This is to saw across the grain of the wood and you can remember its proper use if you think of your pioneer ancestors sawing down trees by sawing across the grain of the massive trunks. (A rip saw cuts with the grain, or parallel to the grain of the wood.)
Keep your saw razor sharp by filing with a hand file, or grinding it on a whet-stone or grindstone, or take it to a professional. This is important, for even an expert could not do good work with a dull saw.
Take-it-Easy when you saw. If you want to saw a board, draw a line with a pencil on both sides of the board exactly where you want to cut. You may think you can judge by your eye, but experience shows that you can’t. Then draw the saw lightly back and forth, holding it at an angle of 45 degrees. After you have made a start, you may drive a nail in the opening of the cut to avoid binding, but be sure to select a small nail so you won’t split the wood you are trying to cut. The first few strokes will show you if you are going to get a proper cut. Then give the weight of the saw a chance – all you .do is to draw it back and forth, keeping it even with the knuckle of your thumb.
Do not allow waste side of work to break off as cut is made. This practice causes work to split. Support waste side and cut clear through work.
Do not allow end of saw to strike floor. There is danger of springing the blade. Raise work high enough to get clearance. If work cannot be raised, limit the stroke.