Types of Metalwork Handsaws
- The hacksaw is the most common hand-held tool for cutting metals. It has a thin blade with very fine teeth and is held in a steel frame under tension. Also available is a mini hacksaw that is perfect for metal cutting in smaller spaces. It uses the same blade type as a regular hacksaw, but it has a smaller handle and is not under tension.
The fret saw can be used for cutting sheet metal or other thin metals. It is preferred for cutting tight curves.
The jeweler's saw is good for cutting soft metals, styrofoam, wood, plastic and fiberglass. It has an adjustable frame that can accommodate different blade lengths, even broken blades, and is a favorite for working in very small spaces, such as cutting out holes. - Additional blade types for the hacksaw include bi-metal, carbide grit, carbide grit rods, carbon steel and high-speed steel. The bi-metal, high-speed and carbon steel are used for cutting pipe, solids, plastics, tubing and wood. The carbide grit and carbide grit rod blade will cut glass, tile, stranded cable and hardened steel. Different lengths are available with various teeth counts of 14 to 32 per inch. The jeweler's saw blade is available in course, medium, fine, extra fine, superfine and ultrafine. Also available for all handsaws are spiral blades. Spiral blades have teeth on all sides and will cut in any direction.
- The bandsaw, jigsaw and cutoff saw are electrically powered and are used for heavier or thicker metals and larger or longer cuts.
- Use a vise if you are cutting a loose pipe to avoid rolling.
Metal can get very hot during the sawing process. Always wear leather gloves when working with cutting blades of any type to avoid burns and cuts. Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from metal debris. - The cheaper the blade, the sooner it may break, and you may end up spending more money on replacement blades in the long run. Always purchase better-quality blades to keep your costs down. Keep your blade clean and oiled with a light machine oil to avoid breakage.
