Compass saw - Why use one?

[Nick Fraufnt]

Hello, I have been looking at some compass saws online which claim to cut curved shapes or make cuts in awkward places. But what I'm wondering is, isn't that simply what a coping or fret saw does? Do why would anyone buy one of these compass saws?

I've included a pic of one of the designs I am looking at.

Cheers,

N

http://www.daviddarling.info/images/compass_saw.jpg

[Rod Sheridan]

Hi, they are meant for blind cuts, like putting a hole in a wall for an electrical outlet, or similar work.

regards, Rod.

[David Posey]

Also, the older ones functioned as a neander jig saw, along with the much smaller pad saw. If you need to cut holes in something like with some Arts and Craft designs, it's very inconvenient to have to detach and reattach the saw blade in a coping or fret saw. Most of the new ones are meant for drywall work.