It is better not to attempt to start the saw level, i.e., with the teeth resting clear across the wood, but the handle should be raised so that the start is made only at the farther edge of the wood.

Then as the saw is gradually lowered, the kerf will extend quite across the wood.
Fig.92.When the back-saw is used for ripping, the wood is held in the vise, end up.

Begin sawing as in crosscutting, that is, at the farther corner with the handle end of the saw up, and gradually drop the handle.

Watch the lines on both the front and back sides, and if necessary, reverse the piece to follow them.
[Illustration: Fig.90.Using the Back-Saw with Bench-Hook.] [Illustration: Fig.91.Starting a Saw Cut in a Trough Cut With Knife.] [Illustration: Fig.92.Direction of the Back-Saw.] [Illustration: Fig.93.

Dovetail-saw.] [Illustration: Fig.94.