Originally Posted by
Don McConnell
In addition to the subtly dismissive tone of the term "ostensibly establish a kerf," it seems to me that you are further stacking the deck by assuming the application of "much downward pressure" when drawing the saw back. Well, of course, it doesn't work very well when one uses poor technique.
Don,
Poor technique is a perfect reference, since pulling a saw that was filed to cut on the push is just that. The saw was not designed or intended to pull, so why use poor technique in the first place?
I completely agree with what Mike said, and consider it poor technique to use a saw to create an artificial kerf. In considering that a rip tooth (this applied to crosscut teeth as well) is akin to a chisel, the intention was to cut with the sharp edge. But by drawing the saw backwards, is using the tooth in the opposite direction and the angle makes it clunky at best. In a way, it is the epitome of poor technique. Relying on one's tools for such results speaks for itself.
Originally Posted by
Don McConnell
Actually, differing materials, situations and saws will occasionally call for differing approaches, so I think people should be prepared to experiment to find what works best for them in any given situation. Which is why I feel it does them a disservice to pejoratively dismiss one possible approach - especially one which has been used by generations of woodworkers.
Well, that is certainly something to consider, but it still doesn't make using poor technique as being acceptable. Doing so is a poor use of the tool at best.
This is akin to sawing away from the line with the intention of chiseling cleanly to the line, and I would bet that people that use their saws to pull an artificial kerf are more likely to do that as well. This is another example of poor technique. Use your saw to cut to the line you intend, that is what they were intended to do.
OTOH, considering that most people are afraid to sharpen their own handsaw, it's no surprise there are so many that are willing to use them for a task that they were not intended for, creating an artificial kerf.
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Life is about what your doing today, not what you did yesterday! Seize the day before it sneaks up and seizes you!
Alan - http://www.traditionaltoolworks.com:8080/roller/aland/