So What Exactly is a Padsaw?

Well, I’m excited, my new hand tool, a Padsaw, just showed up at the door.

And what exactly is a Padsaw you ask? Every woodworker should know. It is a hand tool which is now more commonly called a keyhole saw or a compass saw. But there are a number of BIG differences.  Modern Keyhole saws are generally used for plunge cuts in drywall, so they have a pointy end and big teeth.

A Brief History

A Padsaw from the 19th and early 20th century was really used for cutting actual keyholes, notching and fitting as well as trimming in tight places. And particularly for squaring a round hole. These kinds of saw would be in most carpenter’s, plumber’s, electrician’s and boatwight’s tool bag somewhere ready to hand.

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The Padsaw blade is Western style which means it cuts on the push stroke. The blade is removable and replaceable. And there is a through hole in the handle to allow you to shorten the blade to stiffen it. The blade is held in place with two screws which really only need to be finger tight. The antique Padsaws you can find usually have rosewood handles with brass fitting. Some are even made of ebony. I’m looking for one of those!

hand too padsaw

Well as I said, I’m excited to have this new tool. I still need to put some finish on the handle – it is unfinished beech. And like all new hand tools it need to be tuned. In this case the blade needs to be sharpened. So, I’ll spend a few minutes later tonight and hit it gently with a file.

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Thanks for reading and until next time Good Making!

Bill

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