Best Coping Saw [2024 Review]

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

A coping saw is a versatile finishing tool that will help you cut complex designs on wood pieces quickly. Apart from their usefulness in creating intricate patterns and shapes, coping saws are also perfect for cutting different shapes in the middle of the wood, shaping wooden molding edges, and creating joints.

Although coping saws are not for heavy-duty cutting projects, they are still useful to have around, especially if you get a high-quality and well-built device. I have reviewed several products on the market and also included a buying guide to help you choose the best coping saw for your wood cutting projects.

My Top Coping Saw Reviews

Eclipse 70-FS1R

If the depth is important in your projects and you require more than 7 inches, you may want to check the Eclipse 70-FS1R coping saw. You can make any cuts with this device as it boasts of the largest depth at 11.88 inches. The length is also impressive at 10.63 inches. The saw comes with a wooden grip handle to ensure maximum comfort during use.

The frame is also durable as it’s solid steel. One incredible feature of this saw that stood out for me is the bimetal blade. It’s wear-resistant and lets the blade make accurate cuts. This also makes this coping saw suitable for difficult projects as the blade is unbreakable. At 11 ounces, the Eclipse saw is a lightweight tool that will allow you to work for long periods without feeling fatigued.

It measures 1 inch in thickness and comes with a spring steel blade finish. The model is also versatile as it accepts standard blade sizes. So, you can replace the original blade with a new one when necessary. Another notable feature worth mentioning is the adjustability of the blades. You can position them at any angle so that you cut and shape your material the way you desire. 

The 70-FS1R is a great saw for cutting the interior cut-outs and the intricate external shapes. However, it’s important to mention that changing the blades can be challenging. Overall, this coping saw is ideal for model makers, although anyone can use it as it is easy to handle and use. It also has a sturdy design and good tension, which makes it ideal for projects that require accurate cuts.

What I Like 

  • Unbreakable and wear resistance bi-metal blade
  • Uses pinned blades to allow you to work on any material
  • Ergonomic handle for added comfort
  • Robust spring blade finish
  • Accepts standard blade size 

What I Don’t Like

  • Adjusting the knobs can be dangerous
  • Some parts are poorly made
  • A bit difficult to change blades

Stanley 15-106

The Stanley 15-106 is a high-quality coping saw that is excellent for making intricate cuts. With a 6-3/8 inches blade, coping and dovetails will be easy. Cutting curves will also be a breeze. Additionally, blade rotation is exceptional as the blade rotates at 360 degrees to allow you to make various cut angles. One of its key features is the hardened, tempered blade.

It allows for controlled cutting action and to make accurate cuts. The blade is securely in place thanks to an effective blade retention feature. There’s also a comfortable and highly durable rubber handle that makes sure the coping saw does not slip and damage your cuts. 

The soft grips also allow you to work for a long period while the steel frame prevents bending when making straight cuts. The Stanley saw is heavier at 11 ounces. However, it’s still easy to handle and is well-balanced as you won’t even notice the extra ounces. If you are familiar with a coping saw, then you may know how difficult it can be to change the blades.

Fortunately, Stanley has simplified this process as you only need to loosen the handle. This coping saw is designed to tackle professional projects and to provide you with the strength and quality you need out a saw. It also has a good size that is ideal for use in your workshop as the overall length is 6.3 inches, while the frame depth measures 6.75 inches.

The only major issue with the 15-106 model is that the blade tends to loosen while sawing. However, if you tighten it well before you begin making the cut, it will work well.

What I Like 

  • Comfortable and durable rubber handle
  • Tempered and hardened blade
  • The steel frame that prevents bending
  • 360-degree blade rotation
  • Easy to change blades 

What I Don’t Like

  • Handle does not stay tight
  • Blade breaks easily
  • A bit heavy

Olson SF63510

A good coping saw should be easy to use, cut well, and come with several convenient features such as the Olson SF63510 coping saw. What makes it an amazing model is that it has a great design with a relatively lightweight yet sturdy steel frame. This makes it easier to handle while allowing you to make cuts for a long period with minimal fatigue.

In addition, it has a blade that rotates at 360-degrees to enable you to cut according to the shape and dimensions of the material or make cuts from different angles. You can also cut in either the push or pull motions for more convenient and fast cutting. One good thing about using this saw is that it is designed to allow tensioning from both sides of the blade. 

You can achieve this by using the thumbscrew and handle to ensure perfect tensions for accurate cuts. This product also boasts of a comfortable and durable hardwood handle. While the included 15 TPI blade is of low quality, it can still make some good cuts with the right tension. When it comes to replacement blades, finding them is easy, and they are also affordable.

