If you have never heard of a cross-cut saw, this is a machine that offers a lot of benefits and many uses. It has been designed specifically for manually cutting wood across the grain. Crosscut saws include a handle and a blade. The blade edge beneath the handle is the heel, and the toe is at the opposite end. There are a number of cutting teeth between the toe and heel, which have alternating cutting edges. Every cutting tooth cuts with one edge and pushes the sawdust out with the other. Crosscut saws have between eight and 15 pointed teeth per inch.
What can you use a crosscut saw for?
There are a lot of different uses for crosscut saws when it comes to woodworking. You also have a number of different crosscut saw sizes available, depending on the task at hand. If you opt for a small crosscut saw, it will have intricate teeth, making it ideal for small woodworking tasks, such as fine woodworking projects. You could use this for making pieces when building furniture, for instance. On the flip side, the big crosscut saws are used for tasks like arborist work, such as cutting lumber or logging.
Because of this, it is important that you consider what you are primarily going to be using the crosscut saw for so that you can choose the best one for your needs. If you are unsure, do not be afraid to ask an advisor at the woodwork machinery company you are purchasing from. We are sure that they will be more than happy to help you.
How do you safely use a crosscut saw?
As is the case with all machinery, crosscut saws need to be used in a safe manner. We recommend that you draw a straight line on the wood that you wish to cut. You then need to make sure the wood is fastened or firmly held, to make sure it does not end up moving while you are cutting.
You should then place the central teeth of the saw on the line opposite you, and push the saw in a short stroke so that you start moving the cut. Once you have begun, pull and push the saw so that you cut the wood in the manner you want to, ensuring that the cut is always following the line. When you are almost finished, be sure that the end of the wood being cut is held so that it does not end up splintering because of weight that is not being supported.
For safety, you need to remember that the crosscut saw’s teeth are pointed and sharp. Placing them point-down on a body part or object will cut it.
Sharpening your crosscut saw
As is the case with any blade or saw, using it for a long period of time will mean you are going to have to sharpen the teeth at some point so you can maintain the handsaw’s efficiency. We always advise getting a professional to do this for you because it is a lot safer and will make sure that you get the best possible results.
Final words on using a crosscut saw effectively and safely
So there you have it: everything that you need to know about using a crosscut saw in a safe and effective manner. It is always important to make sure that any dangerous tools you use are set up safely and that you follow the instructions provided.
