On Fri, 25 Jan 2008 07:39:11 -0500, "Robert11"
wrote:

Hi,

Was looking at the Home Handyman magazine, and mentioned was the below.
This is a bit lengthy, so bear with me.

Someone questioned about how to install a hacksaw blade, forward or
backward, and said his two reliable sources told him it didn't matter.
Family Handyman said the sources weren't so reliable; the blades should be
forward.

Guess my question is twofold: I took a look at the saws that I have, (I was
curious, not just with the hacksaw), and none of them appear to have blades
facing forward or back. They all look to be facing downward, so what is the
magazine talking about here?

Also, if the blades are installed facing forward, doesn't that impede
progress when pulling the blade back? You move a saw forward and back, not
in just one direction, of course ? So, if the blades were facing forward,
they would be tougher to pull back, no?

So, how should hacksaw blades be oriented, please ?

In reality, it doesn't matter. One way you cut on the push stroke,
the other way on the pull stroke. My hacksaw blade cuts on the push
stroke. My dozuki saw cuts on the pull stroke, but all other saws cut
on the push stroke.


How about wood type saws also, since we are on the subject ?

Much thanks,
Bob