Why are coping saws so hard to use?

[@StumpyNubs]

When you use this link to visit our sponsor, you support us► Trend diamond stones: amzn.to/2XomWMi Tools used in this video► Eclipse Coping Saw: amzn.to/2ManCkI Eclipse Fret (deep throat) Saw: amzn.to/32aGeqo Subscribe (free) to Stumpy Nubs Woodworking Journal e-Magazine► www.stumpynubs.com/subscribe.html

[@Warshipmodelsunderway]

During these difficult times, thanks for helping us cope

[@ואתהחשבתשאנייהודי]

Nice

[@678friedbed]

coping can be a very important thing.

[@agbamogunsamson2922]

Of course, especially with the use of a 'Coping-saw'😊

[@kadrestutorials]

Lol

[@jbratt]

I see what you did there 👍

[@williamnye478]

A little trick I've found over the years is to put a little wax on the blade. Makes it easier to control in curves, and prevents binding.

[@codyjohnson7841]

That’s a cool idea! You think paste wax would work or does it get too dry to work the same?

[@williamnye478]

@@codyjohnson7841 I've always used paraffin, but I'll bet paste wax would work just as well. Never thought of that!

[@romeotango5597]

I wax just about every surface that runs against material, makes a huge difference for planes and saws.

[@williamnye478]

@@romeotango5597 Exactly. It only makes sense. Also makes the blades stay sharp longer, or so it seems.

[@michaelmorris1865]

​@@romeotango5597 Same except for my wooden planes, find I don't really need it on them.

[@Chef_PC]

A coping saw was the first saw I was taught to use as a child. I was probably 3 or 4 when my dad put one in my hands and soon, just about every 3/4” piece of wood in his shop had wavy ends all over it. I swear he probably had so much material loss due to that. Exposure to that at such a young age probably helped build my love of the scroll saw.

[@friday9488]

Was a scroll saw easier than a coping saw?

[@brentoldland6649]

You are the first person to have taken the time to tell me how to correctly use an unfamiliar tool that I reach for as an absolute last resort. I’m very grateful. Thank you, James.

[@Yawles]

America's shop instructor! Thank you for another "I didn't know that..." lesson.

[@babaloo55555]

As someone with pretty much no woodworking experience, thank you for sharing your knowledge! You explained things in a way that's very easy to understand, and I appreciate the "tips and tricks" (like turning the blade at an angle), because I never would have thought of that in a million years. Keep up the great work!

[@bigironandy]

To steer the saw make sure to use full strokes. The closer to the end of the blade the more the frame can keep the blade from twisting away from the angle the frame is set at. Just using the middle of the blade allows the back of the blade to steer the cut. Not bad in a straight cut but a mess when trying to follow a curved line. For very tricky cuts I like to place the work flat on the bench with the cut hanging over the edge and run the saw vertical with the teeth pointed towards the handle and the handle below the work. Gravity will help to keep the cut square and also reduces the tendency to push the cut and deform the blade. Just steer the saw and let gravity do the cutting. It also eliminates having to fight the weight of the frame. I will only use a pinch grip between my thumb and first finger with the stroke being a flick of the wrist and not a full arm movement. kind of like striking a match.

[@ruthdoherty9900]

I've liked using coping saws because my hands are small and I don't have the strength in my arm that I once did. I have had a few problems, but this video answered most of my questions. Thanks!

[@stevenk-brooks3459]

Great basic information. It is easy to assume that use of a coping saw is self-apparent, and then end up wondering why you are having so much trouble. What an epiphany to realize that you need instruction. This video is clear and easy to understand. Much appreciated!

[@mattbricker8801]

Thank you for this video. Been trying to use my new coping saw and had nothing but frustration. I wanted to just throw it away and admit defeat lol. You taught me I was using it all wrong. My projects now are much easier to work on. Thank you!

[@jimduhaime9]

Your site has integrity more than preference. Thank you.

[@kennethharrison1286]

Grate video . We never get to old to see new ideas . 💡

[@namehidden8854]

Very helpful overview for someone unsure exactly what people mean when others say 'fret saw'. Thanks!

[@victorvaldes9238]

Thanks Stumpy, for the informative video on Coping Saws, I broke my only blade while working on a project and I was clueless as to how to measure a coping blade and choosing a replacement, your video did helped me immensely on how to measure and understand how to use it. I do appreciate your well explained instructional videos, top best. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Thank you!

