Do you have any idea how to use a coping saw? Have you ever gone through using one?
Well, while the molding installation process, the most complicated job is joint coping. And that’s the time when you’re going to need a coping saw. A coping saw will assist you in getting the most intricate design or curve for your fittings.
The best coping saw isn’t too hard to use. But for beginners, it might take a few practices to get used to a coping saw.
Today, we will share the basics of using a coping saw as a beginner. Start your journey with a coping saw and increase your skill with us.
What is a Coping Saw?
A coping saw is a set of thin blades, a C-shaped metal frame, a rotating spigot, and a plastic or hardwood handle. The blade is 150 mm long and has tremendously sharp and tiny little teeth.
The most available blades have 12 to 15 teeth per inch. The rotating spigot holds both ends of the blade. This fixture comes with a frame.
Easily compare between two same types of saw- fret saw and coping saw
How to Use a Coping Saw Safely?
If you want to be a pro user of a coping saw, you should understand how to use one. For that, you have to start from the very beginning. Let’s know how you can get started with a coping saw. Could you give it a read thoroughly?
Choosing Blade
The most important part of a coping saw is its blade. You have to choose the right blade for the right job for the best performance.
There are options for choosing blades from different varieties, starting from high-carbon blades, wire blades, coarse blades, and helical blades as well. For cutting tiles, you can go with the wire blades. A rough blade is excellent for wood projects.
On the other hand, choosing helical blades would be suitable if you’re going to cut plastic materials. And, of course, for cutting metal, a high-carbon blade is the right choice.
Blade Installation
Next, come to the blade installation process. For installing the blade of the coping saw, you need to set the front edge of the frame on a durable surface. Make sure you’re holding its handle in such a way that it can point up.
Now, it’s time to attach one end of the blade to the spigot furthermost away from the handle. After that, compress the frame by pressing down on the handle.
Thus the other end of the blade will get attached. Now, make your required adjustment by releasing tension.
Placing the Material
Now, let’s get started with the cutting procedure. In the beginning, make sure you’re placing and holding the cutting material correctly and safely. You need to take care of the cutting material so that it won’t slip.
It would be better to hold it with clamps or in a vise. Curious about how to use clamps? It’s effortless. Just open it, put the material into it, then tighten it up. And there you go.
Tracing and Cutting
If you’re new to a coping saw for cutting materials, it might happen that you’re not cutting straight or as you wanted to. That’s why for a perfect cut, you can mark the cutting piece.
Just trace the planned line onto the material as desired. Please pay attention to the saw’s central teeth and their position. It should be on the cutting line at the starting point.
Don’t rush. Push your saw in such a way that you can start cutting in a short stroke. Don’t let anything come in the blade’s direction. Keep following the drawn line and keep turning the frame and the handle as required.
Different Cuts with Coping Saw
Go with your saw perpendicular to the cutting material for a massive flawless cut. If you need a piece of a particular shape and you have to cut it from the middle of the cutting board, a coping saw can do it for you.
All you have to do is make a small hole by drilling into the cutting material’s required space. After making a hole with a kit, remove the blade from its frame.
Then reattach it to the frame by placing it through that hole you’ve already made. Now, keep going with the saw for cutting your desired shape.
Which Way Should The Teeth Face On A Coping Saw?
It’ll be easier to cut with a coping saw by pulling it instead of pushing. For that, you need to set the blade in such a way that its teeth can point to the handle.
Using this method will make your coping saw more durable and well-performed. Always use your saw carefully as its blade is usually fragile. Hence, it might be possible for you to break the blade unintentionally while cutting.
If somehow it breaks, don’t worry. Just replace it with a new one. Loosen the previous one, replace it with a new one, and tighten it up.
Final Verdict
Try using it on a trial cutting material before cutting the final material with a coping saw. It’ll help you know your skill. If your blade or its teeth are broken, dull, or bent, just replace the blade. Otherwise, it can be hazardous. Go slow and have a safe beginning.