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Top 5 Coping Saws in 2023 | Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

Having the best coping saws in your workshop is of great benefit because you are confident of obtaining precise and accurately cut wood surfaces when working on different types of projects. The most fundamental thing, however, is to always ensure that you have the best coping saws that sufficiently meets your needs.

The delight of every handyman is always to get tools and equipment that will make his work easy while working on a particular project.

For starters, determining the best affordable and quality coping saws may seem to be a difficult task since there are numerous brands of this tool in the market. But once you finish reading this article, you find that everything has been simplified and that the process is not that complicated.

Top 5 Coping Saws Comparison Table

Product Name's

Editor's Rating

Check Latest Price

Olson - SF63510 Coping Saw

5/5

Stanley - 15-106A Coping Saw

4.5/5

BAHCO - 301 Coping Saw

4.5/5

Robert Larson 540-2000 Coping Saw

5/5

Stanley 15-104 Fatmax Coping Saw

4.5/5

What is a Coping Saw?

If you are a novice in carpentry or any woodwork related job, you ought to have heard about a coping saws. This is a tool that is used for cutting complex shapes and designs on materials such as wood moldings. One aspect that makes this type of saw outstanding is its precision in cutting, creating shapes and patterns, and more specifically for joint-cutting.

This saw is also formed of a relatively lean but sturdy steel blade which is tightened onto wooden handles, depending on the manufacturer.

The other critical feature of this particular type of saw is that it is very easy to change the direction of the cuts because of the slimness of its blade.

A coping saw is not any common type of saw to have in your workshop. It is a special kind that is used for the specific purpose of finding the right pattern and shapes for wooden constructions. In other words, this saw is regarded as a vital tool in enhancing the aesthetic appeal of wooden structures and constructions.

The purpose of this article is to provide you with valuable insights that would make it possible for you to get it easy in selecting the best coping saws that will be able to suit and meet your needs as a woodworker. It provides reviews of some of the highly regarded coping saws that you can consider choosing to use at home for several DIY projects.

This article also provides you with a few but important tips on how to choose the best coping saw, ways of maintaining it as well as some of the means of using this kind of saws safely.

The Basic Information on Coping Saws

The coping saw was used since ancient times. After five years on the arms of carpenters, blacksmiths and masons in 1780 finally awarded to the inventor patent. The coping saw is a hand tool that consists of a handle on both ends and a metal frame. The blade can be inserted between both handles and by removing one side of the frame you get more space for work . Using this tool keeps your hands away from your working area, so it’s especially suitable for delicate or fragile objects such as woodcarvings or model building . Being lightweight enough, this simple DIY power tool is easy to carry along with other tools such as chisels , pliers and hammers.

Why Use Coping Saws

Coping saws was developed in the early 1700’s for cutting curves in wood. The thin, flexible blade allows it to follow irregular shapes or cut out circular openings. Because of its portability and ability to cut controlled curves easily, this type of saw is also common in the field among carpenters, sign makers, craftspeople and artists. Craftspeople often use a coping saws when they must make their own frames or molds for casting sculptures.

Coping Saw Parts

The parts found on any coping saw are the frame, handle(s), clamp(s) (on back spring models), crank, thumb rest/knob, upper guide pin with removable pin clip (removable if using pinned blades), lower guide pin with removable pin clip (removable if using pinned blades), blade clamp, and the back spring.

History of Coping Saw

The earliest examples of this type of saw had a thin, flat bar that was pulled tight into a frame. As it had no tensioning device, cutting required some exertion on the part of the user through the stroke of sawing. Due to its difficulty, English joiners and cabinet makers avoided using such an awkward tool until 1750 when Robert Baker invented a new frame design with front and rear axles like those found in drills today. This allowed for much more precise control over the direction and angle of the blade while making curved cuts comfortable for even large hands. Later on in 1887, an unknown inventor added a tensioning device that allowed the blade to be tightened – eliminating any play in the blade.

Coping Saw Uses

A coping saw with its thin, flexible blade is most commonly used for fine detailed work. It can be used to cut grooves or even intricate curves in wood. Thin blades with six teeth per inch are good for cutting through softer woods while wider blades with twelve teeth per inch work better on harder woods. This type of saw has a unique ability among hand tools because it provides a very fine level of control over the depth and direction of cuts due to its flexibility and portability. As mentioned earlier, many artisans also use this specific type of saw when they must make their own frames or molds for casting – because of its ability to cut into odd shaped or curved materials.

Coping Saw Uses

This tool also has a few other purposes beyond woodworking. It is often used in construction for cutting holes through plywood and plasterboard. In the field, it can be used to cut seat belts in an emergency situation or even remove a person’s seat belt while driving so that they can attempt a quick escape from the car should there ever be an accident.