[@williamcarpenter569]

It is incredible how much I don't know or understand, especially with the simple stuff. Thanks for trying to edgeumacate me. I know it is a daunting task, but I do appreciate all the info you share in a friendly and comprehensible way.

[@elberthardy961]

This is one saw I have never owned but always wanted. Now, thanks to you, I want to get one and I now have the confidence I can use one properly. Thank you.

[@JohnnyIP777]

Thanks man! Inherited my never present Dad's shop, he trained in carpentry throughout college, but he didn't much like me either, nor liked spending time with me beyond hunting when we each had a pointer. Anywho, he passed close to a decade ago, left me a nightmarish disaster of a shop, which I'd actually cleaned out and organized while on break from college years prior, and l was so pissed off being on the firsr few years of starting my own biz I just locked it up and thanked thr gods I had my own shop, tools, always put away neatly in the exact same spot. Anger fades, and I've begun to plumb the treasures out of his shop holding +30 years of tools, with a special interest in the older, manual, usually wood handled carpentry tools. They were rusty and decrepit looking, but also quality built stuff from the 60s-70s. Restoring all them that I can tell just need to be cleaned, sanded, relaquored or polished, and it's simply amazing how great and fully intact/usable all are them. I surely remember using a coping saw years ago for some high detail curving cuts in thin wood, never knew its precise name and thought of it as some specialty hack saw lol, and I'm going to guess had a good experience because my dad had already adjusted the blade for a lefty, which we are both. I'm a Master Grower/Hydroponic Farmer by trade, detest throwing away any tool, and during a quasi-recent foray cleaning up my inherited shop I found a pair of ancient (probably 70s/early 80s lol) scissors, asked my mom if she'd like them after I got them sharpened, but she declined. Trimming plants, I if course take a special interest keeping them razor sharp, and while sharpening them I noticed they were not only high quality Japanese steel, but even more unbelievable, were left handed too (I know Japanese, like Westerners had historically negative nonsense beliefs about lefties too, which were definitely still a thing late 70s, which makes these scissors even more mysterious lol). Once I got them sharpened they cut just as I'd imagined, and unlike newer scissors, even the steel seems harder, leaves just the tiniest amount of burrs after sharpening. So, of course the plastic handles started crumbling a few months ago. But I've found a nice little 10 step handle build utilizing a few pieces of plywood, guy used pine but I'm thinking might as well use something harder/nicer, then low and behold, I see the handy little coping saw in Step 3, and finally know that's the name of that saw, which I just happened to see in my inherited shop a couple of weeks ago! Unlike my dad, as I stated, I keep my workspaces highly organized, hate jumping into jobs half cocked, no prep like he did so often, so I hopped on KZbin to search up the coping saw because my project requires mine removing the saw blade twice, then reattaching when I cut out the inner hole on my three layered handle. I'm sure it'll become quite clear now, having watched you, that I'll want to tilt the blade 20°-30°, but the opposite direction when I do, being left handed. Thanks for the intro again, I absolutely subscribed, and I'm positive I'll be checking out your page in the near future because I don't hire help, I learn how to do or repair anything around the home or greenhouse unless it's way way way out of my league. I say good day sir, and that shop looks magnificent, may I one day have half of my carpentry specific area in my shop so well equipped!

[@arasul]

What a splendid nifty video without any waste of time. Excellent James! Kudos to you. It is quite difficult to be a teacher and you have mastered that quality.

[@derrickbullington9135]

Thanks for making this video. I have been looking for a way to get my students to stop breaking blades. This will be a big help.

[@andy-in-indy]

The first saw that I needed (that I could not find in my dad's tools) was a coping saw. I can say with no regrets that the years spent trying to make good cuts with my coping saw were the biggest influence on my CNC purchase. I have not had to use the coping saw since that time!

[@jbratt]

Big cope is not happy with your comment…

[@andy-in-indy]

@@jbratt Big Cope is the secret investor in CNC manufacturers, and pays half of their TV advertising in the USA.

