What type of saw is typically used to cut wood perpendicular to the wood grain?

The type of saw typically used to cut wood perpendicular to the wood grain is the crosscut saw. This specific design of saw features teeth that are angled to efficiently slice through the wood fibers when making crosscuts, which are cuts made across the width of the wood. The teeth are shaped in such a way that they minimize splintering and allow for a clean and precise cut along the grain's direction.

Other saw types serve different purposes. For instance, a rip saw is meant for cutting along the grain, facilitating long cuts that align with the wood fibers. A band saw can be versatile, but it is often used for more intricate and curved cuts rather than straightforward crosscuts. A handsaw can refer to a variety of saw types, including both crosscut and rip saws, but without the specific design attributes of a dedicated crosscut saw. Hence, the crosscut saw is the best choice for making cuts perpendicular to the grain.