MOT V 2015.0164 L=110cm WD=27cm WT=1000gr. Inscription: R. DE RIDDER BRUXELLES II 182, Rue Marie Christine WARRANTED J.J.P. CAST STEEL image hammer / nail / circle / pennant

alias

pit saw (syn.)

alias

whipsaw (syn.)

description

The double-handed crosscut saw is a large, rigid-bladed saw used by two men (1) to cut logs and beams across and fell trees. She cuts in both directions.

This saw consists of a long toothed blade (1.30-2 m) (2) often wider in the middle (12-17 cm), and at the ends two straight handles (3) of approx. 50 cm. There are now crosscut saws saws with adjustable handles, which can be placed vertically or horizontally.

The log to be cut is rolled onto a crosspiece and the sawyers pull (never push) the saw in turn. [MOT]

(1) In softwood, some craftsmen could handle this saw alone.

(2) BOERHAVE BEEKMAN 1949/5: 408, fig. 11.09 shows a tree with a circumference of 13.19 m that has been cut down with two crosscut saws that are welded together in line.

(3) The crosscut saw with closed handles (eg BISTON-BOUTEREAU-HANUS: 247) appears to be rare.