How to Use a Crosscut Saw

In this video you will learn how to use a cross-cut saw.

Cross-cut saws are used for cutting across the grain.

They may be large or compact and usually consists of closely arranged v-shaped teeth.

The tools and materials that you will need are, a cross-cut saw, a try square, a pencil, a vise, a saw horse a work piece and some scrap wood.

The cross-cut saw consists of a handle and a serrated blade designed to cut against the grain.

The teeth of the blade are beveled to create a knife-like cut that can sever each individual fibre.

Each of the teeth tend slightly towards alternating sides.

This helps to cut a slot that is wider than the blade, enabling free movement.

Use a try square and a pencil to mark a line running through all four sides of the piece of wood.

Clamp the workpiece with a piece of scrap wood on either side for protection.

Hold the saw with your dominant hand.

Place the thumb of your free hand on the sawline, displacing the saw slightly wide of the mark and into the waste wood.

Watch your fingers.

The extra bit can be reduced later with a plane, file or sandpaper.

Make a small groove with shallow pull strokes.

Maintain eye-line with the workpiece.

Keep your shoulder in line with your hand.

The saw should be angled at around 40°.

Ensure that the blade is held straight and stays in position.

Make sure you use both hands for cutting the workpiece.

As you approach the end of the cut, start sawing slowly at a 0° degree angle.

Hold the workpiece on the side of the cut that isn't clamped, to avoid chipping.

Unclamp the workpiece.

Check with a try square if it is cut at a right angle.

In case it isn't, you can plane it flat.

You can also use a sawhorse to hold the workpiece.

Place your knee on top of it and apply your bodyweight to keep it steady.

Remember to hold the end before it falls off.

You have now learnt how to use a cross-cut saw.