Hobbyists will find various ways to use this tool as well, such as making precise cuts in plastic model kits where scissors would prove ineffective at best. In fact, most hobby stores sell special blades designed specifically for plastics modeling that have teeth set into them that extend from the inside of the blade to its outside edge – something that is not found on a standard coping saw.

The other important thing about a coping saw is that it can be used as a mini-circular saw by simply attaching a blade with teeth oriented in the same direction as those on the blade clamp, however this will damage your tempered steel blades immensely and should only be used as an emergency solution.

How to Choose the Best Coping Saws

Choosing the best coping saws that meets your needs can be a big challenge. This is attributed to the various options in the market that make it difficult for users (first-time users in particular) to choose an ideal one. Some of the few things to always factor in when shopping for this type of saw include the following;

The Blade Size

The task that this particular saw is meant to perform call for moderately slimmer blades. It thus means that when shopping for one, you need to ensure that the size of the blade is thin because it is only the thin blade that will be able to penetrate easily without breaking while creating the patterns and shapes on the wood moldings.

Bigger blades are not recommended for this type of saw because they tend to be rigid and thus break easily when used. It is therefore advisable that you go for a slimmer blade when shopping for this saw.

The Materials

This is also another major factor that you should never overlook when looking for the best coping saw. Depending on the manufacturer, these tools come made with different types of materials, especially the blades. Some are made of steel whereas others are made of carbide among other materials.

The selection will also be based on your budget since different materials also go for various rates but ultimately, you should go for a material that you are confident will serve you properly and solve your requirements when using this saw.

The Design

Design and structure are also an essential component to consider when buying for the coping blade. In as much as the principal purpose of this tool is to create shapes and patterns on woods, you must go for one that is aesthetically designed. The aesthetic appeal is also necessary when using this equipment because it gives you the fullness that you are using a very appealing tool.

Blade’s Tooth Count

The amount of teeth that the blade fitted in your preferred coping saw is also a significant consideration when purchasing this tool. Of essence, the characteristic of the finish that you will eventually have depends on the tooth number and alignment of the blade fixed on the coping saw.

It is, therefore, crucial to confirm that you understand the particular type of cut that you need to purchase from your wood molding to help you in establishing the ideal tooth count for your saw’s blade.

The Price

Price is a primary factor that determines all other factors regarding a good quality saw. This is to mean that price dictates whether or not you will be able to acquire the particular coping saw with the best features that you need.

Nevertheless, balancing your budget with the available price tag is an important consideration in this scenario. Brand, material, design, and the retailer are what majorly dictate the varying prices of these saws in the market.

It is thus recommended to ensure that you shop diligently in different stores to make it possible for you to get the best deal that would also allow you to save on other unnecessary costs.

General Information When Using the Coping Saws

It is always fundamental to regularly check on the various tools that you use in your home. The essence of it is to ensure that they remain in the right shape and can also carry out the task without fail. Some of the tips that you can use to appropriately handle this saw are;

Protecting yourself against breakage of the blade

More usually, the blades will break from time to time because they are thin in size. It is therefore recommended that you put on protective gear such as gloves and goggles. This will help you from getting cuts in any situation that the blade breaks.

It is also advisable not to place your head close to the saw when verifying the precision of the cut.

To avoid frequent blade breakage, it is recommendable that you do not over tighten the blade because when the blade is too tight the possibility of it breaking is very high.

Determine the materials that you cut

It is also important to understand that coping saws are mostly meant for cutting relatively light objects. Therefore, necessitate to note that heavy materials can damage the coping saw and render it unusable. Therefore, it ideal for you to constantly factor in the type of object that you cut using the coping saw.

Make sure the blade is always safe

Before you start working on any wood molding, always ensure that the blade is appropriately installed. There are several methods of securing the blades depending on the sort of brand that you are using. All you need to do is to make certain that you adjust the blade pins on the frame respectively but don’t over tighten or make the blade lose.

Do not place excessive pressure on the coping saw

This is an important aspect not only to the coping saw but all other types of saws too. It is fundamental to ensure that you regulate the amount of pressure that you apply to the coping saw when cutting. The essence of this is that it will determine the accuracy and fineness of your cutting.

Too much pressure when cutting can compromise the quality of your work as well as lead to breakage of the blade, which in turn can lead to accidents and injuries.

Carry out frequent maintenance

The coping saws are fitted with thin blades that are more likely to break in the long run particularly when used consistently. There are also instances where the blades become rusty. It, therefore, calls for you to have extra blades for replacement just in case one break, becomes rusty, or become blunt in the long run after constant usage.

However, the most important thing to understand is that proper maintenance of the coping saws increases their durability, improves performance during work, and also defends you as the user from getting injuries when working using this tool.

