Crosscut & Ripcut Saws; What's the Difference? | Paul Sellers

To understand the difference between ripcut and crosscut saws, you must look at the way the teeth are shaped.
There are two types of sawtooth, chisel point as in rip-cut and pinnacle or pyramid point which are three-sided culminating into a sharp point. With the ripcut saw, it's the chisel edges to each of the teeth that slice along the long grain. The crosscut saw relies on both the sharp point and then the side bevel to the front and back of each tooth. I think that this video will help you to see the difference!
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[@stamic55]

Just a small correction in case anyone got confused. At 3:22 he says the pinnacle cut is more like a knife cut and the crosscut is more like a chisel cut. Paul mistakenly called the rip cut demo board a crosscut. The pinnacle is the crosscut and acts like a knife to cut the fibers. The rip cut is like a chisel cut. I can assure you this was simply a mistake in the moment. Paul knows what he's doing.

[@jonasschafer4893]

This is exactly what is so great about this channel! Precise as well as concise information on a specific topic, that in itself will improve ones ability to work with wood by pointing out less obvious aspects one wasn't even aware of before. No rambling on about irrelevant stuff just to fill minutes. Thank you Mr. Sellers!

[@abdurrahmanbulut7571]

I knew all of these from previous Paul Sellers videos. Watched this one two times till the end anyway.

[@andrewfelock4771]

Mr. Paul sellers. Thank you so much for a shining example of calmness and craftsmanship. For all of the people who have a place they call their shop, I want to thank you. I couldn’t possibly explain my gratitude for you in a comment section. We thank you sir.

[@kariusbaktus165]

Since I was a little kid I've wondered why it was so difficult to cut at the beginning of a cut(the blade bending when I go the opposite direction) and now 20 years later I finally know.

[@green_building]

20 years ? Why take so long to know

[@kariusbaktus165]

@@green_building because the board always got cut :) I only worked with my dad when I was little, not much woodworking these days

[@charlieevergreen3514]

I was literally just wondering this yesterday, bemoaning the dullness of my late grandfather's saw. I'm also going to rewatch your advice on saw sharpening. Thank you, sir. Paul Sellers: a master preserving hand woodworking, handing it to the next generations. Truly dignified work. An invaluable endeavor. Much appreciated.

[@lanecobb4150]

About 5 decades ago I left a 5 1/2 tpi rip saw to be sharpened at a local sharpening service. Some dunderhead mounted it in a saw filing machine and it emerged completely re-toothed as an 8 point crosscut saw. Needless to say I was some steamed!! Shortly thereafter an elderly gentleman in the neighborhood taught me how simple it is to sharpen handsaws and I’ve been filing my own ever since.

[@PaulRSmileyOyen]

The clearest and most concise description and demonstration of rip and crosscut saws I have seen in my 60+ years!

[@cwanderson2087]

appreciate your enlarged replicas of the teeth configurations. you can go cross-eyed sharpening these things.

[@thomasarussellsr]

So clear and concise. Love the oversized models to make it easy to see the tooth patterns, and the explainations on how and why the larger teeth act as they do in their respective cuts.

[@craigslitzer4857]

I needed a hand ripcut saw, but couldn't find one for purchase anywhere local. Thanks to your old video about sharpening and refinishing teeth, I was able to convert a crosscut saw into a ripcut.

[@brucedowns3397]

Beginner here, I thank you for sharing your knowledge Paul.

[@iang9746]

This is a lovely visual demonstration of the differences using those enlarged models. Effectively the rip cut is a series of chisel blades or plane blades along the length of the saw (and we know it is easier to plane with the grain). The cross-cut is a series of knives along the length of the saw.

[@mvcnj9700]

I really appreciate you going such an extra mile to make a model so that it is much more visually understandable. Thanks!

[@SeanBlader]

You figure it out quick when you have a Suizan double edged saw, but this helps explain it very nicely!

