"Ben Bullock" wrote in message
...
I'm trying to learn rip sawing with a hand saw. I took a few photos, and
I'd appreciate any input.

http://flickr.com/photos/bnz/sets/72157594441220214/

I don't understand the "most efficient cutting angle" shown at all. From my
own experience, reading, and watching a proficient Japanese woodworker rip a
large thick board, I believe you would be better off laying the blade about
90 degrees in the other direction. The photos suggest you would be standing
to the right end of the board while actually sawing. If so you are trying to
pull the saw up into the wood from below and push it away from yourself.

If you flip the angle of the saw as I suggest above, and stand to the left
end of the board you will enjoy an easier task and likely attain good
results quicker. This as you would be pulling the saw up and towards you on
the cutting stroke. Also, laying the blade down in the cut will help you
stay on the line by increasing the amount of blade length in the wood (this
is much like how a long plane straightens an edge easier than a short
plane).

Regarding keeping the cut square to the face, putting a try square on the
board with the blade sticking up will give you a visual guide. After a while
you will develop a feel for it and will not need the try square.

Regarding the scratches on the cut face, it is important to keep in mind
that you should be ripping just a bit wider than the desired finished width
and then plane the edge flat, square, and to final dimension. The amount of
"a bit wider" needed will decrease as you become more proficient. See the
photos I posted under Sloyd in Action in ABPW. My boys can stay within about
1/16" of the line at this point and the younger one has split a pencil line
on cross cuts... With each project their skills grown and I'm sure you will
have a similar experience if you are studious about the process.

John