We all are well-aware of the fact that saw is a tool used for cutting wood. So is there any difference if you use it across the wood grain or along the wood grain? This question is a common one and you get it mostly from DIY woodworkers. Note that rip cut refers to the situation when you are cutting a wooden piece parallel to the grains.
On the contrary, cutting perpendicular to the grain is known as cross-cut. Handsaws with rip teeth cut across the grain. Each tooth is shaped like the blade of a knife. These teeth can clearly sever the wood grain. Unarguably, the rip saw is the one which comes equipped with an excellent blade and comfortable handle.
Let’s take a glance at some of the rip saws you can buy for effective woodworking.
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Rip Saws
1. IRWIN Tools- Handsaw for Rip-Cut and Universal Use : Product Overall
To cut along the grain of the wood, you need a saw that comprises uniform teeth and cuts fast. While you are rip-cutting a long piece of wood, sawing higher in TPI can make the cut worse and inaccurate. To address this most commonly faced issue, we have an IRWIN saw which is actually a universal one.
However, as per many woodworkers, it does its job quite perfectly. This 15-inch saw comprises an 11 TPI triple ground teeth which ensures that you can obtain the speed of a coarse cutting saw. But quite phenomenally, the IRWIN rip saw provides you with the finish of a fine-cutting saw.
To eliminate binding with the soft wood, the blade comes with a special coating on it. Quite impressive, the handle of this saw is constructed with resin and molded into a perfect shape. This ensures that you can have a great grip while working for long-term projects. But while working with hardwood, the performance of the product would not be up to the mark.
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2. Spear & Jackson : Alternative to Irwin Tools Rip Saw
One of the highlighting aspects of this saw is its 22 inch 10 PTS high carbon steel blade. It also comes equipped with a hardwood handle that exudes practicality to modern woodworkers. If you are someone who is obsessed with precision, the Spear & Jackson saw is just the right product for you.
Quite interestingly, it is a traditionally styled saw that can be re-sharpened. This is the reason that you can customize the saw as you want. You can also transform it into a rip saw or a crosscut saw as per your preferences. Unlike other saws, you don’t have to dump it when it gets old. Moreover, you can use this saw for years to come so that your investment can outlast.
Quite impressively, this saw comes with a hardwood handle that can be skewed back for better balance. Note that balance is the key to make rip cuts in a precise manner. For every cut you are going to make it would be perfect if you use this as your magic wand!
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3. Stanley Sharptooth Saw : for People with Large Hands
It is one of those saws that come with 9 points per inch. It is a 15-inch saw blade along with a three-sided tooth design. If you prefer effortless rip cutting, then the Stanley Sharptooth Saw is your bet.
With its three-sided tooth design, cutting any material is like slicing through butter with a hot knife. On the other hand, when the context is ripping through soft or hard wood, the saw is even more useful.
This saw is so handy that you wouldn’t think about pulling out a power tool while pursuing complicated tasks. This saw is quite appropriate for those who have large hands and love to wear protective gloves at their workplace.
In other words, the large opening on the handle would help you to get a tight grip while woodworking with intricate designs. But this saw is affordable and makes sense if you want a versatile woodworking tool. Other than rip cutting, you can use this saw for cutting other materials too.
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4. HAUTMEC Rip Saw : Budget Pick
The HAUTMEC Rip Saw has a total blade length of 14 inches. Its TPI blade can cut through a plethora of wooden surfaces. To cut hardwood, saws with shallow teeth take a bit longer to rip cut.
This saw has a set of deep teeth which works better on hardwood surfaces when compared to other products. There is no denying the fact that this saw cuts even better on the hardwood surfaces.
With its compact profile, this saw is quite apt to execute backyard DIY projects and season pruning when needed. Another highlighting prospect of this saw is that it is quite affordable. It has razor sharp blades that are thicker when compared to normal rip saws.
This is also the reason that this saw produces less sound and vibration while woodworking. Due to its plastic projection, the sharpness remains for a long period of time. In simple words, this is one of the tools to execute small and mid-intensity jobs.
