How To Cope A Joint

A coping saw is a carpentry tool that is mostly used by carpenters who finish ceilings, floors and other areas that require a neat look. It is quite basic and consists of a wooden handle and a U shaped metal throat. Joining the two ends is the blade that is used for the actual cutting of the material in question.

The tool got its current name from the type of cut that it is predominantly used for, coping a joint. So what is coping?

Coping is the process of cutting and joining two irregular patterns to fit each other neatly. In other words it involves joining two irregularly shaped molds, usually in the corner of a room with something like a skirting board.

How do you cope using a coping saw? Let’s take a deeper look:

1. The first thing to do is to take the two moldings that are to be cut and make a mark along where the coping saw will cut. It is very important to do this as it will give you a line to follow so you can make an accurate cut. A little hint here is to make the cut at a 45 degree angle.
2. The next thing to do is to cut along the drawn lines on the first molding that you want to join. To make sure that you will not cut into an unwanted region, position your coping saw just below the cutting line. This is very important. Cut through to the very end.
3. Now the next thing is to cut the second piece of molding. To do this correctly, position the molding that you’ve already cut against the molding that you want to cut. Mark a line with a dark pencil along where the edge of the already cut molding corresponds with the molding to be cut.
4. Now repeat the cutting process once again. Just as you did with the first molding don’t position your coping saw blade at the line, that would be a mistake; position your blade a few millimeters away from the cutting line. For this one, you can cut without needing to be at a 45 degree angle.
5. After you’ve done the cutting of both of the moldings, fit them to see how well they  fit. The next thing to do is to adjust the fit with a knife, file and sandpaper. Chances are high that you won’t have gotten the cut perfect on the first attempt. Take a sharp blade, smoothen one of the moldings in a regular manner and be careful not to dig too far as this will result in you having to start over again. Keep refitting the two molds frequently and keep removing the excess material. As you get closer to a good fit switch to the file and finally over to the sandpaper.
6. Lastly attach the molds to the wall (or wherever you’re placing them). If you’ve done well then you’ll need to do nothing further, but don’t be too upset if you need to add a little filler; the perfect cope takes many attempts to master.

If you would like to know more about how to use a coping saw then please visit the http://Woodworking-Tool-Guide.com for more information.
- Pete