This section is from the book "Cyclopedia Of Architecture, Carpentry, And Building", by James C. et al. Also available from Amazon: Cyclopedia Of Architecture, Carpentry And Building.
Another very important and much used tool, wherever wood working is done, is the saw, and so much depends upon its careful manipulation and intelligent use that it will not be out of place to devote a few pages to a consideration of the different kinds of saws and their respective possibilities, as well as to their care and the way in which they should be chosen.
GARDEN FRONT OF HOUSE AT TUXEDO, NEW YORK.
Wilson Eyre, Architect, Philadelphia and New York Exterior Walls of Rough-Cast on Wood Lath; Roofs of Shingles. For View of Main Front of House, See Page 26.
HOUSE AT TUXEDO PARK, NEW YORK, FOR MR. HARLSTON DEACON.
Wilson Eyre, Architect, Philadelphia and New York Built in 1903-04. Cost, about $30,000. For View of Front of House, See Page 26.
There are in general two kinds of saws, which differ from each other in the arrangement of the teeth, and which are intended, one for cutting wood in the direction of the grain, and the other for cutting wood at right angles to the grain. In order to cut the wood in the direction of the grain it is not necessary to cut through very many of the fibers, as the cut is, in general, parallel to them, but it is necessary rather to force the fibers apart without tearing them. Of course it is impossible to cut the wood without tearing the fibers to some extent, but this is the best way to make clear the difference in principle between the two kinds of saws, and an understanding of this difference is necessary in order to appreciate their construction and the proper care of them. The cutting of the wood across the grain, on the other hand, requires a tool made especially with a view to cutting through the fibers as quickly and as easily as possible. Besides these two there are various other special saws designed for a particular kind of work, such as the cutting out of key holes, the cutting of dovetails, the cutting of miters, and other operations required in joiners' or carpenters' work.
 
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