A whipsaw or pitsaw was originally a type of saw used in a saw pit, and consisted of a narrow blade held rigid by a frame (see illustrations). This evolved into a 2-3 metre straight blade with a handle at each end. It was used close to the felling site to reduce large logs into beams and planks. Sawyers either dug a large pit or constructed a sturdy platform, enabling a two-man crew to saw, one positioned below the log, the other standing on it. The sawblade teeth were usually angled so as to only cut on the downward stroke. This arrangement made it easier for the man above to raise the saw, thereby reducing fatigue and backache - the man below had only to pull down on the saw, but had to contend with sawdust in his mouth and eyes and the risk of being crushed by a falling log. [1]