Ripsaw

Ripsawing is sawing along the grain - parallel to the cells and fibres of the wood. Work may be supported on trestles or held in a wood vice and the saw used vertically.

Ripsaws typically are some 650mm long and with relatively coarse teeth of between 4 and 10 teeth per inch (TPI).

The teeth of traditional ripsaws are sharpened in a way that creates a series of small chisels as the saw is pushed through the work. Small pieces of waste are removed with each stoke cutting a small groove known as the kerf.

The width of the kerf for all saws is determined by the amount of set which ensures some clearance for the rest of the saw blade and prevents it binding. Some saw blades are tapered towards their top to provide further clearance and a candle may be rubbed over the blade to provide lubrication if needed.

Most ripsawing now is done using a Circular Saw or Table Saw but the cutting actions are similar.