Last Updated on September 17, 2023
Unlock the secrets of slicing plywood like a master by harnessing the power of the perfect tool. Whether you're a DIY guru or a seasoned carpentry pro, always appreciate the might of a hand saw. With an array of options at your fingertips, navigating the labyrinth of lumber may seem overwhelming, but fear not! We're here as your trusty guide, ready and eager to help you unveil the hidden gem that will revolutionize your woodworking game.
We have compiled a detailed review of the top 10 hand saws for cutting plywood to assist you in making an informed choice. We have thoroughly assessed and compared their features, performance, and durability, ensuring that you can find the ideal saw that meets your specific requirements. Bid farewell to rough edges and wood splinters – with our guide, you will soon be able to achieve seamless cuts effortlessly.
Comparison Table Chart for Best Hand Saw For Plywood
Choose the top 10 hand saws for precision plywood cutting. Make your projects a breeze with these top-rated woodworking tools.
| No | Product | Score | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Klein Tools 725 6-Inch Jab Saw | 9.8 | Check Price on Amazon |
| 2 | Japanese Style Hand Saw - Ryoba Double Edge Pull Saw with 10 Inch Blade for Woodworking | 9.6 | Check Price on Amazon |
| 3 | HAUTMEC Drywall Saw, Jab Saw | 9.4 | Check Price on Amazon |
| 4 | HAUTMEC 6-Inch Jab Saw for Wallboard | 9.4 | Check Price on Amazon |
| 5 | KAKURI Japanese Pull Saw for Hardwood | 9.2 | Check Price on Amazon |
| 6 | BLACK+DECKER Jig Saw, 4.5 -Amp (BDEJS300C) | 8.8 | Check Price on Amazon |
| 7 | Goldblatt Folding Drywall Saw | 8.6 | Check Price on Amazon |
| 8 | KAKURI Japanese Pull Saw for Hardwood 8-1/4 Inch | 8.6 | Check Price on Amazon |
| 9 | GreatNeck 74002 20 Inch Aggressive Tooth Handsaw | 8.6 | Check Price on Amazon |
| 10 | BORA 50” NGX Clamp Edge | 8.2 | Check Price on Amazon |
The Top 10 Hand Saws for Plywood You Need in Your Toolbox
Need a hand saw for cutting plywood? Discover the top 10 hand saws that are perfect for this task. Don’t settle for anything less than the best when it comes to your plywood projects.
1. Klein Tools 725 6-Inch Jab Saw
- Hand saw cuts drywall, wallboard, plywood, and plastic
- Drywall saw blade with triple ground teeth for a fast cut
- Blade cuts in both directions (push and pull)
- Hardened, carbon steel blade for durability
- Hardened, beveled blade point for scoring and plunge cuts
- Handle structure designed for strength and durability
- Flat-end grip for palming or punching through drywall
2. Japanese Style Hand Saw – Ryoba Double Edge Pull Saw with 10 Inch Blade for Woodworking
- Japanese Style Double edge saw is two saws in one – one side does rip work (7 TPI) and the other side does fine, clean cuts at 15 TPI.
- Pull saw gives you more control over the cut versus a traditional saw that cuts on the push
- 10 inch long blade with triple-beveled teeth and a 12 inch comfort-grip handle
- Can be used on plywood, hardwood, moldings, engineered wood, and PVC
- Some assembly required (blade must be attached to handle with a bolt and nut; all parts are included).
3. HAUTMEC Drywall Saw
- Faster Cutting】: Precision both ground teeth allows for smooth, faster and effortless cutting.
- Practical & Durable】: Sharpened tip with an oblique angle for plasterboard or splint.
- Ergonomic Grip Design】: Lightweight jab saw with soft grip and slip-resistant handle, ergonomically designed for continuous use with minimal fatigue, larger handle guard for improved safety.
- Wide applicable】: Suitable for drywall, wallboard, plywood, cement board, thin paneling and PVC
- Extra handle guard】 larger handle guard for improved safety
4. HAUTMEC 6-Inch Jab Saw for Wallboard
- Double edge teeth for a fast cut
- Sharpened tip with an oblique angle for fast, clean, and effortless cutting
- Hardened, carbon steel blade for durability
- Handle structure designed for strength and durability
- Suitable for drywall, wallboard, plywood, cement board, thin paneling, plastic and other construction materials.
5. KAKURI Japanese Pull Saw for Hardwood
- SPECIAL HAND SAW FOR CUTTING PLYWOOD & SOLID WOOD MATERIALS: A High-quality Japanese saw for cutting hard wood material.
- QUICK & EASY BLADE INTERCHANGE: The special KAKURI blade is replaceable with one touch by hand.
- TOP QUALITY JAPANESE TOOL: Only Japanese high-grade steel is used.
- ENGLISH INSTRUCTION: KAKURI official English instruction is included.
- PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS: Made in Japan / Blade: Japanese high carbon steel / Handle: TPR Resin / Blade Length: 8-1/4 inches / Overall Size: 3.
6. BLACK+DECKER Jig Saw
- VERSATILE APPLICATION – 3/4 in. stroke length for cutting wood, metal, and more materials.
- VARIABLE-SPEED MOTOR – 4.5 Amp motor generates up to 3,000 spm of cutting power.
- COMPACT AND LIGHTWEIGHT – Electric jig saw is designed for easy maneuverability and reduced vibration.
- BEVELED CUTS – Base plate tilts to make beveled cuts up to 45 degrees.
- WIRE GUARD – Supplies a clear line of sight for enhanced cutting precision.
- QUICK-CLAMP – Allows for tool-free blade changes.
- ADJUSTABLE SHOE – Provides added stability.
- BUILT-IN DUST BLOWER – Keeps sawdust and debris out of your way.
- CORDED – Corded design offers unlimited runtime for even the biggest jobs.
- INCLUDES – BDEJ300C electric jig saw.
7. Goldblatt Folding Drywall Saw
- Specification & Dimension – Total length: 11-3/4 inch (299 mm); Handle Length: 6-3/4 inch (172 mm); Saw Blade Length: 5 inch (127 mm) , Saw Blade HRC 62-68.
- Faster Cutting – Precision triple ground teeth allows for smooth, faster and effortless cutting.
- Ergonomic Handle – Anti-Slip Super Grip handle resists slipping, adding comfort.
- Secure Lock & Portable Construction – Lock System prevents the blade from accidental close during use.
- Application – Designed for precise cutting drywall, wallboard, plywood, plastic and PVC.
8. KAKURI Japanese Pull Saw for Hardwood 8-1/4 Inch
- QUALITY JAPANESE PULL SAW SERIES: A series of KAKURI Japanese woodworking hand saw uses Japanese unique traditional techniques.
- JAPANESE SAW FOR HARDWOOD: It uses a blade specially developed for cutting hard wood.
- COMFORT WOODEN HANDLE: The handle is made of Japanese high quality red oak with an oil finish.
- EASY INTERCHANGEABLE BLADE: The blade is replaceable and compatible with all handles in the same series.
- PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS: Blade: Japanese carbon steel / Handle: Japanese Red Oak (Oil finished) / Blade Length: 8-1/4″/ TPI: 17.
9. GreatNeck 74002 20 Inch Aggressive Tooth Handsaw
- CUTS QUICK: Wood cutting saws feature 11 teeth per inch/12 points per inch for delivering a rough cut; Tri-bevel tooth design for faster, more efficient wood cutting; Wood saw makes quick work of limbs, boards, PVC, and a variety of other materials.
- DURABLE WOODWORKING SAW: Induction hardened 1MM alloy steel saw blade to ensure durability and rust resistance; This is a long-lasting tree saw from a company known for producing high quality hand saws for trees and more.
- COMFORTABLE TO USE: Small wood saw features a composite anti-slip comfort handle for reduced hand fatigue; Plywood hand saw feels great in hand; Hand saw for woodworking has unparalleled ease of use.
- EASY TO USE: Our handsaw for wood features built-in 45° and 90° angle markings for guided cutting as well as a 17 inch ruler on the back of the manual saw for measuring and accurate cuts; Make quick, precise cuts with this handsaw for trees.
- WIDELY USEFUL SAW: Our hand saws for cutting wood also tackle a variety of other cutting tasks; Use it for gardening, cutting tree branches, even cutting PVC pipe; Cuts fasters than other saws, stays sharp, and stands up to all sorts of cutting tasks.
10. BORA 50” NGX Clamp Edge
- CIRCULAR SAW GUIDE FOR LARGE SHEETS: The BORA clamp edge is an ideal accessory for accurately cutting wide boards and pieces of plywood that are too big for a table saw.
- CLAMPS FIRMLY: This straight edge guide has a wide rubberized clamp face to ensure a tight non-slip grip that won’t leave indentations and is easily adjustable to meet the length of your project.
- EXTREME DURABILITY: Made of heavy-gauge, extruded aluminum it is rigid enough to resist bowing and hold a straight edge, and durable enough to withstand repeated use.
- USE WITH ANY CIRCULAR SAW: This guide is compatible with any brand of circular saw, not just BORA tools.
- PREMIUM QUALITY: The BORA clamp edge straight cut guide is designed for heavy-duty use in the toughest conditions.
How to Choose the Ideal Hand Saw for Plywood Projects
Plywood is a versatile and commonly used material in woodworking projects. Whether you're building furniture cabinets or even tackling DIY home improvements, having the right tools is crucial for achieving a professional finish. When it comes to cutting plywood, a hand saw can be a valuable asset. However, choosing the ideal hand saw for plywood projects can be a daunting task, considering the variety of options available in the market. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of selecting the perfect hand saw for your plywood-cutting needs.
