A compass saw is a type of
saw
A saw is a tool consisting of a tough blade, Wire saw, wire, or Chainsaw, chain with a hard toothed edge used to cut through material. Various terms are used to describe toothed and abrasive saws.
Saws began as serrated materials, and when man ...
used for making curved cuts known as
compass
A compass is a device that shows the cardinal directions used for navigation and geographic orientation. It commonly consists of a magnetized needle or other element, such as a compass card or compass rose, which can pivot to align itself with No ...
es, particularly in confined spaces where a larger saw would not fit.
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Characteristics
Compass saws have a narrow, tapered blade usually ending in a sharp point, typically with a tooth pitch of 2.5 to 3 mm (eight to ten teeth per inch),[ but down to 1.3 mm (up to 20 teeth per inch) for harder materials and as long as 5 mm (as few as five teeth per inch) for softer materials.][ They have a curved, light "]pistol grip
On a firearm or other tools, a pistol grip is a distinctly protruded handle underneath the main mechanism, to be held by the user's hand at a more vertical (and thus more ergonomic) angle, similar to how one would hold a conventional pistol.
...
" handle, designed for work in confined spaces and overhead.[
The blade of a compass saw may be fixed or retractable, and blades are typically interchangeable. Partially retracting the blade can prevent flexing and breaking when cutting harder materials.][
Compass saws are suitable for cutting softer woods, plastic, drywall, and non-ferrous metals.][ The pointed tip of the blade can be used to penetrate softer materials without the need for a pilot hole.][
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Comparison with other types of saws
Compared with other saws designed for cutting curves, such as coping
Coping refers to conscious or unconscious strategies used to reduce and manage unpleasant emotions. Coping strategies can be cognitions or behaviors and can be individual or social. To cope is to deal with struggles and difficulties in life. It ...
or fretsaws, compass saws have a larger blade and longer pitch (fewer teeth per inch). This allows them to cut faster, and to cut through thicker materials, but leaves a rougher finish.[
Compared with drywall saws, compass saws typically have a longer blade – at – and shorter pitch (more teeth per inch).][
Keyhole saws, also called padsaws or jab saws, feature shorter, finer blades and (often) straight handles, and are suitable for cutting extremely tight curves.][
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References
Saws
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