[@harrypowers9412]

I’ve been a woodworker for over 40 years but have never used a coping saw! I recently bought one for one of my young grandsons and he’ll need some instruction in its use…I appreciate your instruction in the use of this tool. As always you are the best teacher in woodworking I’ve found. 👍🏻

[@gfweis]

Learned I was doing at least three things wrong. Talk about educational. Great lecture, thanks.

[@bryceoliver8899]

Love your channel James! Hope your hand is healing well

[@merc2dogs]

Nice video. I set up my scroll saws for a pull cut, but not for the reason many people think, but because I cut 'upside down' with my hand on the bottom side of whatever I'm cutting. That way I can see my cut line perfectly without having my hand in in the way. It also seems to provide a cleaner cut on the top surface

[@mindfulmagician7550]

I wish I saw this video when I was trying to copy my corners for baseboards. My blade was always getting stuck so I just figured I suck. I realize now there was so much more to it!

[@baconking9648]

Thanks for the tips. About to tackle my first farm house table, and I am going to use a coping saw for the curves. You gave me inspiration to tackle this project!

[@johnkelley9877]

Well that explains a lot! I have had trouble in the past a using coping saw and now I understand the mistakes I have been making. Thanks for sharing this. I learned a great deal watching it.

[@kencoleman7762]

I enjoyed the suggestion to add hockey tape to the handle. Being a life long Floridian, I got my tape from Rob Cosman. Many tools purchased from him already have the handles wrapped.

[@oasisx27]

Great info! I find dulling the first 1/2" of teeth or so on the blade helps me get the saw started in my work piece.

[@freechesslessons]

Just wonderfully explained and demonstrated, thanks

[@nazpasfred3]

Hockey tape! Been a long time since I've heard that term. I love it! Thanks for the great tip. I've struggled using one in the past. I'll have to use mine again now.

[@nightcatarts]

Thanks; useful tips for an annoying tool. I haven't used one for a long time, but I did add an extra little piece of wood to the side of the handle on my last one, so I could hold my thumb against it. I found that really helped to get a feel for the angle I was cutting at (I'd stuck it at probably around 30° so it was most often in line with the angle of the blade).

[@mandyleeson1]

This is really helpful; the tension of the blade, blade direction and cutting strokes especially. Thank you for sharing this.

[@imnotanexpertatthis4500]

I needed this video in my current project. Thanks Mr. Nubs.

[@williamgrange1579]

Great discussion of the coping saw, which has remained somehow baffling to me. Always wanted to understand itys mysteries. Many thanks for the down-to-earth tips.

[@soberlivingwithbrianfrankl8254]

Looks like you are in the new shop! Looks good.

[@Drackeye]

Thanks for the tips. I've never liked the saws because they never seem to cut straight. This should help the next time I use one.

[@thomasarussellsr]

As with any tool, especially detail tools, practice will improve the tool's use and performance.

[@johna.9742]

Thank you, the proper use of a coping saw and blade info has always been a point of confusion for me.

[@thatellipsisguy8984]

"Relax, loosen you arm muscles and use long smooth strokes..." - words to live by!

[@Chef_PC]

Double entendre aside, this is actually advice that can be used in many different activities. Riding motorcycles, you’re told to flap your elbows like a butterfly in order to loosen and relax your grip on the bars. Playing piano is the same way, if you’re tensed up, your music will reflect that. Painting, long smooth strokes keep the streaks away. When you masturba......oh sorry.

[@ronmiller7916]

Use both hands, close your eyes...twins!

[@anaphylaxis2548]

@@Chef_PC 🤣🤣

[@Vman7757]

Thanks. You answered and helped me with problems I have been having. Thanks again.

[@dougmcpherson3040]

Really clear and help video. Thanks.

[@lindsaydickson47]

Super helpful. This is exactly what I needed to know. Thx

[@azmatrayan8861]

Was so so helpful, I checked your Instagram too but, unfortunately saw your shop accident too. That happened oct 2019. May you stay safe from now and forever. Blessings 🙏

[@zettle2345]

The only advice I could add to this video: If your having trouble using a Keyhole saw, then you need to lower your expectations and the pressure on the blade. A coping saw was not designed to cut thru a 12" pc. of lumber in 3.269 seconds flat. It was designed for very exacting work. Slow down and let the blade do the work, even if you have to change the position of the blade to the body of the saw. But quit thinking everything has a time limit or a schedule. It will take you longer to do it over, than it takes to do it right the first time!

