How to use a locksmith hook with saws that cut while pulling?

	Generally speaking, hand saws made in Europe, including the UK, cut in a straight or "push" stroke, that is, as the saw moves away from your body. This includes a tenon saw like this which is very often used in combination with a bench hook.
	However, some saws made in other parts of the world cut in reverse or in a "pull" stroke where you pull the saw back towards you. These include the so-called Japanese pull saws.
	Some carpenters prefer them because they have thinner blades than European saws, which means they make finer cuts for greater precision. They are controlled during the cutting stroke by pulling with the fingers and thumb rather than pushing with the palm of the hand. Some people find that they can cut more evenly this way.
	Like the tenon saw, Japanese pull saws are often used in conjunction with hooks. However, hand saws pose a problem for users of conventional plumbing hooks.
	The workpiece is usually located on the joiner's side from the stop, which counteracts the forward movement of the European saw.
	When working with a pull saw, when cutting in the reverse direction, the workpiece is pulled away from the fence.
	One solution is to have the carpenter look at the workbench hook from the opposite side of the workbench, but this should only be done if your workbench hook has a stop offset from the side you will be working on. Otherwise, the lack of offset may cause the saw blade to crash into the workbench.
	The best solution if you regularly use a saw that cuts while pulling is to buy or make a slightly customized workbench hook.
	This type has a stop a few inches off the front of the base so the workpiece can be placed on the far side of the stop for a reverse/pull cut. Workpieces can still be placed in front of the fence for use with saws that cut in a straight/push stroke.
	Place the hook of the bench hook in a carpenter's vise if you find that cutting in reverse moves it away from the edge of the bench. See our section How to fix a bench hook in a vise for more information. However, since these saws are usually designed for thin cuts, sufficient forward pressure from the non-saw hand should prevent any backward movement.