A handsaw is a simple yet versatile and powerful tool that every woodworker needs in the shop. You need to choose the right hand saw that can give accurate rip and crosscuts. Picking the wrong one might give you a headache or even cause injuries in the long run. Here, our technical experts review the best handsaws for the job that are worth your money.
Reviews of the Top Handsaws for Cutting Wood
1. Black+Decker Electric Handsaw
Black+Decker Electric Handsaw is one of the most portable handsaws available that is quite powerful. This high-power electric saw possesses the cutting power to go through the wood and other materials effortlessly.
The corded-electric handsaw is rated 3.4-amp, and powers up to 4600 Strokes Per Minute to cut through non-ferrous metals, plastic, wood, etc. This saw is ideal for indoor and outdoor use and safe, thanks to the onboard safety button.
This Black+Decker saw is also lightweight and ergonomically designed for comfortable use. It comes with a tool-free blade change for swapping blades easily.
What We Like
- Lightweight
- Compact
- Easy to control
- Powerful precision
What We Don’t Like
- Not ideal for extremely heavy-duty cutting tasks
- Locking the blade is fairly difficult
2. Stanley Fatmax 15-Inch Handsaw
Stanley is one of the most popular handsaws in the market, credited with manufacturing quality tools for professionals and DIYers for over a century. This Fatmax saw is an example of their craftsmanship.
The saw comes in a 15-inch size, with an integrated SharpTooth technology and induction-hardened teeth that guarantee unmatched, precise cuttings. Our team was impressed with the thickness of the blade, as it made straight cuts seamlessly.
Like other saws on this list, the 15-inch Stanley Fatmax is ergonomic. You don’t have to be frightened about having hand fatigue or slippage.
What We Like
- Ergonomic
- Delivers sharp and speedy cutting performance
- Maneuverable
- Durable
What We Don’t Like
- Slightly versatile
- Small blade
3. Irwin Universal 15-inch Handsaw
Irwin Universal 15-inch Handsaw is another excellent handsaw that delivers the kind of performance DIYers and professionals need on a job site. This tool features a unique handle-to-blade design that makes cutting through materials fast and precise.
It features sharp, triple-ground teeth and universal tooth grind cut materials quickly. Additionally, it has a blade with a water-based lacquer coating for faster and controlled cuts [1].
Our technical experts love the stability it offers during use and grip. It’s lightweight and ergonomically designed to reduce fatigue, ideal for long periods of cutting.
What We Like
- Comfortable to hold
- Versatile
- Lightweight
- Ergonomic
What We Don’t Like
- Blade is thin
- Not ideal for heavy tasks
4. WilFiks 16” Pro Handsaw
If you are looking for a handsaw that will deliver a superior and long-lasting performance, the WilFiks 16” Pro Handsaw might be what you are looking for. This handsaw has it all to guarantee precise cutting.
This compact saw comes in a sturdy design with sharp teeth for cutting through various materials with ease. Whether working on wood or plastic for your wood project home ideas, you can trust this saw to do the needful with its induction-hardened teeth. The saw is ideal for a variety of cutting operations, safe, and uncomplicated to use.
What We Like
- Easy to use
- Durable construction
- Impressive cutting
- Excellent price
What We Don’t Like
- Not great for deep cuttings
- No storage bag
Handsaws for Cutting Wood Buyer's Guide
With several options in the market, it can be relatively complicated to figure out the best handsaw for cutting wood. Below are a few things to consider when purchasing one.
Design and Comfort
The saw’s design determines how comfortable you can get with the saw during use. Ensure that you purchase a saw that’s a little flexible and offers greater control for increased performance.
TPI
The Teeth Per Inch of a hand saw impacts the precision of a saw. Materials such as softwood need a saw with 2 to 8 TPI to get the job done quicker. For hardwoods, our team recommends hand saws with smaller teeth of about 20 TPI.
Type of Handsaw
Handsaws come in three different types – ripping saws, crosscut saws, and dovetail back saw. Ripping saws are general-purpose tools that cut any wood’s grain and chisel wood, thanks to its teeth design.
Crosscut saws have beveled edges for cutting across the wood’s grain. Some of these saws can even be used by two people, each holding the other end of the saw. Unlike ripping saws, this type of saw can’t be used for every application, given that teeth are beveled. A dovetail backsaw is mostly used for cutting soft and hardwoods that need precision.
Our Top Pick for a Handsaw for Cutting Wood:
Black+Decker Electric Handsaw
Although our woodworking experts found many excellent options during our tests, they can conclude that the Black+Decker Electric Handsaw is one of the best handsaws for cutting wood. This handsaw comes with enough power to cut through various materials, such as wood and plastic, seamlessly. Additionally, it’s safe to use and ergonomically designed.
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