Types of saws and rules of sawing
Sawing is dividing a blank in two with a saw. There are separate saws for cutting lengthwise, crosswise and both ways; a bow saw is tightened by twisting the cord with a twist stick. Saw teeth are set, that is, bent alternately to the two sides, so the kerf (cut) is wider than the blade and the blade does not jam. Sawing starts 2–3 mm to the side of the marked line, with the line staying to the left of the kerf. It begins by drawing the saw toward you at about 20° to cut a small groove, then the saw is run along its whole length; the blade must be square to the blank and not pressed hard. The speed must not exceed 40–50 double strokes a minute. The hand holding the blank stays at least 10 mm, better several centimetres, from the saw, and a wooden guide block is placed where the cut starts. A mitre box is used for cuts at 90° and 45°.
Sawing technique (supervised): the blank is clamped in the vice and a line drawn; the pupil, in goggles and beside the teacher, shows how to begin the cut by pulling. The first 3 strokes are with the teacher. Others watch and find 4 mistakes. Sawing alone is forbidden.