Braxton Taylor
Best hand saw. That depends on what you’re using it for. I’m talking about the best choices for a hand saw / crosscut saw to cut logs and firewood. Also, one that’s good for cutting limbs and branches.
Tip: Adjustable sawbuck. A folding wood cutting stand for logs (it helps!)(linked below).
Ordinarily, I will use one of my chainsaws for cutting lengths of firewood from logs. However, I do also have hand saws for tasks including cutting firewood if I need to. Excellent for prepping and preparedness.
The hand saw. There are lots of kinds. And there are many purposes which lead to their unique designs.
- Cutting wood for general purpose carpentry lumber
- Fine trim, woodworking
- Hand saw for cutting logs
- Hand saw for firewood
- Trimming limbs, pruning
(just to name a few)
The Best Crosscut Saw
A good crosscut saw is a great tool for preparedness. And, for using on any of your do-it-yourself projects. I have a number of them, each designed for their own task.
Be aware — No matter what kind of crosscut saw that you use, cutting by hand is ALL WORK. The correct saw will make it easier!
I’m going to recommend several types of hand saw. I will start with cutting logs. Then for cutting smaller limbs. Followed by one of the best for a general purpose carpenter saw.
Hand Saw For Cutting Logs
If you’re cutting logs, a properly sharpened crosscut saw is a great way to go! Although this method of cutting logs is going to kick your butt, you would be surprised how well a maintained crosscut saw will cut logs for firewood.
Crosscut Saws basically come in two tooth styles for cutting logs…
Tuttle Tooth (Champion)
This type has two cutting teeth to each raker tooth.
It is most common to use the Tuttle Tooth style for hardwoods.
Perforated Lance Tooth
This hand saw has four cutting teeth to each raker tooth.
It’s common to use the Perforated Lance Tooth style for cutting softwoods.
However, many people have used each interchangeably throughout history.
One Person Crosscut Hand Saw – 3 feet
This large saw is used mostly in forestry work, and the crosscutting of large logs. But in recent years it has been purchased by people aiming to cut their own firewood in a more traditional fashion. It is, in my opinion, a near must-have for those who are really into prepping and preparedness and who may heat with wood.
It also comes with an auxiliary handle for use as a two-person version if required.
“If you use a saw like this, it will be a lot of work. There is no avoiding it. However, it does the job. The saw creates a nice kerf so it doesn’t bind deep in the wood. Have used it for logs greater than 12”.
“I currently use a Stanley 21-106 8-Inch Mill Bastard File to sharpen the points. The single cut pattern minimizes material taken off.”
~ Reviewer
TIP: Use “goo gone” as a lubricant, and to keep sap/gum out of the teeth.
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Lynx 3′ One Person
(AMZN)
(UPDATE: This hand saw is not always available, keep reading for more possibilities)
Two Person Crosscut Hand Saw – 4 feet
This large saw is used mostly in forestry work and the crosscutting of large logs.
“We love it! Beautiful Sheffield steel, sharp as anything and easy enough to use when you get the rhythm right.”
“It had no problem cutting through pine tree logs up to 15 inches thick.”
Lynx 4′ Two Person
(AMZN)
24-Inch Timber Saw
UPDATE: There is another excellent handsaw specifically designed to cut timber. It’s not the 3-foot or 4-foot ‘beast’ like the Lynx, but it is a nice hand saw for occasional use for cutting logs or firewood. It’s the BAHCO 24-inch ProfCut Timber Saw. Furthermore, it is very well rated and reviewed, among the best in its class for a 24-inch hand saw for logs/timer/firewood, etc.
- Effective on the push as well as on the pull stroke
- Handsaw for coarse cutting
- Made in Sweden
BAHCO PC-24-TIM
(AMZN)
Also… Oregon Steel Log Saw Horse, Foldable & Adjustable Sawbuck, 10 Inch Log Capacity, Folding Wood Cutting Stand, for Logging, Splitting & Firewood…
Oregon (584145)
(AMZN)
Razor Tooth Hand Saw
I have this one. It’s ‘wicked sharp’. A 21-inch Raker Saw that I purchased a number of years ago. It has been great for general purpose around the property! Cutting limbs and such. Its curved design is great for this.
“I will always stick with Corona hand saws, great product. This 21″ blade can tackle anything from small branches all the way up to medium size tree trunks with ease. If I ever have to replace it, I will definitely buy this saw again.”
This is their latest model of that saw:
Corona 18-Inch Razor Tooth
(AMZN)
Cutting Firewood With A Crosscut Saw
Not only will you need a good felling axe, mauls, and other gear to accommodate felling, bucking, cutting, and eventually splitting your wood – one of the crucial tools (in a time without access to fuel) may be an appropriate crosscut saw to cut the logs into usable lengths.
“The best way to think of firewood is an investment account: Add to it slowly and steadily over a long time to maximize your investment.”
That sounds like good advice, particularly when facing the prospect of cutting firewood or cutting logs by hand!
Many people supplement their home heating with firewood for a wood stove. It’s hard to imagine the very hard labor that would be required if we could no longer obtain fuel for chainsaws and log splitters to cut and split our firewood!
Tips
Small stoves (requiring smaller pieces) will work you to the bone.
Wear gloves always while cutting or handling.
Procure or make your own blade protector for safety while not in use.
Cut wood as green as you can get (easier).
Try to get the logs raised to a comfortable height.
Use shims/wedges, so the cut doesn’t pinch the saw blade.
You will also want to know how to sharpen the teeth yourself, and have the equipment to do it. You will need a small file (mill Bastard – probably a six inch), a saw set gauge, and a setting hammer.
Download a crosscut saw manual for the USFS (United States Forestry Service),
(manual from the USFS)
Hand Saw For Cutting Firewood (Smaller)
Maybe you don’t want something as big. Maybe a smaller hand saw to use while camping – cutting smaller sizes for campfire firewood.
Or maybe just a small saw for around the house, for cutting branches and such.
A good option for this is the typical Bow Saw, like this, which I also own.
“This BAHCO rocks! I bet I have 3 crappy bow saws in the barn, you know how they work blades go all wonky cant get the cut to start correctly on either draw, cheap handles and poor tensioning systems. Not this BAHCO saw, this thing is great!”
BAHCO 24″
(AMZN)
Or a small Razor Tooth Folding Saw, such as this one, which is available in varying lengths.
It’s designed to cut easily through small to medium-sized branches. The professional-style saw folds for safe transportation and easy storage.
Corona 7-Inch Razor Tooth Folding Saw
Crosscut Hand Saw – Best for General Purpose Carpentry
Irwin makes high quality products and tools. Engineering from Germany. They have a wide variety in the crosscut saw market.
The length of this blade is only 15 inches, but enough – just right… It has a pitched nose that tapers off at the end. This, and its blade heft, provide stability and rigidity during the cutting process.
A perfect handle with a rubber grip.
IRWIN Coarse Cut
(AMZN)
Read:
A Hand Pull Saw For Your Carpentry Preparedness Toolkit
Best Firewood For Heating
Cordless Battery Powered Chainsaw Powerhouse
Read the full article here