Cutting a splice by hand

[Pat B]

I bought an inexpensive(about $10 I think) Japanese back saw about 10 years ago from Lowe's I believe and it is still going strong today.

[dmenzies1950]

Like you other guys, I use a Japanese pull saw. Works for me! I like your set-up Aaron, (using the clamp for a guide ), that should help to eliminate errant cuts. Thanks for sharing that with us! I will try that on a couple of yew billets that are in line to be my next bow.

Dale

[WillS]

Great responses, cheers guys.  To those who use saws without jigs/guides, how do you go about the cut?  Do you clamp/hold the billet with the belly down & back up, so the billet is horizontal and cut looking straight down, or do you hold the billet vertical and cut so that you're looking along the length of the billet? 

I found that cutting with the billet horizontal messes up the most, but I am doing it without the correct tool it would seem.

[Thesquirrelslinger]

you could reverse your hacksaw blade...
but that may or may not help
Get a vice and use it. it will help more than you can possibly imagine.