Definition

1. Noun:
   • A handsaw designed to cut wood at a right angle to the grain: A "crosscut handsaw" is a type of manual saw with teeth specifically shaped to sever wood fibers cleanly across the grain, rather than along it.

Usage

• The primary function of a crosscut handsaw is to cut wood perpendicular to its grain. It is a fundamental tool in woodworking and carpentry for making precise crosscuts.

Examples

• Noun:
  • For this project, you'll need a sharp crosscut handsaw to cut the timber to length.
  • He carefully selected a crosscut handsaw from the tool rack to trim the wooden plank.

Advanced Usage

• "to make a crosscut": to perform a cut across the grain of wood using a crosscut handsaw or similar tool.
  • First, you must make a clean crosscut on the end of the board.

Variants and Related Words

• Crosscut saw (n): A more general term that can refer to any saw, including larger two-person saws, designed for cutting across the grain.
  • The lumberjacks used a large crosscut saw to fell the tree.
• Ripsaw (n): A handsaw designed to cut the grain of the wood, in contrast to a crosscut handsaw.
  • After making the crosscuts, use a ripsaw to cut the board lengthwise.

Synonyms

• Crosscut saw: A direct synonym, though it can imply a broader category of saws.
• Panel saw: A type of crosscut handsaw often used for cutting sheet materials like plywood.

Related Phrases

• "Cut against the grain": An action performed by a crosscut handsaw.
  • Always use a crosscut handsaw to cut against the grain for a smoother finish.

Noun

1. handsaw that cuts at right angles to the grain (or major axis)