Piercing Saws

About Piercing Saws

Piercing saws are specialist hand tools designed for intricate cutting work in wood, metal, plastic and other materials. Featuring a fine, narrow blade held under tension in a compact frame, these precision saws excel at detailed internal cuts, tight curves and delicate fretwork where conventional saws cannot reach. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks quality piercing saws and replacement blades from trusted manufacturers like Faithfull, providing tradespeople and craftsmen with the tools needed for accurate, controlled cutting.

The piercing saw's design allows the blade to be inserted through a pre-drilled pilot hole, making it ideal for cutting shapes from the interior of a workpiece without cutting in from the edge. With interchangeable blades available in various tooth configurations, these versatile tools suit everything from fine jewellery work to carpentry, model making and DIY projects requiring precision and finesse.

Applications

• Woodworking and Carpentry: Creating intricate inlays, cutting decorative fretwork, and making internal cutouts in furniture and joinery
• Jewellery Making: Precision cutting of precious metals, detailed metalwork and creating complex patterns
• Model Making: Cutting balsa wood, plastics and thin metals for scale models and miniatures
• Picture Framing: Cutting mounts and creating internal apertures with clean, accurate edges
• Musical Instrument Repair: Working with thin veneers and delicate wood components
• DIY Enthusiasts: Home improvement projects requiring detailed cutting work in confined spaces
• Crafts and Hobbies: Scroll work, marquetry, intarsia and decorative woodcraft

Choosing The Right Piercing Saws

When selecting a piercing saw from MyToolShed.co.uk, consider the frame depth – deeper frames allow you to reach further into larger workpieces. The frame should be sturdy yet comfortable to handle during extended use. Blade tensioning mechanisms vary; look for frames with easy-to-adjust tension screws that maintain consistent blade tightness.

Replacement blades are essential considerations, as different tooth configurations suit different materials. Finer teeth (higher TPI) work best for metals and plastics, whilst coarser teeth cut wood more efficiently. Ensure you stock adequate spare blades, as these fine cutting edges can break during detailed work. Check that blades are compatible with your saw frame and appropriate for your typical material thickness and hardness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a piercing saw and a coping saw?

Whilst both tools cut curves, a piercing saw has a much deeper frame (typically 150mm or more) and uses finer blades, making it suitable for reaching into larger workpieces and executing more delicate, intricate cuts. Coping saws have shallower frames and are generally used for coarser work in wood.

How do I prevent piercing saw blades from breaking?

Ensure proper blade tension – tight enough to cut straight but not over-tensioned. Use smooth, controlled strokes without forcing the blade, and select the appropriate tooth count for your material. Always keep the blade perpendicular to the workpiece and let the saw do the cutting rather than applying excessive pressure.

Can piercing saws cut metal as well as wood?

Yes, piercing saws are versatile tools suitable for wood, metal, plastic and other materials. Simply match the blade to your material – finer-toothed blades work best for metals, whilst medium-tooth blades suit wood and plastics effectively.