Symptoms
- Saw feels stuck or hard to push partway through the cut
- Blade squeaks or grinds in the kerf
- Sawdust looks damp or the wood feels resinous
- Cut takes far more effort than expected
Likely causes
- CommonWorkpiece unsupported and sagging, pinching the bladeSimilar to power saws, unsupported wood closes the kerf onto the blade.
- CommonWet or resinous wood gripping the bladeSap and moisture increase friction significantly.
- PossibleDull or improperly set teethTeeth without enough set (outward angle) cut a kerf too narrow for the blade body.
- PossibleSawing at too shallow an angleA flatter angle can bind the blade in the cut.
What to do
- Support the workpiece securely on both sides of the cut line, using a sawhorse or clamp as needed.
- Insert a wedge into the start of the kerf on resinous or wet wood to keep it from closing.
- Use a saw appropriate for the wood type; a wet-wood or coarse-tooth saw handles sappy lumber better.
- Wax the blade lightly with paraffin or a bar of soap to reduce friction if binding continues.
- Saw at a consistent, moderate angle rather than very flat, letting the teeth do the work.
- Replace or have the saw sharpened and set if teeth look worn or uneven.
Tools and parts
- Hand saw
- Sawhorse or clamp
- Wax or paraffin
- Wedge
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.