to set / to cross
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to set
In woodworking and metalworking, to bend the teeth of a saw blade alternately to the left and right. This widens the saw cut and prevents the saw from getting stuck in the material.
Der Tischler muss die Säge schränken, bevor er mit der Arbeit beginnt.
The carpenter has to set the saw before he begins working.
The verb 'schränken' (to set/cross) is related to words like 'verschränken' (to cross one's arms) and 'der Schrank' (the cupboard). The basic idea is crossing or fitting things together at a certain angle.
Der Handwerker muss die Säge schränken, damit sie nicht klemmt.
The craftsman has to set the saw so that it doesn't jam.
This meaning is a technical term from woodworking and metalworking. The word is used almost exclusively in this craft context to describe the preparation of a saw blade.
Ein gut geschränktes Sägeblatt ist für einen sauberen Schnitt entscheidend.
A well-set saw blade is crucial for a clean cut.
The use of 'schränken' (to cross) for crossing the arms or legs is considered outdated today. This form is found mainly in older literature.
Nachdenklich schränkte er die Arme vor der Brust und blickte aus dem Fenster.
Thoughtfully, he crossed his arms in front of his chest and looked out the window.
to cross
'kreuzen' and 'schränken' can both mean placing arms or legs over each other. In this sense, 'kreuzen' is the normal and understandable word in everyday language. 'Schränken' here is an older or rare form of 'verschränken' and sounds unusual today. That is why people usually say 'die Arme kreuzen' or, even more naturally, 'die Arme verschränken' (to fold one's arms). You are more likely to encounter 'schränken' in older texts or in a special style.
In dem alten Roman schränkte der Wächter die Arme vor der Brust.
In the old novel, the guard crossed his arms in front of his chest.
Beim Warten kreuzte Max die Arme und sah zur Tür.
While waiting, Max crossed his arms and looked toward the door.