A general-purpose handsaw is a practical starting point for straight cuts in timber. Consider the board thickness and the balance between cutting speed and finish when selecting tooth count.
Hand Saws and Hacksaws for Site Cutting
Different materials call for different saws. MacBlair stocks 550mm 7TPI handsaws from Bahco and Tala for timber work, plus hacksaw frames and junior hacksaws for smaller metal-cutting jobs. There are also plasterboard and pad saws for openings in board, coping saws for shaped cuts, and bow-saw blades. Check blade size and fitting before ordering replacements.
Tooth pattern and blade tension affect how a saw behaves. A coarse timber blade removes material quickly but leaves a rougher edge; a finer blade can improve control on thinner stock. Keep a hacksaw blade correctly tensioned and choose one suited to the metal and thickness. A coping saw is useful where the line curves or a profile must be followed. Support the workpiece and start with short, controlled strokes.
Mark the cut before picking up the saw. Browse measuring and marking tools for the layout, then use files and rasps to refine an edge afterwards. For powered cutting, MacBlair also lists circular saws and jigsaws.
Saw FAQs
Its compact frame is useful for smaller metal or plastic sections where access is limited. Fit a compatible blade and secure the workpiece before cutting.
A coping saw follows curved or shaped lines that a straight handsaw cannot easily make. The thin blade needs steady support and light pressure to avoid twisting.
No. Choose a hacksaw and a blade suitable for the metal and its thickness. A timber saw tooth pattern is not intended for cutting metal.
Check the saw frame length, blade mounting style and material specification. A replacement must fit the frame and be suitable for the material being cut.