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5. Suizan Japanese Hand Saw : Dual Blade Japanese Saw
This Ryoba saw from Suizan is a Japanese masterpiece and comes with dual edge with cross cut teeth on one end of the blade and rip teeth on the other. You can use this saw to pursue medium to light woodworking tasks.
Its 9.5 inch blade comprises high-quality Japanese steel. Moreover, it is completely corrosion resistant. Quite phenomenally, this saw comes with a replaceable handle. So if the handle wears out, you can easily change it.
There is no denying the fact that it is a high precision saw to make you achieve proficiency in your tasks. This saw works on the pull mechanism and consumes less energy of the user. But you wouldn’t get any warranty on this tool that can be quite disappointing. Interesting Read: Chop Saws
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6. Ryoba Hand Saw : Premium Pick
For someone who needs a hand saw to work with abrasive woods, this one can be a superb model. The dual edge blade has cross cut teeth on one side and rips teeth on the other. This one can handle various jobs.
You need to use a pull mechanism for working. The length of the blade is only 9.5 inches which is ideal to handle a plethora of tasks. Quite impressively, this saw comes with a brochure with the help of which can properly maintain it. However, the handle of this rip saw is not ergonomic.
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7. Wilfiks Pro Hand Saw : Multipurpose Rip Saw
If you are on the lookout of a multipurpose saw, this can be the option for you. Quite importantly, you can use this saw for gardening, cutting wood, pruning, etc. What’s more the blade of this saw is made of high-carbon steel to increase the durability.
The blade has a 9TPI rating which increases its rigidity and overall control. In daily use, the performance of this saw can be quite fascinating. The handle is ant slip and ergonomic which exudes practicality.
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8. Great Neck : Weather Resistant Handle
This one is a large hand saw, made of high-carbon steel material which increases its durability. The blade and handle are very durable because of the toughness of their materials. On the other hand, the dark wood handle is quite good and weather-resistant. In other words, the handle would not react to the changing temperature.
The 10 teeth per inch blade is great for cross cuts. This one has a large blade of 26 inches which can be used for all kinds of cutting tasks.It comes equipped with a lifetime warranty with precision cutting features.
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Other Great Picks
9. Shark Corp
If the purpose of your purchase is carpentry and rip cutting then this is a suitable option. It is great for all types of cuts and does an amazing job with PVC and ABS plastic pipes. The 12 inches blade is super strong and has 14 TPI to ensure that the cuts are smoother and faster.
The blade is flexible and good for flush cutting as well. However, one of the biggest drawbacks is that the blade is irreplaceable and when it loses its edge, you will have to buy a new saw altogether. The honing of the blade is also very difficult.
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10. Gyokucho
It is one of the most lightweight saws you can ever find in the market. If you are on the lookout for an economical rip saw, you just can’t look past this product. It has a minimal weight which helps you to carry on with your woodworking assignments.
The 7-inch blade is made of good quality steel. It is one of the compact hand saws you can ever buy nowadays. With an overall length of 15 inches, this saw is quite space saving in a small woodworking workshop.
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Buying Guide
Here is the list of things to consider while buying a rip saw.
1. Teeth-Per-Inch
Hand saws vary in Teeth-Per-Inch that can make a massive difference to the final outcome. Always opt for a handsaw which has teeth in dense formation.
2. Size
The length of the blade determines the overall size of the rip saw. Opt for a size which complies with your overall woodworking needs.
3. Handle
The handle of the rip saw you are opting for should provide a comfortable grip. In other words, you should be able to grip the saw firmly.
4. Replaceable blade
While buying a rip saw, always try to opt for one that comes with a replaceable blade. This enables you to ensure that you don’t have to throw the saw away once the blades start to wear out.
Conclusion
If you are not a woodworking professional, you really don’t have to keep a saw polished to use just for ripping wood. Rather, you can use a universal kind of saw that has many advantages, but ripping is one of those. Now you have a clear understanding of all the things to consider when choosing the rip saw and also have multiple options to choose from.
