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equipment:metalshop:howto:how_to_use_a_hacksaw [2026/10/23 21:23] – removed - external edit (Unknown date) 127.0.0.1equipment:metalshop:howto:how_to_use_a_hacksaw [2026/10/23 21:23] (current) – ↷ Page moved from equipment:metalshop:how_to_use_a_hacksaw to equipment:metalshop:howto:how_to_use_a_hacksaw ralawrence
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 +====== How to use a Hacksaw ======
 +
 +**Choose the Right TPI (Teeth Per Inch)**
 +  14 TPI (Coarse): For soft metals like aluminium, brass, copper, and thick plastics.
 +  18 TPI (Medium): For general mild steel, angle iron, and electrical conduit.
 +  24 to 32 TPI (Fine): For hard metals like tool steel, cast iron, thin-walled tubing, and sheet metal.
 +  
 +  The Golden Rule: You must have at least 3 teeth touching the metal at all times
 +
 +**Install the Blade Correctly**
 +  Direction: The teeth must face forward (away from the handle). When you push the saw, it should cut; when you pull it back, it should glide. (Check the arrow printed on the blade!).
 +  Tension: Tighten the wingnut until the blade makes a high-pitched "ping" when you pluck it.
 +  
 +**Secure Your Workpiece**
 +  Clamp the metal firmly in a bench vice.
 +  Cut close to the vice: Keep the cut line within 1 inch (2.5 cm) of the vice jaws. Clamp it tight!
 +  
 +**Mark Your Cut Line**
 +  Use a scriber or a sharp awl to scratch a line across the metal. (Pencil marks rub off on metal).
 +  Use a try square to ensure the line is perfectly perpendicular if you need a straight cut.
 +  Put a centre-punch mark right on the line to help the blade "bite" when you start.
 +  
 +**The Cutting Technique (The "Push" is the Cut)**
 +  Hacksaws only cut on the forward push stroke.
 +  Starting the cut: Place your thumb against the side of the blade to guide it. Use very short, gentle strokes pulling the saw backwards a few times to create a shallow groove (a "kerf"). Once the    groove is started, move your thumb.
 +  The Stroke: Use long, full strokes—using the entire length of the blade. This clears swarf (metal shavings) from the teeth.
 +  Pressure: Apply firm, heavy pressure ON THE FORWARD PUSH ONLY. On the backward pull, lighten the pressure completely so the teeth just glide back.
 +  Speed: Aim for 40 to 50 strokes per minute. This is much slower than you think. If you go too fast, the teeth will heat up and go dull—even bi-metal blades have their limits.
 +
 +**Angle and "Lead"**
 +  Hold the saw at a 45-degree angle to the metal (not perfectly horizontal). This makes the blade cut a wider kerf and prevents it from binding.
 +  When cutting large pipes or thick bars, rotate the blade slightly so it points diagonally towards he cut. This reduces the surface area the teeth have to cut at once.
 +
 +**Finishing the Cut**
 +  As you get to the bottom of the cut, slow down and lighten your pressure. If you push hard at the very end, the metal will tear, leaving a sharp burr, and the saw will jump.
 +  Hold the piece you are cutting off with your free hand so it doesn't drop and bend the blade as it breaks free.
 +  YouTube Video on how to use Hacksaw  
 +