Top 5 Best Coping Saws You Should Consider

This section consists of 5 coping saws chosen based on features, functionality, and, prices that are best preferred by most customers. These reviews should help you in choosing the best of this saw that you need in your workshop.

1. Olson SF63510 – Deluxe Frame Coping Saw

Olson SF63510 - Deluxe Frame Coping Saw

The Olson SF63510 Saw is regarded as one of the best coping saw on the market. It is considered as one of the best for several woodcraft tasks. It has tensions that are beneficial in providing clean cuts comparatively fast. Additionally, its blade’s ability to adjust the direction helps it to suitably produce shapes, curves as well as several decorations when working on the wood structures.

It is also considered as a professional-grade coping saw that is very durable and uses the thumbscrew and the handle in putting tension on the ordinary pin end blades.

Features and benefits

  • The ability of blades to turn to 360 degrees- this is important because it shows that you will have an easy time in and unmatched convenience for sawing in different directions.
  • A hardwood handle gives it the necessary durability to endure even the harshest condition without wearing out or breaking easily.
  • It has standard endpin end blades that are covered on either end of the sturdy frame to prevent it from breaking as well as enhancing its efficiency when working on the wood. This is also helpful when cutting detailed, intricate, and asymmetrical decoration on the wood since it provides stability and total control to the user.
  • It is very light in weight weighing about 9.6 ounces. This is significant because it makes it easy for the user to use it for a longer duration without getting tired of using it.

Drawbacks

  • It does not hold as much tension on the blade.

In general terms, the Olson SF63510 Coping Saw is a reliable, hard-wearing tool ideal for woodworking as well as other cutting jobs that would need precise and elegant cuts. Other than the blade tension issue, this tool is worth its price.

2. Stanley – 15-106A Alloy Steel Coping Saw

Stanley - 15-106A Alloy Steel Coping Saw

This is the other highly ranked coping saw that you can choose to select for your wood cutting tasks. It is sleekly designed which makes it appealing to the eye and the performance when using it in cutting the woods is also impeccable. It is light in weight which gives it a plus as a cutting tool and easy to use.

Features and benefits

  • Ergonomically designed handle: this helps provide the essential comfort to the user while using it when cutting the wood. The importance of this is that it does not hurt the user during its usage thus making it possible in attaining the desired results.
  • The blade is made of carbon steel: this helps in enhancing its durability because it takes time before wearing out or breaking. The other benefit of the hardened blades is that it helps in providing somewhat clean and controlled cutting on the wood thus giving you the best results.
  • It is carded with three blades which gives it the best performance when it comes to cutting the intricate shapes and patterns on the wood.
  • It is also easy to change these blades in case of replacement which apparently does not any specialized knowledge apart from loosening and tightening the blade on the saw.

Drawbacks

  • Angles cannot be adjusted on this particular model.

For any ardent carpenter or handyman interested in acquiring a cheap but effective coping saw, this should be your ultimate choice. It provides the best patterns and cutting of intricate curves on the wood surface but the cost of getting it is rather low. It is therefore a compatible addition on your home workshop particularly if you like doing a few DIY carpentry tasks within your compound.

3. BAHCO – 301 Nickel-plated steel Coping Saw

BAHCO - 301 Nickel-plated steel Coping Saw

Are you the type of carpenter who is always conscious of the performance you get and the time you spend working on a particular project? If your answer is yes then this particular tool is the best deal for you. The Bahco 301 coping saw provides both qualities finished cutting and high performance within the shortest time possible. This is due to the fact that it has blades made of hardened and tempered carbon steel.

Features and benefits

  • It is made of a Nickel-plated steel frame: which makes it durable and resistant to stain that would compromise its longevity. Also, the design makes it easy for the user to obtain comfort thus enhancing performance.
  • The orange lacquered wooden beech handle is ergonomically designed providing the essential comfort during cutting thus improving the finishing and yielding wishful results.
  • The interchangeable blades are fitted on retaining pins that make it easy for you to change the blades without difficulty in case you need to replace the blades after wearing out or becoming blunt.
  • It is 61/2 inches long with 14 teeth per inch making it ideal for efficient cutting even the intricate shapes and patterns on the wood.

Drawbacks

  • It at times fails to hold sufficient tension on the blade.

The design and the material of this particular coping saw is what gives it an edge over others. With this tool, you are guaranteed of longevity so long as you maintain it the right way it’s needed. From our point of view, it is an ideal addition that you should have in your workshop especially if you are looking for something that will not need a replacement for the longest time that you can imagine. The quality of its cuttings is also right for what it’s worth thus a suitable choice to possess.

