Crosscut Saw

Description

Crosscutting, as the name suggests, is cutting across the Grain of wood. Work is usually supported on trestles, or the end of a bench, but care must be taken to ensure the wood does not bend and bind the saw as cutting proceeds.

Features and Applications

Crosscut saws typically are some 600mm long and with teeth of between 8 and 10 teeth per inch (TPI).

The teeth of traditional saws are sharpened in a way that creates a series of small knives scribing across the Grain as the saw is pushed through the work. Small pieces of waste are removed with each stoke cutting a small groove known as the kerf.

The width of the kerf for all saws is determined by the amount of set which ensures some clearance for the rest of the saw blade and prevents it binding. Some saw blades are tapered towards their top to provide further clearance and a candle may be rubbed over the blade to provide lubrication if needed.

Crosscut sawing is also done using a Radial Arm Saw or Chop Saw but the cutting actions are similar. A Circular Saw or Table Saw is also able to crosscut.