CROSSCUT SAWING

What is a crosscut saw?

A crosscut saw is a handsaw designed to cut across the grain of wood.

Different saws on east and west coast. Why?

There are two types of saws: Felling Saw Bucking Saw

The felling saw has a concave back and is relatively light and flexible.

The bucking saw has a straight back and is heavier and stiffer.

Timeline Review Crosscut saws were used in

the United States starting around 1640 as bucking saws

Starting around 1880, Pennsylvania logger began using the crosscut on the back cut

Until the 15th century, the crosscut saw had plain tooth patterns.

The M tooth pattern was developed in Germany in the 1400s, but not popularized elsewhere until recently

Today, many people are rediscovering use of the crosscut saw for trail work

Saw Makers:TuatahiJim TaylorSimonds

Saw Morphology

Cutter/Teeth Raker Kerf Gullet Point Noodles

How does it work?

The Teeth: Cut the wood fibers Break the cut fibers loose Remove the fibers from the kerf

Tooth Spacing Is the tooth strong enough for the intended work? Are the gullets far enough apart to effectively pick up all

the fibers severed by the cutters? Is there enough room for the teeth and rakers to be

sharpened and maintained? What's the best way to reduce vibration and chatter so the

saw cuts smoothly?

Jim Taylor

M Tooth

Tuatahi Pegg & Raker

Timeline Review Crosscut saws were used in

the United States starting around 1640 as bucking saws

Starting around 1880, Pennsylvania logger began using the crosscut on the back cut

Until the 15th century, the crosscut saw had plain tooth patterns.

The M tooth pattern was developed in Germany in the 1400s, but not popularized elsewhere until recently

Today, many people are rediscovering use of the crosscut saw for trail work

Saw Makers:TuatahiJim TaylorSimonds

Saw Maintenance

Ultimately, You need a pro a.k.a. Jim Taylor Saws need to be clean to function effectively After Every Use:

Brush down Replace in sheath

For long term storage: WD-40 Flat ground Cool area Dry

If Rusty: No 0 Steel wool Coarser Wool

Saw repair http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/fspubs/04232822

Buying a Saw

Chipped Points Broken Point Burned Saw Rolled Edge Even tips Price Range

Before you start

PPE Rocks and foreign objects on the log People and property in the cutting zone What saws are allowed

Competition Bucking

Positioning relative to log Starting Cut Lube Wedge Straight Blade

http://www.motherearthnews.com/Modern-Homesteading/1979-09-01/The-Crosscut-Saw.aspx

http://www.speedaxe.com/Racingsaws.htm

http://www.traditionalwoodworker.com/images/Crosscut%20Saw%20Primer.pdf

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kerf#Saw_terminology

http://www.tuatahiaxes.com/peg.html http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/

fspubs/04232822/page01.htm#intro