coping saw

American  

noun

1. a saw consisting of a thin, light blade held, under tension, in a U -shaped frame that has a handle: used for cutting small curves in wood.

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coping saw British  

noun

1. a handsaw with a U-shaped frame used for cutting curves in a material too thick for a fret saw

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Etymology

Origin of coping saw

First recorded in 1930–35

Compare meaning

How does coping-saw compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• fret saw vs. coping saw

Example Sentences

A simple handsaw, such as a hacksaw or coping saw, should work fine.

From Washington Post • Aug. 22, 2021

I used my father’s little coping saw to cut them into circles.

From "The (Mostly) True Story of Cleopatra's Needle" by Dan Gutman

Cutting Sharp Corners.—When cutting a sharp turn in the wood with the coping saw, care should be taken not to twist the saw blade out of shape.

From Advanced Toy Making for Schools by Mitchell, David M.

Saw out the parts with a coping saw.

From Primary Handwork by Dobbs, Ella Victoria

Cutting Small Wheels.—A circle of the desired size wheel may be laid out on the wood with the aid of a compass, and cut in the outline with a coping saw or band saw.

From Advanced Toy Making for Schools by Mitchell, David M.