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THE COPING SAW
V. Ryan © 2002 - 2022
 
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Coping saws are used for cutting a range of woods and are very useful for cutting unusual shapes or curves. In a modern workshop these shapes are normally cut using machine fretsaws. However, there are times when these machines are not available. Also, using a coping saw is a test of skill as it can be difficult to control and requires practice.

 
 
 
FITTING THE BLADE
The blade is 150mm in length and at each end there is a pin that holds the blade to the frame. To fit a new blade the frame has to be flexed (shown below) usually by applying a little pressure. The blade fits into two slotted pins on the frame of the coping saw and when pressure is released, the frame springs back to its original shape, holding the blade in position.
 
 
 
 
 
Care must be taken when fitting the blade so that the teeth point towards the handle. If the blade is fitted the opposite way the coping saw will be very difficult, if not impossible, to use.  
 
A coping saw can be used to cut shapes in the middle of a piece of material. First, the blade is removed from the coping saw and then passed through a hole that has been drilled. The blade is then fitted to the coping saw frame. The saw can then be used in the normal way, cutting the ‘internal’ shape.
 
 
 
 

Alternative method - Using the coping saw to cut thin material:

Support the material on the surface of a bench, with one hand. The material must be held down firmly. The second hand controls the movement of the saw. Cutting takes place as the saw is pulled downwards.
When cutting curves, the supporting hand manoeuvres the material on the surface of the bench. The sawing motion, should always be in a straight and forward direction. It is the manoeuvring of the wood by the supporting hand, that determines the curve being cut.

 
 

QUESTIONS:

1. Draw a diagram showing how the coping saw is held in the hand.

2. Draw a diagram showing how the blade is held in position.

3. Explain how internal shapes can be cut with the coping saw. Use notes and diagrams to describe this technique.

 
 
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