crosscut saw

a saw for cutting wood perpendicular to the grain.

Origin of crosscut saw

An Americanism dating back to 1635–45

The back-saw, tho a crosscut-saw, may be used in any direction of the grain.

Manual Training Toys for the Boy's Workshop |Harris W. Moore
A crosscut-saw may be thought of as a series of knife points, arranged in two parallel rows.

Handwork in Wood |William Noyes
The teeth of a crosscut-saw are like knife points, they score two lines, and the wood breaks off between them.

Manual Training Toys for the Boy's Workshop |Harris W. Moore
In filing a crosscut-saw, the file is held pointing upward and toward the point of the saw.

Handwork in Wood |William Noyes

As a matter of fact, the crosscut-saw cuts somewhat on the back stroke.

Handwork in Wood |William Noyes

crosscut saw

a saw for cutting timber across the grain