Learning to use handsaws, some advice?
Hey all,
I've been learning everything to know about hand tools. Paul sellers fan :)
Anyways I've moved onto handsaws now. For christmas I asked for a LN dovetail saw, and then a few days later went and bought a Veritas crosscut, and rip saw. Figured these 3 would get me going in the right direction. Looking for a little advice on technique, or if anyone knows of a couple good videos. I figured I'd start by making a dovetail template. After 3 attempts they seem to get better and better, but my main issue is trying to cut the "cheeks" of it. Last night I realized maybe I shouldn't be practicing with hard maple and something more of a soft wood. So I'll have to give it another go tonight.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dPb_5KFEYk
That's what I'm trying to make.
http://i.imgur.com/ndIpOR6.png
&
http://i.imgur.com/4HgtpxU.png
Those are my attempts. I find it hard to start the saw on a downward angle. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I know 99% of it is probably practice, but just want to make sure I'm practicing the correct way ;)