Bench hooks and hacksaws don't go together. . .

Well that was once true, even if it isn't now. The bench hook is a woodworker's tool and the hacksaw is a tool for cutting metal. Still, using them together does help solve the problem of holding the work piece. (it's called a bench hook because it hooks on the edge of your work bench - but you have already guessed that, haven't you!)

As well as helping you to hold the wood it also supports the wood - particularly the small piece that about to fall off when you've finished cutting. Always saw in the position shown as a red line on the top picture, close to the surface shown in red. This means that the last cut always damages the bench hook, so that they eventually wear out. That's OK - it's their job! If you cut away from the bench hook you risk splitting the last few fibres, leaving one piece of wood with a small 'spike' and the other with a corner missing!

If you have trouble holding the work piece you can glue or pin a rectangle of board to the bench hook, as shown in the middle picture. This could be hardboard or thick cardboard. Leave a gap of 1cm [10mm] where the wood goes and you will find holding it much easier. If you are cutting wood that's a different size then turn the bench hook over and use the other side.

If you're still learning to saw and still find it awkward to keep the saw moving freely, you may be worried that the saw might jump out of it's slot and 'saw' your hand. Why not tape a lolly stick, as shown opposite. No risk now!

( and a couple of VERY small blobs of Blutack under the bench hook will stop it slipping about when you saw)

INTERESTING WORD - the slot made by the saw blade is called the KERF