"The saw is either reciprocating or continuous in action, the first being a flat blade and practically straight edge, making a plane cut, as in hand, mill, jig and sash saws ; the latter, either a circular or rotating disc, cutting in a plane at a right angle to its axis, a cylindrical or barrel shape with a convex edge cutting parallel to its axis, or a continuous ribbon or band running on two pulleys making a plain or curved cut with a straight edge parallel to their axis of rotation.

Practically speaking, the teeth are a series of knives set on a circular or straight line, each tooth cutting out its proportion of wood and prevented from cutting more by the teeth on either side of it.  Each tooth should cut the sam2 amount and carry out the chip or dust, dropping it below the material being sawed.  Different kinds of wood require teeth varying in number, angle or pitch and style of filing.

The perfection of a saw is one that cuts the fastest and smoothest with the least expenditure of power ; to do this, it is evident that each tooth should be constructed and dressed as to do an equal proportion of the work, for if any 'of the teeth are out of line or shape, they are not only useless themselves, but a disadvantage to the others. We find many good mechanics who frankly acknowledge that they never could file a saw satisfactorily ; the probable reason is that they never studied the principle of the action or working of the tool.  There is no reason why any man of ordinary mechanical ability should not be able to file, and keep his saw in order, but like all trades, it requires practice and study of the subject."