Tips

Trouble locking the saw between your knees?
After placing the saw between your knees, tie a belt around your knees and cinch it tight. The belt has to be pretty tight so be sure to have some padding between the belt and your knees so you don't cut off circulation.

A new sound.
Play the saw as a rythm instrument. Instead of bowing it, use a screwdriver and rake it across the saw teeth.

Another new sound.
Again, instead of bowing the blade, hold the saw in both hands on the handle and the tip - then "snap" the blade to get an interesting sound.

Tearing your pants apart?
If the saw teeth are cutting holes in your knees while you are playing, try this; drape a linen cloth over your knees before you clamp the saw between your knees. This will keep the teeth away from the fabric of your clothing.

Tuning your saw
Yes, it's possible to tune your saw to a new key. But you can only go one way; UP. By removing a bit from the tip, you will raise the overall pitch. You should only chop off about an inch at a time - just this little amount will change the pitch significantly. If you plan to do this on your Musical saw, you will probably need to use a hacksaw to lop off the tip. If you are performing this manuever on a non-musical saw. you may find it easier to break off the tip. Non-musical saws are quite brittle - just stick about an inch into a workbench clamp and then bend the saw untill it breaks. I have no idea what safety precautions one should take... I'm sure safety goggles, gloves, etc. should all be used (even though I never do)

We welcome your tips - please send any tips you have to the TipMaster