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Tools
This is the first thing to decide on before undertaking a sawing job. You can use an electric saw or a handsaw (the kind we discuss here). The latter are used by professionals even for the most intricate and demanding jobs.
As sawing is basically a technique for removing material, you should know what kind of material you are dealing with and choose a saw with the right kind of teeth.
The most common saw teeth are crossing-cutting, or bent right or left, triangular or straight.

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Kinds of handsaws
Although most saws are similar, there is always just the right one depending on the kind of cut you want to make and the kind of wood you are working with. The following are the most common ones.
Ripsaw. A large-bladed saw good for sawing wood with the grain.
Crosscut saw. Also large. Ideal for sawing solid-wood planks along their length.
Handsaw. Similar in size to the previous saw. Designed for cutting particle-board, finished or unfinished.
Framesaw. The classic, traditional saw. Has two handles so it can be used with another person. The blade can be changed. Good for cutting large planks with the grain.
Tenon saw. Smaller than the previous category. Has a heavy strip of brass or steel on the upper part of the blade that helps keep it straight. Teeth are thin and small. Good for precision work. There are many varieties.

There are also small saws good for making curved cuts, as well as fret saws and Japanese saws.

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Kinds of cuts
Along the grain: refers to sawing that follows the direction of the grain of the wood. With large planks and boards they tend to be longitudinal cuts.
Across the grain: these go perpendicular to the grain of the wood.
Thus the teeth of the saw must be appropriate for the job at hand. For cutting with the grain, the teeth should be large and straight-edged. To cut across the grain, the front edge of the tooth should be inclined slightly backward. The edge and the tip should be very sharp.
For young wood it is best to use a cross-grain cut so the saw will not get stuck.

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How to saw
Place the piece of wood in an area where you can work comfortably, and hold it in place. Your body should never be in an unnatural position.
Mark the cutting line with a ruler or square.
To hold the saw better, point your index finger toward the tip of the blade. This will keep the handle from bending and control the tool.
Hold the saw at the beginning of the line you have marked.
Begin to saw by pulling toward yourself and hold the saw at a 45-degree angle.
To start the cut off properly, place your thumb against the blade and press gently.
When you have made the first cut or slit, press down and pull the saw with steady movements.

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A few tricks
With short cuts, place a wedge at the beginning of the cut so the wood does not close up again.
You will make a cleaner cut if the wood is held in place firmly and you use long strokes.
Another way to achieve clean cuts is to place a piece of scrap wood below the piece you are sawing.
Rub wax, tallow or soap along the area you will saw to keep small, narrow sawteeth from getting stuck.
If the saw is exposed to areas where rust is possible, keep it clean and protect it with a thin layer of oil.
With small saws or saws for precision jobs, use boxes or wooden or metallic guides to make straight or miter box cuts.

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Hold the piece firmly in place
With large pieces or planks, work on a sawhorse, holding the ends down with clamps.
For smaller pieces use a carpenter's bench. There are reasonably priced portable ones for holding the piece.
At all times keep in mind how you are going to hold the piece of wood that falls off. If it is a delicate piece you are cutting, the weight of the falling piece can ruin the finish. Have someone help you if necessary.