Consider the Type of Plywood
The first step in choosing the right-hand saw is to consider the type of plywood you'll be working with. Plywood comes in various thicknesses, from thin veneer to thicker sheets. Thicker plywood requires a saw with larger teeth and a more robust build, while thinner plywood can be cut with a fine-toothed saw.
Choose the Right Saw Type
There are several types of hand saws designed for cutting wood, and each has its own specific purpose. For plywood projects, you'll want to focus on the following types:
- Crosscut Saw: Crosscut saws are made for cutting wood across the grain. They have a large number of teeth per inch (TPI) and are ideal for making clean, precise cuts on plywood sheets.
- Rip Saw: Rip saws are designed for cutting wood along the grain. They have fewer TPI compared to crosscut saws and are suitable for making long, straight cuts on plywood.
- Dovetail Saw: If your plywood project involves intricate joinery or fine detail work, a dovetail saw with a lean blade and fine teeth is an excellent choice.
- Japanese Pull Saw: Japanese pull saws are known for their precision and versatility. They come in various tooth configurations, making them suitable for a wide range of plywood-cutting tasks.
Consider Tooth Count (TPI)
The measurement of teeth per inch (TPI) on a hand saw's blade plays a crucial role in its cutting performance. For plywood projects, a saw with a higher TPI is generally preferred. A high TPI provides a smoother and cleaner cut, which is essential when working with plywood to prevent splintering and rough edges. Look for a hand saw with at least 10-12 TPI for plywood cutting.
Ergonomics and Comfort
Since woodworking can be a time-consuming task, it's essential to choose a hand saw that feels comfortable in your hand and offers good ergonomics. Look for a saw with a well-designed handle that allows for a firm grip and reduces hand fatigue during extended use.
Quality and Brand Reputation
Investing in a high-quality hand saw from a reputable brand is always a wise decision. Well-known brands often offer better craftsmanship, durability, and customer support. Read reviews, seek recommendations, and do your research to identify reliable hand-saw brands.
Budget Considerations
Hand saws come in a wide price range, from budget-friendly options to premium models. While it's tempting to go for the cheapest saw available, remember that a higher-quality saw is likely to yield better results and last longer. Consider your budget, but prioritize quality and functionality over price.
FAQs about the Best Hand Saws for Cutting Plywood
Can I use a regular hand saw for cutting plywood, or do I need a specialized one?
You can use a regular hand saw for cutting plywood, but it's best to choose one with the appropriate tooth count and tooth shape. Crosscut or panel saws are commonly available at most hardware stores and are suitable for plywood. Avoid saws with extremely fine teeth, like dovetail saws, as they are designed for different tasks.
What safety precautions should I take when using a hand saw on plywood?
Safety is crucial when using hand saws on plywood. It is advised to wear safety glasses at all times to ensure eye protection from flying wood chips and wear appropriate hearing protection if the noise is loud. Ensure that your workpiece is securely clamped or held in place, and use a sawing guide or straight edge to make accurate cuts while keeping your hands and body clear of the saw's path.
Are there any maintenance tips for keeping a hand saw in top condition for cutting plywood?
To maintain a hand saw for cutting plywood, regularly inspect the blade for dullness or damage. If needed, sharpen the saw using a file designed for the specific tooth shape (crosscut or rip). Keep the blade clean and free from pitch or resin buildup, and store the saw in a dry place to prevent rust. Proper maintenance ensures your saw remains effective and safe for use on plywood.
What is the ideal tooth count for a hand saw when cutting plywood?
The appropriate tooth count for a hand saw when cutting plywood varies depending on the thickness of the plywood and the desired finish. For finer, smoother cuts in thin plywood, choose a saw with a higher tooth count (around 12-15 teeth per inch). For thicker plywood or rough cuts, opt for a saw with a lower tooth count (around 7-10 teeth per inch) for faster cutting.
Can I use a hand saw to make curved cuts in plywood, or is it only suitable for straight cuts?
Hand saws can be used to make curved cuts in plywood, but it requires skill and patience. To do so effectively, you can use a coping saw or a fret saw, both of which are designed for intricate and curved cuts. These saws have thin, narrow blades that are well-suited for following curved lines. With the right technique and practice, you can achieve precise curved cuts in plywood using a hand saw.
Conclusion
Selecting the ideal hand saw for your plywood projects is essential for achieving clean, precise cuts and ensuring your woodworking projects turn out as expected. By considering factors such as the type of plywood, the right saw type, tooth count, ergonomics, quality, and budget, you can make an informed decision. A well-chosen hand saw will not only make your plywood projects easier but also enhance the quality of your craftsmanship.