Given the right blade, a coping saw will let you cut through plastic, wood and even metal! Its important to know what youre cutting and which blade will be best suited for the job.
What Is A Coping Saw?
Its a type of bow saw thats used to make intricate interior cutouts and external shapes in carpentry. It has a C-shaped frame that stretches a hardened steel blade on one side, giving it a square-ish look with a handle on the blades side.
After the blade has been removed, it is used to manually pass through a hole in wood, plastic, or metal. The frame is then closed and tightened. It can be used perpendicularly to the edge to make long cuts in the material. However, the frame isn’t very wide and it is quite shallow so it can only make cuts that are as large as the frame.
In other words, a coping saw limits how far from the edge you may cut but can help cut through thick materials. Theres another saw, known as fretsaw, that helps you cut well away from the edge but conversely limits your ability to cut through thicker materials.
What Materials Can A Coping Saw Cut?
This list doesn’t cover all possible materials that a copingsaw can cut, but it does include the most common ones.
Wood
A coping saw’s blade can easily cut through wood and help make manual carvings. This can be used by professionals woodworkers as well as DIYers without power blades.
Plastic
A coping saw can be used to cut materials such as acrylic, PVC and styrofoam. Youll need a blade with a high TPI (Teeth Per Inch) for a flawless finish.
Metal
When it comes to metal, a coping saw can definitely cut it – including tin, aluminum, copper, metal sheet and more. If youre looking to cut metal with your coping saw, make sure your blade has a TPI of 24 or above.
A coping saw is capable of doing the job, but a hacksaw can do better at cutting metal. A jigsaw equipped with a metal cutting knife is a better option if you are looking for something powered.
Cardboard
Cardboard is an extremely common material used for packaging and box making. A coping saw can easily cut it but it may also get stuck in the cardboard, bend and even break.
Cutting Metal: Coping Saw Vs. Hacksaw
A coping saw is good at making thicker cuts. Its just that it will limit your ability to cut far from the edge. A hacksaw can be used to cut metal sheets anywhere. The only drawback of a hacksaw is that itll only let you cut through thin metal sheets. As the metal gauge gets thicker, itll get harder for you to cut it manually and youll have to resort to a jigsaw or another power cutter.
Final Words: Take Extra Care When Cutting Metal
To protect your skin from the sharp edges of a copingsaw, be sure to use thick gloves and long sleeves. You must also wear goggles to protect your eyes from flying pieces of metal and debris. You could injure your hand if you aren’t careful when moving the blade.
