How to use a floorboard saw

Before you begin

Should you push or pull?

Most floorboard saws cut on the push stroke only, although some can cut on both the push and pull stroke.

Starting your cut 

Cutting with the straight edge

The straight edge of a floorboard saw's blade can be used to cut floorboards to size before they are laid. To do this, rest the blade against the surface of the board and pull the saw back towards you, applying very little downward pressure in one long, slow stroke.

Once the first cut is made, you can begin building speed until you have a steady sawing rhythm.

Cutting with the curved nose

Most models of floorboard saw have a curved nose with teeth running along the outer edge.

This feature is ideal for starting cuts in the centre of already-laid floorboards, when there is no available edge to cut from. 

To start a cut using the nose, you should grip the handle with your dominant hand, and gently push the nose of the saw across the floorboard, applying very little downward pressure in a short yet smooth stroke.

Once the nose has cut through the board, you can turn the saw around and complete the cut with the straight edge of the blade.