What does the observed action of the saw dropping back into the cut indicate in rolling technique?

• A. It reveals the member size when the saw drops back into the cut
• B. It signals the material's density is high
• C. It indicates the size (width) of the member based on where it drops back into the cut
• D. It has no diagnostic value

Answer: (C)

The rolling technique relies on the blade’s re-entry into the cut to gauge the member’s width. As you roll the saw through the kerf, gravity can cause the blade to drop back into the cut at a specific point. That re-entry point correlates with how thick the member is: a wider member will let the blade stay in the kerf longer and re-enter at a different depth than a narrower one. By observing where the blade drops back, you infer the size (width) of the member you’re cutting. It isn’t a measure of density, and the key diagnostic information here is the width indication provided by that drop-back position.