Hand Tool Woodworking | Why Can't I Saw a Straight Line?

Rob gives tips and tricks for sawing to a line
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[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

If you liked this video check out this video on sawing better dovetails: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pF6Yi3x_gMl_hM0

[@mikeyates1450]

To reset an old distance panel saw, how much set do you recommend? BTW I've had your dovetail saw since u came to Birmingham, AL and love it.

[@B_COOPER]

That last tip was a very helpful one, thanks rob!

[@garthly]

Ha! I was taught how to cut to a line with a tenon saw in 1962. Similar to your method, resting against the second joint of my index finger, draw the saw towards yourself with no pressure a few times until the cut is established and then saw forwards to start cutting properly (the teeth pointed forward). This was at a British high school. In the first year, 11 to 12 year old boys, we all had to square our boards with hand planes, make a bench hook, and by the end of the year make a stool with 4 good mortise and tenon joints. I gave the stool I made to my father and he used it all his life, and it never broke or even wobbled. There were no power tools in that woodwork shop, of course, but we learnt to use most of the hand tools. Only electric tools I use now are a jigsaw and a circular saw, all the rest by hand.

[@doyalkrishna5656]

First class, second class and third class sawing is mentioned and illustrated (Chapter 1, pg. 45-47) in The Essential Woodworker by Robert Wearing (published by Lost Art Press). Outstanding book. You’re awesome Cosman, much gratitude for all your content and the tools you make. ~ Derek G

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Yes thanks I could not remember that when the camera was on

[@danielgeng2306]

Beat me too it ! Lol excellent comment.

[@danielgeng2306]

Thanks Rob, great lesson !

[@GaWajn]

This has to be the best, most beautifully explained tutorial on a woodworking subject that i have ever seen. Well done sir!!!

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Wow, thanks!

[@socoden2732]

Best advice I'd heard in a while "starting it accurately is the number 1 challenge "

[@gordoncarter162]

One of your best videos yet. Great reminders for how to correct technique that can creep into sloppy habits when we are not in the shop every day. A wonderful technique check up.

[@dale1956ties]

C'mon guys! 3k views and only 350 likes? How hard is it fellas? Thanks Rob. You really explain these techniques very well. Not everyone could describe the details in such a clear and understandable way. Thank you for this channel, and especially for the PHP. You guys are a class act in every way.

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Thanks for supporting PHP and for commenting

[@gbwildlifeuk8269]

dale1956ties you mean the 1.2K likes! Try some patience before the criticism. Also it doesnt mean those who didnt click "like" actually "dislike" it!

[@dale1956ties]

@@gbwildlifeuk8269 When I posted the comment it was accurate and I never said anything about "dislike". Of course the likes went up over time. I made the comment only a couple of hours after Rob published the video. At that time only about 10% of the viewers clicked "like".

[@markraynes3564]

Exactly what I needed as a visual learner. Now I just have to unlearn 50 years of improper technique. The step by step explanation of proper stance and how to make proper adjustments was perfect. God bless.

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

You can do it!

[@ziggen78]

Grande Rob! Grazie per i video....mi presti un po di capelli???😂😂😂🎉❤

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Once I cut it I will

[@ziggen78]

@@RobCosmanWoodworking 🤣🤣🤣💯🔝Mitico

[@J.A.Smith2397]

Happy new year if I don't see ya fore then!

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Same to you

[@MrAtfenn]

im still building my cosman tool set. i think that your panel saws and dovetail marker are next!

[@RandomPerson-bd2hv]

Amazing pedagogy. What a gift, thank you.

[@nevinmurtha1670]

Thanks, this is very helpful,

[@kellydimartino6157]

The most thorough explanation of dovetails I have ever seen. Thank you Rob.

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

you should check out my dovetail KZbin video !!!

[@dpmeyer4867]

Great advice

[@martintheron1386]

Happy New Year to Rob and your family.May 2024 be even more of a blessing to you and your entire team as well.Keep on training 'em vets

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

And to you and yours

[@davidclark9086]

Great stuff.

[@marcbarash6045]

Thanks Rob

[@jtscustomcutlery317]

Damn I want one of those saws

[@jonliba1788]

Happy New Year Team and family Cosman! Thank you for all you do to teach and inspire folks like me, and especially for your support to veterans! Best wishes.

[@sbenjamin55]

this was super helpful!

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Glad it was helpful!

