carpenter's saw
Definition
Noun: A carpenter's saw is a hand saw specifically designed for cutting wood. It is a tool with a toothed metal blade, typically operated with one hand, used by carpenters and woodworkers for making straight or curved cuts in lumber.
Usage
A carpenter's saw is a fundamental tool for cutting and shaping wood in construction, cabinetry, and general woodworking. It is used by pulling or pushing the blade through the wood to create a cut along the desired line.
Examples
- The carpenter selected a sharp carpenter's saw from his toolbox to cut the plank to length.
- For this fine detail work, a small carpenter's saw is more precise than a power tool.
- Before electric saws were common, a carpenter's saw was the primary tool for cutting timber.
Advanced Usage
- "To set up a cut with a carpenter's saw": This refers to the preparatory steps before sawing, such as marking the cut line on the wood and securing the workpiece.
- He carefully set up the cut with his carpenter's saw to ensure a perfect 90-degree angle.
Variants and Related Words
- Handsaw (n): A more general term for any saw operated by hand, which includes a carpenter's saw.
- Ripsaw (n): A specific type of carpenter's saw with teeth filed to cut the grain of the wood.
- Crosscut saw (n): A specific type of carpenter's saw with teeth filed to cut the grain of the wood.
- Backsaw (n): A carpenter's saw with a stiffening rib on the edge opposite the cutting edge, often used in a miter box for precise angled cuts.
Synonyms
- Woodsaw (n): A saw for cutting wood.
- Handsaw (n): A saw used manually.
Related Phrases
- "To saw by hand": To cut using a manual saw like a carpenter's saw, as opposed to using a power saw.
- He prefers to saw the delicate trim by hand for better control.
Related Idioms
- "As sharp as a carpenter's saw": Used to describe something that is extremely sharp or keen.
- After being honed, the blade was as sharp as a carpenter's saw.
Noun
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a saw used with one hand for cutting wood
