Use a carpenter’s square or similar tool to draw precise, straight lines across the surface. Be sure to mark the sides of the material as well, as these will help guide your cut.
Next, securely clamp the material to your workbench. This step is crucial for stability. Holding the material by hand can cause it to shift, making it difficult to achieve a straight, accurate cut. By clamping it in place, you free up both hands, allowing for better control and a smoother cutting process.
Expert advice from kakuriMark the portion of the material to be cut off by adding a diagonal line. The saw removes material equal to the width of the saw blade as it cuts. Be sure to cut on the inside of the mark, on the side that will be discarded, to account for the blade's width. By leaving a little extra material, you can plane or file the surface without losing the necessary width of the remaining material. |
Please note that saw blades with set teeth (known as "asari") do not have equal blade thickness and cutting width. Be mindful of this when cutting.
Sawing Technique (for Horizontal Cutting)
Keep your line of sight focused on both the saw blade and the marked line.
To get started:
Begin by gently pushing the saw forward along the marked line with the lower part of the fine-toothed blade to create a small groove. Be cautious at the start, as the saw may move side to side, making it difficult to stabilize.
Once the groove is set, begin moving the saw back and forth, keeping the blade aligned with the marked line. Push and pull the saw along the line while ensuring the blade stays straight.
Always keep your eyes on both the blade and the markings as you cut.
After the groove is established, slightly raise the saw and continue cutting at an angle of about 35 degrees. Most Japanese saws apply cutting force during the pull stroke, so ease off on the push stroke and apply more pressure when pulling. Use the entire length of the blade and pull slowly for better control.
As you approach the end of the cut, support the piece you are cutting with your hand to prevent it from falling. Hold the blade upright and finish the cut with slow, deliberate strokes for a clean result.
Expert advice from kakuriAt the start of the cut, hold the saw so that the body of the saw and the marked line are perfectly parallel. If the saw blade and the line are even slightly misaligned, the cut will not be straight. Take your time to carefully check both the saw and the marked line to ensure alignment. When finishing the cut, be sure to support the part you are cutting with your hand. This will prevent the material from breaking under its own weight before the cut is complete, helping you preserve the clean, precise edges of your cut. |
After using the saw
To ensure the longevity and safety of your saw, proper storage is essential after each use. Clean the blade thoroughly to remove sawdust and debris, which will help prevent rust. Store the saw in a dry location, preferably in a protective sleeve, to avoid dulling the blade and to prevent accidental injury. Always keep the saw out of reach of children and securely store it in your workspace to avoid accidents.
How to Use Different Types of Japanese Saws
There are various types of Japanese saws, each specifically designed for different tasks and cutting techniques. This section offers a brief overview of how to use each type, highlights their unique features, and provides important safety tips. Whether you're working on fine joinery or outdoor pruning, knowing which saw to use for the job is key to achieving the best results.
Replaceable blade saw
Replaceable blade multi-purpose saws are highly versatile tools that can be fitted with a range of blades, each designed for specific materials. The appropriate blade depends on the material you're cutting—whether it's wood, bamboo, plastic, light metal, or for pruning tasks. You can easily swap out dull or damaged blades, and the variety of blade options allows you to tailor the saw to different jobs. Blade replacement is quick and simple, often done with a one-touch mechanism.
How to use: Choose the correct blade for the material you're working with and securely attach it to the saw. Apply the same pull stroke technique, using controlled pressure to achieve a clean cut. This saw’s versatility makes it ideal for both large-scale and detailed woodworking projects.
Dozuki Saws (Backed Saws)
Dozuki saws are renowned for their ability to make fine, precise cuts, thanks to their thin blades and reinforced spines. The rigid backing adds stability, making them ideal for delicate joinery work, such as dovetails and tenons. How to use: This saw is perfect for tasks requiring high precision. Lightly grip the center of the handle with your index finger extended for control. Pull the saw slowly to establish grooves and continue with steady, controlled strokes. The reinforced spine helps maintain straight cuts, making it ideal for fine, detailed work. Dozuki saws are delicate and should be used for smaller cuts only. Applying too much pressure or cutting thick materials can damage the thin blade. Always avoid bending or twisting the saw to ensure smooth, accurate cuts.
Keyhole Saws
Keyhole saws feature narrow, sharp blades that are perfect for cutting in tight spaces or making curved and intricate cutouts. These saws are commonly used for tasks like cutting holes in walls for outlet boxes or other fixtures.
How to use: First, draw an outline of the shape you wish to cut. Drill a small hole within the outline where the blade can fit through. While you can use the tip of the saw to make the hole, using a drill or awl is often easier. Insert the blade into the hole and carefully follow the marked lines to cut out the desired shape. Keyhole saws are also effective for cutting on vertical surfaces like walls.
Azebiki Saw
Azebiki saws are specialized tools designed to start cuts in the middle of a flat surface, making straight cuts without the need to drill a hole. They are also commonly used for creating grooves or channels.