The SF63510 model is also a favorite among many woodworkers as it uses any coping saw blade. It’s for light-duty applications like coping joints, which makes it unsuitable for complex operations or hardwood.

Apart from these minor flaws, this coping saw has a high ranking and can get the job done. So, consider this model if you are searching for a professional coping saw that makes 360-degree cuts.

What I Like 

  • Lightweight and durable steel frame
  • Accepts most coping saw blades
  • Allows tensioning from both sides
  • Comfortable and durable handle
  • 360-degree rotatable blade

What I Don’t Like

  • Poor quality of the included blade
  • Blade tensioning is wanting
  • Small, flimsy handle 

Coping Saw Features and Considerations

While a coping saw is an essential tool in the workshop for different professional and DIY projects, you should ensure that you choose the right product from the many options available. Whether you want to replace an old tool or want to buy your first saw, here is what you need to consider when shopping the best coping saws.

Person holding a coping saw

Frame

The frame of your coping saw is an important factor to check as it will determine the durability of the tool and how comfortable you will be while using the saw. Thus, the most important thing to check is the material used to construct it.

Since coping saws need to flex because of being under a lot of pressure, the material should accommodate this. 

Nickel-plated steel and stainless steel are some of the best materials used to make coping saw frames. However, frames built with nickel-plated steel are highly durable as they provide corrosion-resistance properties present in nickel and the strength of steel.

You will also have to check the depth of the frame as it will determine the cutting depth. 

Most coping saws have a frame depth of four to six inches. While it’s important to mention that deeper frames will enable you to cut deeper into your material, the right depth for you will depend on how you plan to use your coping saw.

Tension

The best coping saws will maintain the right blade tension, allowing you to make accurate cuts. However, different applications and types of cuts will require different tensions.

That said, the right coping saw for your needs is one that makes adjusting tension easy. Most coping saws use the handle to tighten the blade. 

So, you will have to keep twisting it until you get the desired tension. Some models also come with knob screws to enable you to pull the blade tighter after the handle has been engaged.

Regardless of the system used for tensioning, you should ensure it is effective in keeping the blade tight.

Blade Material 

This is another important factor you should consider as it will determine the types of material you can cut with the saw. This means the right blade material for you will depend on your projects.

A coping saw hanging on a bench

For instance, high carbon steel blades are an excellent choice if you intend to use the saw to cut non-ferrous metals while tungsten carbide blades are perfect for cutting ceramics. 

The good thing about coping saws is that you will not be limited to using one blade material because most use standard-sized blades. This means you can change the blade easily and replace it with another different blade. 

Ease of Handling

A coping saw should be easy to use to give you accurate cuts and the best service. There are many things you need to pay attention to when it comes to ease of handling.

First, you need to check the weight and whether it’s distributed well across the saw.

If you want a coping saw that is easy to handle, go for a model that is lightweight with balanced weight distribution. 

Another thing you should check is the material and shape of the handle. For example, a cylindrical and straight handle is ideal for intricate, delicate, and precise cuts.

Also, handles made from rubber and wood are more secure and comfortable on the hand.  

Type of Blade

There are many types of blade available, depending on the material you intend to cut:

Wood

To cut through wood, you will have to use either a fine or a coarse blade.

A coping saw placed on a wooden chair
  • Fine Blades: Although these types of blades are slower, they are ideal for cutting tighter curves as they have over 18 TPI (Teeth Per Inch). However, you will only need a fine blade when you want to cut small radius curves.
  • Coarse Blades: These blades have less than 15 TPI and cut the material quickly to enable you to continue cutting on a straight line. This makes coarse blades ideal for cutting wood.

Plastic

I recommend using helical teeth blades as they will enable you to cut through plastic smoothly and in all directions. 

Tiles

If you intend to use your coping saw on drain openings or ceramic tiles, then a tungsten carbide encrusted wire will be ideal.

Metal

A robust blade that is built with high-carbon steel is perfect for cutting metal. It will enable you to cut through non-ferrous and non-hardened metal comfortably.

Scroll Saw vs Coping Saw vs Fret Saw

Wrap Up

If you make different patterns and shapes or a lot of intricate cuts on thin wood, a coping saw is an essential tool. You definitely should have one that can make the cuts more precise and easier for you.

However, you need to find the right saw that suits your woodworking needs by considering factors like ease of handling, blade material, and the frame.

That said, the best coping saws on my list are highly rated and the top choices on the market. Any pick will be a good addition to your wood shop tools. Use my guide to make an informed decision.

Raised with a fix-it and improvement mindset, my wife and I completely restored our Craftsman-style home. Learning how to DIY a variety of home improvement projects, I started SawsHub with my father. He's the fine woodworker, I'm the DIYer!