[@harleywood9588]

Great video. Happy sawing

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Yes, thank you

[@michaelthompson5875]

Rob - I watched this last night and afterward went to try some of these tips, and they helped IMMEDIATELY. I'm working on a small Shaker style cupboard and wanted to dovetail the case together. Thank you for the incredible lesson. One small request (I never do this)...a video of your favorite practice exercises (sawing, chiseling, planing, whichever) would be a fantastic idea. Thank you sir.

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Thanks for the video recommendation. We actually already have those videos for sawing and planning

[@andrewbrimmer1797]

Hope you had a great Christmas Rob and by the way your videos are awesome teaching videos

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Christmas with family is always great. Thanks for watching and commenting. Happy New Years

[@spencero1906]

Thank you Rob! Very informative as always 😊😊😊

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Thanks for watching

[@jimcooney9019]

very interesting

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Glad you think so!

[@heystarfish100]

It’s always the simple little things that make the tool give the best performance. Thanks for sharing this video Rob. Have a safe, healthy, prosperous and Happy New Year.

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Happy New Year to you. too. Thanks for commenting

[@kentboys5017]

Excellent video as always! The practical nature of your explanations are what sets your teaching above others. Thank you for sharing as always. Take care👍🏻

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

You're very welcome!

[@joehirschegger7723]

Sawing is like golf...proper set-up, accurate alignment, a relaxed and good posture, smooth rhythm, and a light grip. I do as much thinking sawing as I do swinging a golf club! A Cosman saw helps too!

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Totally agree

[@laurencelance586]

I've seen the proof many times, of what Rob says!!

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Thanks for your support

[@jeffbourne6015]

Seven simple, clearly demonstrated and explained methods to achieve precise cuts using handsaws. The content regarding initiating the cut, and relating it to the teeth spacing at the toe of the saw blade was most interesting and helpful. As usual , superb advice, guidance and great close up shots throughout. It is always a pleasure to tune in and see such informative videos. Your kindness too in sharing your knowledge and helping others too ( in SO MANY ways) is a wonderful characteristic and which we all acknowledge. Happy New Year !!!

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Thanks for the great comment. You keep watching and we will keep filming

[@AndrewArnall]

Hi Rob, what type of pen isn’t a ball point pen? Any recommendations? Great tips as usual!

[@haroldwilliams6219]

Marking with a pencil should be ok if you cut to the side of the line? I usually cut tails first then mark the pins from the tails. The side of the pencil mark is then where I want to cut and the width of the line is not that critical.

[@davidmartin9045]

What do you suggest for someone that only has the uses of 1 hand. How would they go about guiding the saw. Have you have this problem with your wounded warrior classes

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Two folks come to mind. One Fellow lost his hand but could guide the saw with his “stump” and saw with his good hand

[@danthechippie4439]

Hi Rob, I'd be very interested in purchasing an after care kit from you for your saws, a setting tool, file etc. I know you are currently working on that. Also the dovetail guide you used, I realise that you produce two kinds. Why are their two, and which one do you use more frequently? I hope your guests had a great Xmas after the fire damage to their home. I felt just awful for them but I have to say _ if it happened to me I could not think of a better place then yours to spend some time. Very generous of the Cosman family to take them in. Happy new year

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Its the time of year to help those less fortunate than us

[@danthechippie4439]

Yes it is, any comment on the tool kit and dovetail marker?? Thanks

[@steviewonder9209]

Great tips, thank you. If I may ask for some additional advice: Using handsaws, I have a hard time keeping the cut perpendicular depth-wise. I can follow a line I've scribed on top of the board, but I have a hard time keeping the cut perpendicular to the board. Do you have any tips or techniques to correct that? Or is it just practice, practice, practice?

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Watch my youtube video on sawing secrets

[@DsHardWoodCreations]

Rob is advantageous to do the same thing you did on the tenon with the chisel on the end grain of the dovetails?

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

On the two half pins yes

[@craighamilton2690]

what do you think about modifying the first 3-4 teeth of a saw that has a consistent 15 TPI so starting cuts is easier?

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

I would recommend filing a relaxed angle, say 30 degrees, on the first inch of teeth.

[@ninomaiorano6697]

Thank you Jesus Rob😂

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Thanks for watching

[@bigdteakettle8989]

Is there a particular type or brand of saw set that you recommend using?

