Coping saw for cutting intricate patterns

Press, 9 January 1986, Page 11

Coping saw for cutting intricate patterns

A coping saw is used to cut intricate patterns and curved lines along the edge or inside a piece of wood. Fig. 1 shows the length of the arms, at right angles to the blade, which determine the size of the saw. Normally, these arms are about 10cm from the blade. A coping saw may be

used with the teeth pointing either way, although it is usually suggested that they point towards the handle.

When the work is held vertically in the vice, however, many workers use the blade with the teeth pointing away, and cut on the push stroke. When the work is held horizontally, cutting is done on the'down stroke, as in Fig. 2.

The blades of a coping saw are thin and narrow and it is possible to make sharp turns when cutting. For ordinary cutting, keep

the blade perpendicular to the face of the board.

If it is necessary to cut an interior hole with a coping saw, first drill a hole through the wood that is larger than the blade.

Disconnect the saw blade by unscrewing the handle. Slip the saw-blade through the hole. Insert the blade into the frame ends and tighten the handle. Make the necessary cuts until the interior piece is' removed.

To disengage the saw, loosen the handle, disconnect the blade and reassemble before putting it away.