[@fcschoenthal]

Love the different tooth models. Much easier to visualize the difference between the two and how to sharpen. - Chris

[@Mr2Xri]

The best an simplest explanation about the Difference between Crosscut and Ripcut Saws in the whole KZbin! Thanks you very much Paul!

[@BaruJanu]

Thank you Sir!

[@nobuckle40]

Thank you Paul. It's always good to be reminded of the basics of hand tool woodworking.

[@Ed.R]

Thank you that was so brilliantly explained. I will always know now why some saws cut better than others in certain situations. Had not appreciated there was such a big difference between the teeth shapes.

[@christophercastor6666]

Love your demonstration mock-ups! You’re an incredibly gifted educator; thank you!

[@yngvartahtinen]

Watched a few videos on the differences between rip & cross-cut saws, this is by far the best. Thanks for the lesson!

[@ermirr8414]

So clear! I had already learned this from you, but I really enjoy repeating the basics when you teach!

[@pedroalmendros7643]

Por fin entiendo la diferencia en tre los dos tipos de sierra y sé distinguirlas. Paul se ha tomado el trabajo de realizar un maqueta a gan tamaño para hacernos comprender las diferencias. ¡qué gran maestro! . Muchas gracias, es muy didáctico

[@LetMeRetort]

Perfectly done sir. My way: Look at the saw sideways. If the teeth glean at the edge, it is a cross cut and if not then it is a rip cut saw.

[@lrochfort]

Great content delivered clearly as always. Sharpening a saw, even a rip cut pattern, is something I still find extremely difficult even after watching videos many times. I'm not sure I don't make things worse half the time

[@chrisferguson237]

Clear, concise and super logical! Excellent video, thank you very much.

[@TadeasHajek]

3:21 ripcut?

[@carstensrensen7684]

Oh yes, I got a little comfused here too...lol

[@GoldieHoffmanComedian]

great vid! Clear, informative and thorough, yet short. Thanks!

[@vetavadeo866]

Thank you, uncle. Simple and helpful. Keep it up. God bless.

[@abdullah-almaksud8595]

Thanks to understand about ripcut and crosscut saw.

[@The1Helleri]

I've an old Disston tenon saw that has a lever one side of the handle. When actuate the lever it loosens the the two bars that act as the spine (their riveted at the far end). That lets me remove the blade and flip it around. It has a cross cut grind on one side and a rip cut grind on the other. I can even choose how far the teeth come up past the spine so I can score pieces to a certain depth. It's such a simple but exeedingly clever design. By far the most interesting saw I own and my favorite.

[@wifurzenes680]

He actually explains it unlike other KZbinrs

[@zsadharhtugilfykdt]

Very well explained sir

[@tiamolier1]

Thanks Paul, you made it simple and clear even for diy starters like me.

[@nicowilson]

Superb explanation

[@lupitagalindo1785]

Great vid. Answered my questions.

[@acaterina]

Mind blown. Thank you for the explanation ❤

[@sasukekikuchi1107]

Very informative thank you

[@thedyslexic9936]

thanks for the explanation.

[@quetzalflight5790]

I repeat the same thank you Mr. Sellers for your know-how that some viewers said , i learned alot on how what a sharping of a saw is. Plus the fact of your wood samples of the difference in saw tooth structure procedures. I sharpen my saws before reaching your channel,jejeje my saw , saw no sharpness. A giant butterknife. GodChrist Bless your works thanks. PEACE 👍💯%👍👆🙏🌎🌍🌏😉 🍔☕🍻🍕

[@TushhsuT]

One should have couple of crosscut teethes and couple of ripcut. than again 2 crosscut and 2 ripcut. ... Universal saw for the home :) Thank you Paul for explanation!! My father had (have probably still) several saws, but I think they were all standard cross-cut.. And I remember I tried once to cut along the fibers and was swearing a lot because it just did not work. Saw just stuck inside jawing and fibering the wood. Than I got to know that there are these two types, but till looking at your saw sharpening videos I never knew the difference..

