What Is Pad Sawing

I still see the walnut curls from that first test cut with a pad saw.
A drill left a neat circle in the cabinet door.
The brass escutcheon needed sharp corners.
My jigsaw felt bulky.
So I grabbed the slim pad saw.
Three gentle strokes sliced the square sides.
The result looked clean and crisp.
That memory put the tool near the front of my rack.

Quick Answer

Pad sawing means cutting with a pad saw which many workers also call a keyhole saw or compass saw.
The narrow blade slips through a starter hole then travels with steady pushes to outline tight shapes.

Pad Saw Anatomy

A pad saw looks simple yet clever.
A sturdy handle holds a slim removable blade.
Many models let you slide the blade in or out which adds stiffness in deep cuts.

• Common specifications*

• Blade length ranges from six inches to ten inches.

• Tooth count runs from eight teeth per inch to twenty teeth per inch.
• Most blades use fine steel and replace in seconds.
• Handles appear in wood or molded plastic and often include a brass collar.

Vintage pads often feature rosewood grips that feel warm in hand.
Modern drywall styles use tougher plastic for rough jobsite work.

Core Uses

Pad sawing shines in tight spots.

• Typical tasks*

• Square corners after a round drill hole.

• Cut cable ports in a desktop.
• Shape outlet openings in back panels.
• Trim curves inside a cabinet carcass.
• Enlarge holes near edges without splitting fibers.

Material Range

• Hardwoods.
• Softwoods.
• Plywood sheets.
• Thin veneer panels with a scored line.
• Drywall during shop upgrades.

Step by Step Guide

Follow this simple path for clean results.

1. Mark the outline with a sharp pencil and solid square.
2. Score the line with a marking knife to guard the surface.
3. Drill a starter hole inside the waste area.
4. Slide the blade so only a short section extends for extra control.
5. Set the blade in the hole and begin with brief forward strokes.
6. Keep the saw vertical while the teeth bite on the push stroke.
7. Ease pressure on the return stroke to avoid tear out.
8. Rotate the handle gently near corners while following the scored line.
9. Leave a fine buffer then finish right to the mark with light strokes.
10. Smooth edges with a sharp file if required.

Bench Wisdom

• Rub a candle along the blade for smoother motion.
• Clamp the work upright and relax your shoulders.
• Short blades suit hardwood while longer blades suit soft stock.
• Score both faces of veneer to stop chip out.

Comparing Tools

Pad sawing offers feel and silence inside small cavities.
A jigsaw moves faster on long sweeping cuts.
An oscillating multi tool plunges near edges without a starter hole.
Choose the pad saw when surface quality ranks first.

Advanced Corner Method

Use this system for crisp hardware cutouts.

1. Drill to match the tightest width of the required opening.
2. Clamp a hardwood block as a fence along the cut line.
3. Saw close to the mark on each side.
4. Nibble right to the line at each corner with tiny strokes.
5. Pare any stubborn fibers with a sharp chisel.

Keep the tooth line level with the surface which keeps both entry and exit faces clean.

Blade Care

Many modern blades receive impulse hardening which resists files.
Replace those when dull.
Traditional steel accepts a light file which saves cost.

• Quick care list*

• Wipe the blade after each session then coat with light oil.

• Touch dull spots with a small triangular file when steel allows.
• Stone away burrs along the side of the blade.
• Retract the blade for storage which guards both edge and fingers.

Buying Tips

Feel the handle before purchase because comfort boosts control.
Wood handles with brass clamps give the best feedback.
Check that the blade locks firm with finger force.
Ask for a spare blade at the counter.
Ten to fifteen teeth per inch handle most timber projects.
Coarser teeth slice drywall with ease.

Vintage finds deserve attention because quality steel lasts decades.
A light polish and fresh oil return them to daily duty.

Safety First

• Wear wraparound eye protection.
• Clamp the work and keep free hand clear.
• Start with slow strokes until the kerf guides the blade.
• Pause and clear dust if the blade begins to bind.

FAQ

• What is pad sawing in simple terms*

Pad sawing is the act of guiding a slim hand saw through an interior starter hole to carve shapes that larger saws miss.

• What are the three broad saw classes*

Rip saws cut along the grain.
Crosscut saws slice across the grain.
Specialty saws handle tasks like pad sawing or coping.

• Another name for a sawzall*

Many builders call a sawzall a reciprocating saw which powers through rough cuts.

• Panel saw purpose*

A panel saw breaks sheet goods and long boards into workable parts.

• Coping saw use*

A coping saw shapes tight curves in thin trim pieces.

Final Thoughts

Pad sawing rewards patience and sharp senses.
You feel each fiber give way which guides your next stroke.
Soon your cutouts look crisp and handmade which lifts your furniture from common to memorable.
Grab a scrap board today and test the rhythm.
Your next cabinet will thank you.