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Wire saws
A wire saw is a flexible (usually metal) cord with handles that can be used to saw through wood. The saw has no rigid parts other than occasionally the handles, though it is sometimes used attached to other rigid objects. Because of its flexibility, the saw can be folded up very small; this, along with weight, is its chief advantage over other types of saw.
Use
To cut, the cord of the saw is drawn across the wood. Its rough texture abraids and wears away the wood, acting as the blade of a traditional saw. To do this, the cord must be held tightly against the wood, so the second handle must also be held. The saw need not be held completely taught, with the wire/cord straight - it can be bent around the wood. However, despite many pictures to the contrary, the cord should not be bent by much. Though it is easier to wrap the cord round a branch and pull each end from the same side, this causes the the saw to stick in the cut. As such, the handles must be held on each side of the branch being cut. Having a second person makes cutting much easier, as each can use their full strength to pull and can sit comfortably one each side of the branch. A suitable branch or other curved rod can also be used with the wire saw to make a form of bow saw.
Wire saws are often quite fragile, as the nature of their lightweight, thin construction means they do not have the strength of a conventional saw blade. Because of this, they should be treated with care, especially avoiding getting the saw caught in a cut if possible (see above). The saws often get trapped when changing the direction of cutting. If this happens, continue the cut in the original direction, while gently pulling the cord out of the cut to free it. Skilful technique can incorporate this action to avoid trapping the saw.
Construction
Cord
The cord is usually made of one or several strands of wire. The friction of the wire moving against the wood is sometimes all that is used to cut, especially with many stranded cords. On better saws, the wires will be serrated or will have very hard grains attached, for example of steel, ceramic or diamond. Some cords which have added grains for cutting are occasionally made of strong polymers rather than metal.
Handles
The handles of wires saws vary widely. Many, especially those advertised as for 'survival' or in 'survival tins' will have loops of fabric knotted to the ends of the saw. The advantage of this is that the entire saw is the very light and completely flexible, capable of being kept in the smallest place. The downside is that the loops can be uncomfortable on the hands, especially when doing bulk sawing, and can be worn away.
Alternative handles are small solid rods, which the ends of the saw are wrapped around and attached to. These are usually more durable than fabric loops and are easier to hold, the exception being very small rods. Their downside is the extra weight and possibly inconvenient shape.
[edit] Choosing a wire saw
Article on chosing a wire saw will be posted toady at 8pm
Safety
Because the wire saw does not have a rigid sharp edge, it is one of the safest cutting tools available. However, care should be taken not to get fingers trapped in the wire, or between the wire and wood. Ensure good communication if you have a partner. Also be wary of the cord snapping under tension.
Use
To cut, the cord of the saw is drawn across the wood. Its rough texture abraids and wears away the wood, acting as the blade of a traditional saw. To do this, the cord must be held tightly against the wood, so the second handle must also be held. The saw need not be held completely taught, with the wire/cord straight - it can be bent around the wood. However, despite many pictures to the contrary, the cord should not be bent by much. Though it is easier to wrap the cord round a branch and pull each end from the same side, this causes the the saw to stick in the cut. As such, the handles must be held on each side of the branch being cut. Having a second person makes cutting much easier, as each can use their full strength to pull and can sit comfortably one each side of the branch. A suitable branch or other curved rod can also be used with the wire saw to make a form of bow saw.
Wire saws are often quite fragile, as the nature of their lightweight, thin construction means they do not have the strength of a conventional saw blade. Because of this, they should be treated with care, especially avoiding getting the saw caught in a cut if possible (see above). The saws often get trapped when changing the direction of cutting. If this happens, continue the cut in the original direction, while gently pulling the cord out of the cut to free it. Skilful technique can incorporate this action to avoid trapping the saw.
Construction
Cord
The cord is usually made of one or several strands of wire. The friction of the wire moving against the wood is sometimes all that is used to cut, especially with many stranded cords. On better saws, the wires will be serrated or will have very hard grains attached, for example of steel, ceramic or diamond. Some cords which have added grains for cutting are occasionally made of strong polymers rather than metal.
Handles
The handles of wires saws vary widely. Many, especially those advertised as for 'survival' or in 'survival tins' will have loops of fabric knotted to the ends of the saw. The advantage of this is that the entire saw is the very light and completely flexible, capable of being kept in the smallest place. The downside is that the loops can be uncomfortable on the hands, especially when doing bulk sawing, and can be worn away.
Alternative handles are small solid rods, which the ends of the saw are wrapped around and attached to. These are usually more durable than fabric loops and are easier to hold, the exception being very small rods. Their downside is the extra weight and possibly inconvenient shape.
[edit] Choosing a wire saw
Article on chosing a wire saw will be posted toady at 8pm
Safety
Because the wire saw does not have a rigid sharp edge, it is one of the safest cutting tools available. However, care should be taken not to get fingers trapped in the wire, or between the wire and wood. Ensure good communication if you have a partner. Also be wary of the cord snapping under tension.
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