Cutting Using a Coping Saw
- 1). Draw the shape to cut on a piece of wood.
- 2). Set the wood on a work bench so that the part you will cut hangs over the bench.
- 3). Clamp the wood with a V-board, which, as its name implies, is a V-shaped piece of wood that protects the workpiece from clamps while allowing the saw an unhindered path for cutting. Place the board so the 'V' overhangs the bench and the shape to cut is visible. Clamp the V-board firmly to the bench with C-clamps.
- 4). Start at the edge of the wood, and make a pilot cut to the line defining the shape to cut. Cut along the line, rotating the workpiece as you go until the shape is cut out.
- 5). Hold the saw vertically and cut with smooth, even strokes. Don't cut too quickly or force the saw or it will bow and give you a wavy cut.
- 6). Cut out a scrap piece from the board or make a new pilot cut from the edge whenever you need to prevent the frame of the saw from hitting the edge of the workpiece.
- 7). Replace a blade by turning the handle to loosen the hooks holding the blade to the frame. Remove the blade from the hooks, clip on a new blade and tighten the handle.
