Gang saw (pronounced /ɡæŋ sɔː/) is a type of saw that is used for sawing logs or large blocks of wood into lumber. The term "gang" refers to multiple saw blades that are mounted on one shaft or arbor, allowing for multiple cuts to be made simultaneously. The spelling of the word follows standard English spelling rules, with "gang" being pronounced with a hard "g" sound and "saw" being pronounced as it is spelled. The two words are combined to create a compound noun, with stress on the first syllable.
A gang saw refers to a type of sawing machine used in the woodworking and stone cutting industries. It consists of a set of parallel saw blades arranged closely together in a frame or gang, hence the name. Gang saws are primarily employed in the timber and stone industries for efficiently and rapidly cutting logs or blocks into multiple boards or slabs.
In woodworking, a gang saw consists of numerous connected horizontal blades, typically 10 to 60 in number, mounted on a common shaft. The blades work collectively to cut through logs, producing a series of boards in a single pass. This method allows for high productivity and reduces the time and effort required compared to using multiple single-blade saws.
Similarly, in stone cutting, a gang saw contains multiple parallel blades, usually with diamond tips, that simultaneously slice through large stone blocks to create thin slabs or tiles. The continuous cutting action of the gang saw ensures precision and accuracy throughout the process, optimizing the yield and minimizing waste.
The gang saw provides significant advantages in terms of efficiency, time, labor, and material savings in both industries. However, due to its size and complexity, gang saws are primarily used in large-scale operations rather than smaller workshops or individual craftspeople.
The word "gang saw" derives from two different linguistic origins.
The term "saw" comes from the Old English word "sagu", which referred to a cutting tool with a toothed blade used for sawing through wood or other materials. This Old English word is closely related to the German word "sage" and the Dutch word "zaag".
The word "gang" in this context has a different origin. It originates from the Middle English word "gangen", which means to go or to walk together. In the context of a "gang saw", the word "gang" refers to a group or set of similar items that work together in unison.
Therefore, the term "gang saw" refers to a type of saw composed of multiple blades mounted side by side, which work in concert to cut through materials.