While on a job in Africa (Ghana) some years back I noticed people (workers
from India) holding a hand saw backwards and sawing away from them.
Example, to cut across a 4 foot wide sheet of plywood (plywood on the ground
standing on edge) they would start at the bottom (slightly raising the
plywood on their toes) and cut up towards the top. If making the same cut
on saw horses, again they would start at the near edge and cut away from
themselves.

Now, not only did this look awkward, but, the saw handles weren't designed
to be held upside down. Must have hurt!

When I asked the workers why they were sawing backwards, they replied that
it is standard and the way the British taught them. I got the same reply
from other workers (east Indian) and foremen.

Question:
Do the British really cut 'away' instead of 'towards'???? Do they have saws
with reversed handles?
BTW, this was an American construction job with workers from all around the
world.


All replies appreciated.

Ivan Vegvary