If a given saw has 8 points per inch, what type of saw is it likely to be?

A saw with 8 points per inch is likely to be a cross-cut saw. The term "points per inch" (PPI) refers to the number of teeth within a given inch of the blade. Cross-cut saws are specifically designed for cutting across the grain of wood, which usually requires a finer tooth configuration to create a cleaner cut. The designation of 8 points per inch indicates that this saw has enough teeth to make it effective for cross-cutting tasks, as it balances the need for efficiency with the smoothness of the cut.

Typically, a cross-cut saw has more teeth per inch than a rip saw, which is designed for cutting along the grain and usually has fewer teeth to allow for quicker cutting. The other saw types, like panel and back saws, also have specific applications that differ in tooth count and structure. Hence, the 8 PPI measurement aligns with the characteristics expected from a cross-cut saw.