Spring 2025
May 10-11

Using a handsaw is the most basic skill of hand tool woodworking, which is why we offer handsaws as the first course in our Weekend Essentials series. Competent use of a saw will enable you to cut wood to size, start the dimensioning process, and cut joinery.

Unfortunately, the humble handsaw has gained a bad reputation. Most handsaws do not work well and they are perceived as difficult to sharpen. This course seeks to change this reputation and unlock the competence and confidence in your ability to accurately and efficiently use handsaws.

In this weekend course, we'll teach you how to recognize a good Western-style saw, whether you find it in a garage sale or inherited it from your family. While this is not a saw restoration class, we will demonstrate how to effectively tune and sharpen saws, and many techniques on how to efficiently use Western style and Japanese style saws.

The course will cover the following topics and techniques:

Saw Theory

• Saw tooth geometry: rake, fleam and set

• Right teeth for the job: rip vs crosscut

• Western vs. Japanese

• Choosing appropriate saws for fit and function

• Saw types

• Just how many saws do you need?

Caring for saws

• Recognizing a good saw

• Restoring and maintaining the blade

• Repairing / replacing the handle

Tools

No tools are required. PTSW will provide you with all the tools you need. However, feel free to bring along handsaws that you may have inherited or gathered along the way. Each tool will provoke an interesting discussion, however this is not a saw restoration class. Keep an eye out for saws that are free of rust, straight, and have no missing teeth.

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for the class. You'll benefit as a complete beginner or as an experienced woodworker who wants to experience the liberation of using a well-tuned handsaw.

More about this class

• Hand Saw Essentials - detailed schedule for the Class.

• Essential Saws for Hand Tool Woodworking

• Sharpening Hand Saws

• Sharpening Notes from Vintage Saws

Class Information and Registration

Class runs from  9:00 am to 5:00 pm Saturday and Sunday in Building 315 at Fort Worden. Map
Please read our What to Expect page for general information about the school.
Please also read our Registration Policy.
Sign up for the waitlist if the course is full.

Class size: 12    
Cost: $385
Materials Charge: $30