A coping sled is a woodworking tool designed to enhance safety and precision when working with a router or a table saw. Basically, woodworkers use the equipment to secure and guide a workpiece during operations such as making cope cuts, stick joints, tenons, and other intricate cuts.

Coping Sled Key Features: 

• Safety: Coping sleds help prevent workpieces from slipping, moving, or spinning during routing or cutting operations. This is vital for reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.
• Precision: The tool holds the workpiece securely and guides it through the router or table saw’s cutting path. This is essential for achieving precise and consistent cuts or profiles when creating joinery.
• Versatility: Woodworkers can use coping sleds with a wide range of tools such as routers, table saws, bandsaws, shapers, and spindle sanders. This allows users to tackle various projects and achieve a high level of accuracy and repeatability. 
• Reduced Tearout: Tear-outs (splintering or chipping of wood) are a common issue when using a router. A coping sled minimizes tear-outs by providing support for the wood fibers as they are cut.
• Complex Profiles: Coping sleds are useful for creating complex or irregular profiles and shapes. 
• Consistency: When making cope-and-stick joints or other types of joinery, coping sleds ensure that each workpiece is cut consistently.

Buying Coping Sleds

Here are some factors to consider when shopping for a coping sled:

• Sturdiness and Build Quality: Look for coping sleds that are made of durable materials such as aluminum or steel.
• Adjustability: Adjustability features allow users to accommodate various workpiece dimensions.
• Clamping Mechanism: A sled with a reliable clamping mechanism is essential for keeping the material firmly in position during the cutting process.
• Compatibility: A sled should be compatible with the router or table saw, with a base that fits well and is easy to attach and remove.
• Safety Features: Lastly, choose a coping sled with the required safety features. One example is the clear safety shield which protects hands from the spinning bit or blade.