Coping saw

It is occasionally used to create fretwork though it is not able to match a fretsaw in intricacy of cut, particularly in thin materials.

[3] A coping saw consists of a thin, hardened steel blade, stretched between the ends of a square, c shaped, springy-iron frame to which a handle is attached.

Retightening the handle tensions the blade and locks it at the desired angle relative to the frame.

Gentle curves are achieved by slowly turning the whole frame by means of the handle while continuing to cut steadily.

A coping saw (with the correct blade) can also be used to cut through aluminium tubing and other metal objects, though a hacksaw is much more efficient for this task.

A coping saw.
Detail of engraving from book, André Félibien , Des principes de l'architecture, de la sculpture, de la peinture, et des autres arts qui en dépendent , 1676, Planche LXIV, page 451, Fig. B showing possibly the oldest depiction of coping saw.
Engraving by André Jacob Roubo from encyclopaedia L'Art du Menuisier (1769) showing the construction of a coping saw (here: " marquetry saw") and its usage.