The Wheelwright's Shop at Cressing Temple

LONG SAWS

This type of saw can be traced back in illustrations for more than 2000 years. Early examples all had narrow blades that needed to be supported in frames, reflecting the quality of primitive steel. It was not until the early 17th century that improvements in steel production saw the appearance of the wide bladed pit saw.

Narrow-bladed frame saws were still used in many European countries well into the 20th century. The timber to be cut was normally supported on a trestle to raise it above the ground. In England and America, however, it was more common to saw the timber over a pit. Narrow-bladed saws without frames were used when sawing curves such as the wheelwright needed for wheel felloes or shafts for carts.

All these saws have teeth that are set to cut in one direction only. The top of the saw has a removable handle called a 'tiller' for steering the cut while the bottom handle, held by the man in the pit is called a 'box'. Cuts are made on the down stroke using the weight of the saw.

The two long saws with handles in line with the saw blade are called cross-cut saws for cutting across the grain of the timber. The teeth are set to cut in both directions. The longer one is large enough to cut down a small tree, whereas the shorter one is suitable for sawing up smaller pieces of timber. It is the longest practicable length that one person can control if two people are not available.

All the saws date from the first part of the 20th century, although these types had long been in use. Some have makers' marks. For example, 'W. Tyzak Sons and Turner' of Sheffield, Long Horkesley & Co and 'Wingfield Rowbotham and Co. Sheffield', are stamped on the blades.