4. Robert Larson 540-2000 Coping Saw

Robert Larson 540-2000 Coping Saw

This is a well-built coping saw that provides ultimate comfort when using. It is fitted with an exceptional blade that provides sufficient and defined clean cuts. If you are looking for a best-coping saw which is suitable for thorough creation on wood and other related items, then you will never go wrong with the Robert Larson 540-2000.

It is a German-made high-quality saw and can be easily tweaked to changeable angles making it easy for the user to get the best approach for finishing the task.

Features and benefits

  • Tension is adjustable and tightened by turning the handle; this helps ensure that the blades are secured in the right position thus useful in providing fine and precise cuts on the wooden structures you are cutting.
  • The blade is adjustable to any angle; this allows for the user to get the best approach in undertaking the task at hand since you will be able to identify the particular angle you feel is right for cutting the piece of wood.
  • It accepts blades with the pin; thus giving you many options when selecting the blades that you would prefer using on this particular type of saw.
  • It has a lightweight frame designed to display strength and durability which gives you value for money as it gives you more than what you actually pay for.

Drawbacks

  • It can be challenging to change the blades in some instances.

With the evident relatively good rating and high rate of customer satisfaction, it is clear that the Robert Larson 540-2000 Coping Saw is an ideal tool that can help you in meeting your woodworking needs, especially at home. It is therefore a recommendable tool you should consider having in your tool kit.

5. Stanley 15-104 Fatmax Coping Saw

Stanley 15-104 Fatmax Coping Saw

Stanley is a renowned brand in making some of the high-end tools used in homes for improvements. This particular coping saw is made of quality material and regarded as a reliable and handy tool ideal for getting the best finishing.

Most of the people love it for the grip of the handle which does not seem to slip when using it.

Features and benefits

  • Ergonomically designed cushion grip; this provides the user with the maximum comfort and firm grip needed to cut materials and is essential in attaining accurate, precise, and clean finished cuts.
  • Steel blades; are beneficial in providing high-speed precision cuts, therefore, making it possible for the tasks to be completed within the shortest time helping you in saving time as well as energy.
  • Exclusive blade retaining feature; allows you to efficiently use the blades at every given time thus enabling you to save on cost that you would otherwise incur on buying and replacing the blades.

Drawbacks

  • It is not effective in cutting hard materials.

For the price that this particular tool goes for, I would say that it is worth it given that it is also reliable and durable. What is important is taking the right care and maintenance of this tool and you are guaranteed of getting the best out of it.

How to Safely Use a Coping Saw?

A coping saw is an essential tool for any craftsperson. Using a coping saw correctly can ensure that you get the best results and use it safely to prevent injuries. Here are some tips on how to properly use a coping saw:

  • Never force your hands or body into awkward positions when using one, as this could cause injury if you lose control of the coping saw.
  • Always keep your hands away from where they can be cut, as you never know what might happen during use.
  • Do not bear down on the blade with too much pressure because this could cause it to break or snap, which would lead to injury.
  • When cutting wood that splinters easily like pine, cut with the grain to avoid splintering.
  • When cutting out a profile, try not to cut too deep or you will risk breaking through your material.
  • Be aware of what is behind where you are working because this could cause injury if it gets caught in the blade during use.
  • Never leave your coping saw unattended when it’s in use because someone could get injured if they touch it while you are not watching.
  • These tips can help you use a coping saw safely so that no one gets hurt!

Frequently Asked Question (FAQ’s)

How does a coping saw work?

A very thin metal blade extending over a metal frame is used to cut a bend in the metal depending on the wood, plastic or selected blade. There is a swivel spigot at each end of the U-shaped frame to hold the ends of the saw blade. A solid wood or plastic handle allows the user to rotate the blade while cutting.

Why is it called a coping saw?

The name of this saw is derived from the type of joint in which it is commonly used, called the coped joint. A cupped joint consists of two moldings where the other is cut to fit.

When would you use a coping saw?

A copying saw is a type of bow that is used to cut external shapes and internal cut-outs involved in woodworking or woodworking. It is more widely used in mold cutting than in miter joints.

What are the disadvantages of a coping saw?

The disadvantage of a saw blade is that it cannot cut as finely and finely as a freight shear. They cannot be cut too deep into the material. Another problem is that a copying saw will not cut as fast as a freight shear.

Conclusion

Most of the DIY tasks done at home can only be best achieved if the tools that are used are of high quality and dependable. You can also save a considerable amount of money on buying high-quality DIY tools.

Therefore, always aim at getting the best tool that you need regarding coping saws. Initially, it might be costly, but in the long run, you will realize that it has saved you time, energy, and money as well as enabling you to get high-quality finishes for your projects.

Charles Larson

Hi, I’m Charles Larson. We do everything we can to support our readers with hundreds of hours of research and comparison testing to ensure you find the perfect tool for your workshop.

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