saw is at the proper angle, the weight of the saw, together with the
placement of the handle on the saw blade, will be found sufficient to
make the requisite cut at each stroke.

You will notice that the handle of every saw is mounted nearest the back
edge. (See Fig. 23.) The reason for so mounting it is, that as the
cutting stroke is downward, the line of thrust is above the tooth line,
and as this line is at an angle to the line of thrust, the tendency is
to cause the saw teeth to dig into the wood.

[Illustration: _Fig. 23._]

[Illustration: CHINESE SAW. _Fig. 24._]

THE CHINESE SAW.--This saw is designed to saw with an upward cut, and
the illustration (Fig. 24) shows the handle jutting out below the tooth
line, in order to cause the teeth to dig into the material as the handle
is drawn upwardly. Reference is made to these features to impress upon
beginners the value of observation, and to demonstrate the reason for
making each tool a particular way.

THINGS TO AVOID.--Do not oscillate the saw as you draw it back and
forth. This is unnecessary work, and shows impatience in the use of the
tool. There is such an infinite variety of use for the different tools
that there is no necessity for rendering the work of any particular
tool, or tools, burdensome. Each in its proper place, handled
intelligently, will become a pleasure, as well as a source of profit.

[Illustration: _Fig. 25._]

THE PLANE.--The jack plane and the fore plane are handled with both
hands, and the smoothing plane with one hand, but only when used for
dressing the ends of boards. For other uses both hands are required.

ANGLES FOR HOLDING PLANES.--Before commencing to plane a board, always
observe the direction in which the grain of the wood runs. This
precaution will save many a piece of material, because if the jack plane
is set deep it will run into the wood and cause a rough surface, which
can be cured only by an extra amount of labor in planing down.

Never move the jack plane or the smoothing plane over the work so that
the body of the tool is in a direct line with the movement of the plane.
It should be held at an angle of about 12 or 15 degrees (see Fig. 25).
The fore plane should always be held straight with the movement of the
plane, because the length of the fore plane body is used as a
straightener for the surface to be finished.

[Illustration: _Fig. 26._]

ERRORS TO BE AVOIDED.--Never draw back the plane with the bit resting o