[@Nick-ye8pf]

Mate this video was fantastic!

[@joespilman7333]

Good advise guess I'll try some of it. Thanks always enjoy your videos.

[@NoTengoIdeaGuey]

Never thought about the tip that the blade should be set at an angle, that explains a lot of my issues with running out of room to cut after cutting in like 1 inch.

[@olddawgdreaming5715]

Great tutorial James ! Good refresher too ;-). Thanks for sharing with us.

[@ga5743]

Thanks for all your advise, appreciate it very much Stumpy.

[@BrianThorstad]

Don't have or immediately need a coping saw...but this video prepares me. Thanks!

[@markdmaker3173]

Awesome lesson. Thank you

[@tooljunkie555]

Good stuff as always James!

[@willp4918]

Thanks man. Very informative.

[@peggyhuckel8265]

Thanks for this video, very helpful!

[@EverySingleDayHawaii]

Thanks for this informative video!

[@jameslewis9044]

Thank you so much. Even this little lesson helped me with my crown moulding I'm installing on my house as we speak

[@barrettgross3539]

Love the cam holder. Go Red Wings!!

[@ryanj3641]

Thank you,I just bought the 11" Eclipse "frett" saw and spent the last 10minutes trying to figure out how my 6" coping saw blade would fit W/the pinned end,I would have spent another 20 minutes on Google figuring it out.. thank you again

[@drmitchfadem6276]

Great video. you just saved me $100. I have a coping saw and was getting frustrated having way more trouble and I thought a bench top electric was the answer. now I know that it is possible to use the saw accurately and easily. I recently got a portable electric saw from Amazon on Prime days. It was at least 50% off regular price. it is a Worx WX572L 5.5 Amp BladeRunne. I got it because it is supposed to cut steel easily and I am making knives from 1095 bar stock. Do you have any videos on that kind of tool?

[@grandn8646]

I am like you, I like the pull stroke better than the push stroke when using a coping saw. I am hoping that if and when you have an open house at your new work shop, I am up at my other house in Ithaca when it happens.

[@eduardodasilva6299]

Great 👍 Easy to understand.

[@knowingtrees]

Thanks. This was very helpful. And, your koozie made me smile and think of home. Let's go Red Wings! We want the Cup!

[@MrMarkpeggy]

Thanks James for the great video! I learned a lot. I will try using a coping saw again after this.

[@GrantHendrick]

Great video. Thank you!

[@gtaylor2770]

This is a good video. You're a good presenter. Thanks. (Subscribed.)

[@bmandrakeeee8378]

so many times, the problem is not even the tool, but the clamping. using coping saws without a bench vise is such a pain. many people see paul sellers doing great with one of these, but forget that he is holding the wood in a solid bench with a massive 40 pounds eclipse vise. trying to do the same with clamps and a plywood bench is so frustrating.

[@davemccracken6436]

Good info. I really like your pointer, and due to a previous vid, and a few suggestions from you, I now have a few of those! They are really good mech pencils!

[@jamesdale8222]

I can finally cope thanks to you.

[@kentturkow1572]

Thanks for another good lesson.

[@chiphunt9540]

Thanks for the tips very helpful

[@glencrandall7051]

Thanks for the explanation.

[@johnavery5382]

Good advice thanks

[@allenwc]

I have both kinds of coping saws. The 6.5” and the shorter scroll saw bladed one. They both came with 12 blades, 24tpi! OMG slow. And in hard woods, it took 6 years to cut a 1/4 inch (I exaggerate). I got some 12tpi blades. Much better. I find the scroll saw blades to very easy to turn, but they also drift way more. The coping saw blades drift a lot less, but don’t turn as easily. In the end, after breaking blades, bending blades, burning the cut, and generally going half mad, I learned exactly what you said. Let the saw do its own work. Take your time. Watch both sides of the cut. Thanks for sharing.

[@omidbahramzadegan8310]

Hello. When I see you have a video on the topic I'm searching for, I feel happy since I know I'll get good, practical information. So thanks a lot. I've got a question for you. Do you have any suggestion regarding lubricants for coping saw blades? It would be great to be able to use household materials as lubricants.

[@SamStGeorge]

I always like your videos. Simply? I love them. So GOD bless you greatman

[@carywolinsky2759]

Good video! Thanks.