[@thelonemoomin]

What a great simple explanation. 👍

[@tonyfinck8024]

Lesson taught, Lesson learned thanks for the knowledge

[@TheVonhollan]

Thanks for the refresher course.

[@moc5541]

I see now that with the rip cut sharpening that when it's used to rip the edge of each tooth is perpendicular to the fibers of the wood; when a rip-sharpened blade is wrongly used to cross cut the edge of each tooth is parallel to the fibers and so can only push on the fibers and snap, not cut, them off.

[@mbentoumiful]

Thanks for all these valuables informations... You are indeed a blessing.

[@MCsCreations]

Fantastic, Paul! Thanks a LOT! 😃 Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@agnijitdeb1558]

I got it. Thank You! Knowledge for life.

[@benkay1026]

Great! I didn't even think it was that important. Thanks a lot

[@jubilantyogurt]

Thank you for this.

[@channelwanderer7010]

One of the best contributers on you tube but the algorithms have hidden him recently FU YT. Big thanks to Mr Sellers you do so much for woodwork education you should get a mention on an honours list.

[@robertjames4402]

Thank you for the explanation in a great video. It is confusing and I think even in your video at 3:22 in you referred back to a cross-cut when in fact I think you meant to say rip-cut ?

[@donetengenharia6927]

Paul, please, could you explain the difference between dovetail and tenon saw?

[@pilatusk2]

Thank you very clear

[@pinview8519]

Have been wondering about why we don't seem differentiating between rip and cross-cut for tenon and dovetail saws. Now as I understand it is unnecessary because of their small teeth. Thank you.

[@ryanaedmonds]

These cuts can be done with crosscut saws. Nonetheless, I do find it faster to use a rip cutting saw with tenons, dovetails, etc. Hardly notice it with small tenons but I recently did a workbench with 3" tenons and the difference was noticeable. I also tend to get a cleaner result with less need for cleanup.

[@richardsinger01]

I keep two tenon saws for this purpose. A cross cut one for the shoulders and a rip one for the tenon cheeks. I find it aids precision and speed. I have never got on cross cutting with rip teeth. Mind you that’s an order of magnitude easier than ripping with a crosscut saw.

[@clh37204]

I’m just starting out, so the terminology is still somewhat unfamiliar, and this is the first Paul Sellers video I’ve watched, but my head was spinning by the end of the video. My own learning style depends on a slightly more “composed” narration, and I found Paul’s extemporaneous style a bit meandering. I did appreciate the blown up models.

[@allenwc]

THanks once again. Always great information that you can rely upon.

[@Morfesto]

Excellent explanation.

[@garyknight8616]

Thank you

[@R0b0tkilla]

Just getting started in this hobby and was wondering this all yesterday. Paul you read my mind? Or am I in the matrix

[@lilcicero77]

You have so much enjoyment to look forward to

[@sacm.d.l8337]

Stick with Paul! His older videos are a bit long but the information is priceless. All his stuff is worth a watch tho as the whole process is shown. Biggest takeaways for beginners: friction is bad and sharpness is good. You always think your edge is sharper than it is and you could always use some oil or wax on your tool.

[@jasonc3522]

Make sure you watch Paul's sharpening videos, it will save you time and money, he turns dollar general grade chisels into fine tuned tools.

[@ermirr8414]

Wonderful years are coming ahead of you! Enjoy! Don't miss Paul's video on restoring the bench plane, it is a treasure! ...and use the knifewall: it will make everything accurate.

[@R0b0tkilla]

@@ermirr8414 I watched the bench plane restoration twice all the way through, just bought a stanley defiance for $40.

[@CarlosCastillo-zf5fb]

This is the stuff that we, the new ones, need

[@CONTainsAzand09]

Thank you!