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Yes…A Rob Cosman saw

[@bigdteakettle8989]

I guess then if the teeth on a Rob Cosman saw need to be reset you throw it away and buy a new one.@@RobCosmanWoodworking

[@garyhome7101]

Practice practice practice. Out of curiosity, have you ever experimented with the smaller teeth oriented farther back on the saw plate? not the middle, but maybe back off the middle? I say this because I've noticed that a lot of people, including myself, find the natural position of the saw when approaching the cut for the first time is back off of the front of the saw and more towards the middle. And in my old hands, resting on the first two inches and scrubbing-in the kerf before a full cut seems to be unbalanced. I have your dovetail saw (and most all of your dovetailing tools) and have had some time to ponder this! 🙂

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Nope I never have. I guess that is because it seems like a teaching point to me to start the saw on its tip verses in the middle of the tooth line.

[@garyhome7101]

@@RobCosmanWoodworking Yes of course, it is a great teaching point! And one I've paid close attention to!

[@rollingstone3017]

Great tips. Much appreciated. Haven’t been here in a while. What’s up with your hair?

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

It keeps growing

[@jamesharback6154]

Why don't they put notches any more in the tops of saw blades to assist in the proper stroke length? I bought a new saw a few years ago and had to put my own notch in it.

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Two reasons, 1) no one really knows what the purpose of the notch is. There are lots of thoughts on it but its

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Its true purpose has been lost to time, 2) most saw manufactures are not woodworkers and the extra production cost of the not h that has no true known purpose is not worth the cost

[@jamesharback6154]

@@RobCosmanWoodworking I always thought and was, in fact taught back in the fifties, that the notch was so that you could tell how long to draw the blade back. When you saw the notch you knew that you were running out of blade. It helped to prevent you from working a curve into your blade (by using too short of a stroke) over the years.

[@roncoleman4017]

Rob, I am old school and like my corded hand power tools but it seems like everyone else has gone to batteries and all the storage videos are for batteries and chargers. Do you have a storage solution better than my wrapping cords around tools and hanging them on hooks by the cord? I have half a dozen corded drills and angle grinders, etc. I have a small shed with outlets every three feet on all 4 walls. I prefer to plug in rather than constantly worrying what battery needs to be charged or is going dead next time I grab a tool. Do you have a a storage solution for us corded and too broke to change to them new fangled battery tools fools?

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Yes. I need to do a video on that build

[@EugenePugach]

Why not saw backwards when trying to start perfectly on line? 2:05

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Often sets up a vibration that leaves bumps and hollows that cause more vibration. The reason I teach it this way.

[@robohippy]

So, if I remember correctly, you went through a phase where you were using the Japanese pull saws. You don't any more. So, why? I think your methods with the traditional western push saws would still apply to the pull saws. I would guess that beginners have more problems with the pull saws because they are considerably thinner than push saws, and it would be easier to go off line with a thinner blade.

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Not correct. Never went through a phase with Japanese pull saws. Went through a phase where I was trying to find a good dovetail saw, and trying some pull saws was part of that. The rest of your comment leads to why I don’t recommend them.

[@robohippy]

Thanks Rob. Though, not an engineer by trade, I think like one, and you do too. "If it ain't broke, take it apart and fix it anyway." I am always experimenting....

[@rolfbrands5372]

Hi Rob, what happened to your hairdresser? Broken arm?

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Out of business due to government overreach during the lockdowns. That is when you know the elected fools have lost their way!

[@timperkes5664]

you didn't show how you get rid of the waste of the interior of the dovetails.

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Please go to any of my dovetail videos for that. I prefer sawing out the waste with a fret saw

[@JamesSmith-su3oz]

Tip #4 should be tip #1. I am my worst enemy.

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Where were you when we were ordering the tips?

[@nevermindthebull0cks]

Here I though he was going to rip a sheet of ply....

[@carlcooper3525]

What are you doing with a wig on?

[@rowlandisbeautiful]

get a haircut !

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

I will soon and donate the hair to the non-profit that helps kids with cancer

[@keith7630]

@@RobCosmanWoodworking I was wondering why your hair length changes a lot. Now it makes sense. Good on you. 👍🏻

[@BadPandaWoodworks]

Rob... PLEASE tell your video editor to make use of volume leveling... Your voice is quiet... Your intro explodes my ears every time... Your editor needs to use volume leveling badly.

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

well its actually the camera man setting the volume on his cell phone, I think but I will tell them