One of the most versatile saws for your workshop is the crosscut saw, it is a handy tool for cutting timber, making furniture and for other wood-cutting tasks. Used properly it will last you for years and give you much pleasure.
What a Crosscut Saw Does
A crosscut saw is a handsaw for manually cutting wood across the grain it includes a blade and a handle. The blade edge below the handle is the heel and the opposite end is the toe. The numerous cutting teeth between the heel and toe have alternating cutting edges. Each cutting tooth cuts with one edge and pushes the sawdust out with the other. Crosscut saws have 8 to 15 pointed teeth per inch.
Safely Using a Crosscut Saw
To safely use a crosscut saw, draw a straight line on the piece of wood you want to cut. Firmly hold or fasten the wood, with a clamp, so that it will not move during cutting. Place the saw's central teeth on the line opposite you and push the saw in a short stroke to start the cut. Once started, pull and push the saw to cut the wood and let the saw do the cutting in a smooth motion, making sure the cut follows the line. When nearly done, make sure the end of the wood being cut is held and will not splinter due to the unsupported weight.
For safety, always be aware that the teeth of a crosscut saw are sharp and pointed. Placing them point-down on an object or a body part will cut it.
Maintaining a Crosscut Saw
Crosscut saws require periodic sharpening by a professional saw sharpener or with a quality saw sharpening tool available at hardware stores. Keep your crosscut saw sharp for safety and for optimum cuts and in between uses a very thin rub down with oil will keep the blade in good condition and rust at bay. The best storage method is to hang the saw on a hook in the shed or garage.
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