[@JesusvonNazaret]

Thanks so much for the video, that makes my sharpening a lot easier

[@MoouuS]

Loved it! Thank you Mr. Paul

[@colinwellman9480]

Very detailed explanation but one question. You say you sharpen your tenon saws in a rip saw pattern. Doesn't this have the same problems cutting across the grain? Very good videos and always on the lookout for new ones.

[@harrigoldsmith8280]

Thank you very helpful as I’m a beginner

[@kevin9989]

Thank you.

[@boing615]

Which would be more effective for hand cutting mdf and ply?

[@slomkaadas9603]

Thank you very much. Have a nice day Sir.

[@nautilus265]

Nicely explained

[@billferrol4202]

Grateful for the information, but can you increase the effectiveness on the crosscut saw when ripping by lowering the arm to alter the angle of the teeth through the wood?

[@hasmukhvpatel4539]

very good Sir.

[@nelly5954]

I have a large vintage hand saw I'm restoring, and it looks so blunt I can't really tell where the sharpened edges of each tooth are or where they used to be. Each tooth is alternately turned outwards, however. Is there any other way to tell the difference, so I can sharpen it properly?

[@user-tf9fh4sy4c]

Very helpfull

[@WildSBlk]

First time to know that. Thank you so much...

[@chrisgriffith1573]

Excellent explanation. Following the description was like working out Bilbo Baggin's 111st birthday speech, but I managed...

[@allofus6133]

So good

[@Moock91]

Simple. Brilliant.

[@Aaron_Barrett]

What is conventional tooth angle for two men saw? Thank you

[@nenzianwari]

The master has spoken.

[@geoffreymaddison6434]

Paul. Hi, I know it's quite some time since you did the saw sharpening. I've just bought 2 second hand saws that need sharpening. The file used is it a normal metal work or is the it a special file for saws. Kindest regards Geoff maddison

[@bretespil9322]

Thanks Paul for sharing your knowledge! What do you recommend for re-sawing hardwood in terms of tpi/ppi?

[@arjungurung4373]

Can you mention all types tools used by carpenter

[@amadeussorro797]

Thank you for this video.

[@tarrickstewart6653]

That's what I did want to know the difference between the two

[@verity9000]

Thank you so much! :)

[@JohnColgan.]

The Saw File. Is it a standard 60° triangle or are they sharper angles for rip/crosscut tooth pattern?

[@wolfman75]

Thank You Paul!!! Great Info!!!! 👍😎

[@davanders2006]

Can you tell me what brand are those rectangular router planes are, the red one behind you. I saw you say that you would give that one away after getting more subscribers. I can't even find that style anywhere. Thanks for sharing

[@stuartosborne6263]

Thankyou Paul.

[@russcorbett3923]

I never knew !!!!! Thank you !!!!

[@Ben_Naga]

Amazing!!! ❤

[@ud4458]

can you turn one saw into the other by sharpening ? or is it better to by rip cut

[@Jawazplebs]

Ooo.. Thank you, sir. Now i know.

[@solobassoon]

I am a bit confused: At 1:40 you state the blade in your right hand is for rip-cut, but as I see it, you state at 3:22 that the cross-cut is more of a chisel. But it seems to me that you refer to the blade that you at 1:40 denoted a rip-cut. Have I misunderstood something here?

[@paulsellers7953]

You're right, my mistake, but I think people will still understand it's a slip of the tongue from what they see. Thank you!

[@solobassoon]

@@paulsellers7953 Do not mention it. This clip actually made me once and for all remember how to distinguish between a rip-cut and a cross-cut saw when you used the chisel analogy for the rip-cut blade.

[@elrichenrik3633]

Thank you for explaining things that is very hard to understand by just reading Wikipedia.

[@austinvickymoore3656]

Inherited my father In laws wood working tools... just trying to find my groove with 40 plus years worth of tool build up...

[@Pilpiscas]

Good luck fam

[@toufiqueali274]

Cool

[@TheeGreasyGamer]

I’ve been cross cutting with a rip cut saw 😂 I was wondering why my new saw wouldn’t cut