How to Use a Coping Saw

A really useful tool for woodcarvers! TEETH? Which direction the teeth should go: facing away or towards the handle? (ie Cutting on the push, or the pull/draw stroke?) It's optional! In the 50 years I've been using a coping saw, cutting wood from the most fragile to quite thick, I've always done it, happily and successfully with the teeth pointing AWAY from the handle. I let the blade do the work and support the wood. However, some people like to have the teeth pointing TOWARDS the handle, which means you can be heavier of the cut without kinking the blade. Happily and successfully too. Up to you! There's no right or wrong. Try it both ways and see what you feel more comfortable with. Perhaps you'll swap around for different jobs. That's the beauty of the coping saw. It's a great tool to have near the bench. Be ready to take it out and remove a chunk of wood quickly or make a hole bigger.