How to use: For cut-out work: Draw ink lines on the material to outline the section to be cut. Begin cutting by aligning the curved part of the blade with the ink line, keeping the blade at about a 35-degree angle. Once the blade penetrates the material, gradually increase the angle to 90 degrees at the corners, cutting along the ink lines. Repeat the process for all sides to cut out the material.
For groove or stop groove cutting: Mark the desired groove width on the material with an ink line. Use the saw to cut along the line to the desired depth. Cutting along battens can help guide your saw for straight cuts. After making two cuts, use a chisel to remove the material between them. For stop grooves, only cut partway through the material.
Pruning Saws
Pruning saws are equipped with thick blades and coarse teeth, making them perfect for trimming branches and cutting through green wood or fresh timber. The strong, curved blade allows for quick and efficient cutting, even with thicker branches.
How to use: Like other pull saws, apply pressure on the pull stroke to control the cut. Pruning saws are ideal for rough and fast cutting, especially when working with thick branches. When cutting overhead, always wear safety goggles and gloves to protect your eyes and hands.
Folding Saws
Folding saws are highly convenient tools designed for portability. With a blade that folds into the handle for compact storage, these saws are perfect for woodworking, crafts, or outdoor pruning on the go. You can even carry them in your pocket.
How to use: Unfold the saw and lock it securely in place before starting to cut. Use it like any other pull saw, applying pressure on the pull stroke to control the cut. Due to its small size, the folding saw is ideal for quick, light-duty tasks both indoors and outdoors.
Check out our Mini Folding Saw and Replaceble Blade Pull Saw
Recommended tools for beginners
The Universal Woodworking Saw Kit is an ideal choice for beginners looking to get started with precision woodworking. This versatile kit includes a selection of high-quality Japanese saws designed to handle a wide range of cutting tasks, from fine detail work to larger projects. With easy-to-use tools and excellent craftsmanship, this kit provides everything a novice woodworker needs to achieve clean, accurate cuts with confidence. Discover how the Universal Woodworking Saw Kit can help you begin your woodworking journey by visiting the page below.
Check out our Universal Woodworkiing Saw Kit
Safety Precautions
Handling Precautions
Do not modify or use the saw for any purpose other than its intended function.
Avoid using the saw on materials not specified for its use.
Always inspect the saw before use and avoid using it if it is loose or damaged.
Never point the tip of the saw toward people or animals.
Excessive force or rough handling can damage the saw.
Ensure the material being cut is securely held in place during use.
Check for foreign objects like nails or wires embedded in the wood before cutting.
Wear safety glasses and gloves while working.
Avoid touching the cutting edge directly with bare hands.
Take extra care when installing or removing the blade to avoid injury.
Do not apply excessive force or twist the blade, as this may cause it to break or bend.
The cutting edge is extremely sharp, so handle with care.
Keep the saw out of reach of children.
Product Maintenance
After each use, remove wood chips with a brush, then wipe the blade clean and dry. Use a cloth with anti-rust oil to protect the blade from corrosion.
Store the saw in a dry place, as the blade is prone to rust in humid environments.
If the saw comes with a case, store it inside the case to protect the cutting edge.
Always store the saw in a secure place, such as a toolbox, to prevent accidents.
FAQ
What is a double-edged saw (pull saw) used for?
"Materials Suitable for a Ryoba Saw" The ryoba saw can be used on a variety of types of wood. The blade comes in a range of lengths (Kakuri offers sizes from 120mm to 270mm). While a longer blade allows for faster work, it can be more difficult to control. The 240mm size is the most common.
"Best Uses / Scenarios" Since the ryoba saw can handle both rip cuts and crosscuts, it may not outperform specifically made saws, but it proves useful in a wide range of tasks, from small projects to furniture making. Unless you have specific needs, It’s a great first saw to have.
What are the advantages of a double-edged saw?
Cutting Accuracy: The pull stroke minimizes the risk of crushing or damaging the wood, resulting in cleaner cuts. This is particularly beneficial when working with delicate materials or when a high-quality finish is needed. Keep in mind that cutting accuracy can vary based on the pitch of the blade.
Lightweight and Easy to Handle: Pull saws are generally lightweight, making them less tiring to use for extended periods. Their easy handling allows you to make precise cuts with just one hand, offering more control over your tools and projects. However, the ease of use can depend on the specific type of saw.
Conclusion
Japanese saws offer a blend of tradition, precision, and versatility that make them valuable tools for any woodworker. Throughout this guide, we've explored the various types of saws and techniques that can help improve your craftsmanship, whether tackling detailed joinery or larger cuts. With the right saw and proper technique, you'll find woodworking more efficient and enjoyable. If you're interested in learning more or expanding your toolkit, Kakuri provides a range of high-quality tools and resources to support your woodworking journey.