[@alicehawkins8754]

Alan at Yorkshire thanks never done it before hope to do it right now

[@alvagoldbook2]

I only recently discovered that I was sawing things incorrectly my whole life. I had only used standard saws for trimming tree limbs. I'd grown to absolutely hate hand sawing. I would push as hard as I could and go as fast as I can. Then I discovered a moderate quality dovetail saw sitting next to a miter box in my father in law's old tool pile. I started cutting the same way, as hard as I could and as fast as I can on the miter box. Eventually I became exhausted and just started moving my arm back and forth at a moderate pace and with no downward pressure other than what was provided by the weight of the saw. I immediate noticed that this worked much better. ding ding ding! It took me a while to train myself out of the hard and fast since it was so built into my muscle memory, but once I did I discovered that hand sawing ain't all that bad, and is even enjoyable.

[@claudemulligan4665]

Great video

[@marks2254]

Love your videos. I saw a coping saw review and one of the cons was that the handle is not flexible. What does that mean? Thank you.

[@wb_finewoodworking]

Great information. Thanks.

[@sidtonic2427]

Amazing how much information for such a basic tool.

[@richardthomas7229]

Good video, thanks

[@TheOlsonOutfit]

This was a very helpful video.

[@Aardrijk1]

Great advice as always!

[@stuartscott9646]

Pull stroke without a doubt. Those pinless scroll saw blades are very similar to jeweler's saw blades, which are always used on the pull stroke. Good advice James!

[@StumpyNubs]

Pull strokes are important if you are cutting downward against a surface. The push-pull argument does not apply when the saw is parallel to the floor and the work is secured by hand or in a vise.

[@cabbyhubby]

I like to push to keep my splintering on the backside, I usually cope crown molding, I use my coping saw more than most trim Carpenters

[@TheRetiredtech]

Great info.

[@mountainviewturning5319]

Nice video 👍

[@jamesgallagher3317]

Another effective way to hold the saw is with 2 hands your leading hand on first and second hand over your leading hand as you would hold a golf club I’ve found this super effective since I was taught years ago and I was told to hold the handle with the same amount of pressure you would hold a tube of toothpaste when your squeezing it Love your vids buddy please keep them coming 👍

[@whoiscodyblood]

good stuff man

[@papiwe1]

I like your tips

[@klinej54]

Very helpful

[@scottadams2624]

Awesome. Thanks for the tips!

[@mikecurtin9831]

Excellent tips, explained concisely. This will no doubt make my future experiences more pleasant. Thanks much, and thumbs up to crush a troll.

[@DaveJHarry]

There *IS* a difference between push and pull. When you push, you are going up against only the tension in the blade, from the tension in the frame. If the compression between handle / work exceeds the frame tension between work / tip, the blade will slacken and may break. On the pull stroke, you can create much higher tension - all the way up until the steel snaps. This is why Japanese pull saws can be so much thinner than western push saws.

[@kevinsetchfield2019]

Hi James, I love your new shop & enjoy watching your videos while I work in my shop it’s inspirational and motivational. I only get to share my new tools with a few friends and family that do not appreciate it as much as your audience that shares the same passion for woodworking. I let the advertisements run their full length as much as possible do you help support your videos. Also wanted to ask if you allow fellow woodworkers to visit your shop if they are traveling through your town? On another note: I have a SAWSTOP 1.75 Hp that I upgraded with a 3 Hp moter last year and love it. I thought all this time I could only use a maximum 1/2’’ dado on it because I was using the blade stabilizing washer that came with the saw and did not have enough threads on the arbor, after looking through the manual for my dado set I seen that I did not need the washer due to the thick end blades on my dado set and now I feel blessed knowing I can use up to a 13/16 dado on my SAWSTOP. Do you have any videos on dados & maybe this scenario?

[@StumpyNubs]

Thanks for the support! We made a dado video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6mXhpqur8Z1ZrM We don't like drop-in visits because it messes up the filming, but we plan on having an open house down the road :)

[@henrysiegertsz8204]

I get so frustrated with my coping saw, I bought a lovely little Delta Scroll saw.... Heaven! GBA!

[@ladytradiej8027]

That was great, thanks. I use the blade on the pull and everyone says I'm wrong.