The foot treadle saw, or saw jig has a very narrow blade held in a U-shaped wooden frame. It is given a reciprocating motion by a treadle and used for all kinds of fretwork, particularly "jigsaw" puzzles. These machines were developed towards the end of the 18th century. The return throw of the saw-blade was sometimes effected by means of a bow string or a spiral spring.

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This page last updated: August 5, 2002 Original content: Copyright © 2000, 2001 Museum of American Heritage