Is it safe to let young kids use
handsaws?
I get asked this question all the time and my answer is always:
"Yes!
Under correct supervision and guidance children as young as three can enjoy the feeling of success that comes from cutting a piece of wood in half."
So, if you find yourself feeling a bit nervous when a child tells you they need to use the saw to cut a piece of wood, read on...
Top Ten Tips For Teaching Kids How To Use A Handsaw.
1. Make sure your saw is sharp.
You may think a blunt saw is safer for a child to learn with but in fact the opposite is true. Blunt tools mean that the child has to put a lot more effort into pushing the saw which leads to loss of technique and the saw going astray with all that extra force behind it.
It is very frustrating and tiring for children trying to cut wood with a blunt saw!
2. A bench vice or bar clamps are a MUST.
The wood must be held firmly so it does not move around while they are sawing. Children can not hold the wood and saw at the same time. Clamps keep everyone's hands clear from the saw.
Cut the wood as close to the clamp as possible as this is where the wood will be the most rigid.
Make sure your work bench is stable and won"t wobble with the sawing.
3.Take the time to practice using a handsaw yourself!
Get familiar with it, cut some wood, find out what makes it easier and what makes it harder. Confidence in your own ability will give the children confidence in theirs.
4. Introduce the saw to the children first.
Let them gently feel the sharp teeth and imagine how much it would hurt if they cut themselves. It may sound harsh, but the children will respect that it is a real tool only to be used for a specific purpose.
This is also a good time to remind them about the rules of your carpentry area.
5. Get the technique right.
The photo above is a great example of the stance the child should be in when sawing.
Note the spare hand is deliberately holding the bench a good distance away from the saw - make this a carpentry area rule for sawing.
Not only does this keep her hand safe and occupied, it also gives her stability and extra strength to push the saw.
Feet are apart and planted firmly on the ground.
6. Start with small pieces of wood!
Successfully cutting small pieces will give confidence to persevere with larger pieces later on.
7. Sawing the wood.
Getting the cut started is the trickiest part. A few little back strokes with the saw will create the initial groove to guide the saw going forward.
It is important to keep the saw in a straight line otherwise it can jam.
Emphasise keeping eye, arm and saw lined up.
You could draw a straight line on the wood for them to follow to help with this.
8. Feel the rhythm.
Once the cut is started, use the traditional back and forward motion to cut right through.
Demonstrate how to get into a rhythm and how to avoid using too much pressure. Let the saw do the work.
9. Maintain 1:1 supervision at all times when a child is sawing.
Have a wide "no go zone" so that other children do not walk in front of the saw. Children do like to watch but have them stand well back.
10. Safe storage.
When the task is complete put the saw away in a safe place that is inaccessible to children.
I like to have the saws visible so that the children can see them and know they are available , but up high so that they need adult assistance.