Crown molding is the decorative trim around the top of a room. It’s made of wood and it’s usually painted a bright color. When crown molding is installed, it can make a room look more spacious and elegant. Unfortunately, crown molding is a big project and it can be difficult to install. If you don’t know how to cut crown molding with a compound miter saw, you may find yourself frustrated and frustrated.
How to Cut Crown Molding with a Miter Saw
When you are cutting crown molding, it’s important to cut at a 90-degree angle to prevent the molding from splitting. If you cut at a 45-degree angle, you would create a 45-degree cut, which will not allow for a clean cut, and it will split the molding.
It is important to use the correct size blade for your saw. A compound miter saw blade is usually between 12 and 20 inches long. So you need to make sure that the blade you are using is in the right range. You should also make sure that the blade is the right width.
You can use a compound miter saw for cutting crown molding easily. However, you should know the right way to cut crown molding. If you don’t have a compound miter saw, you can also use a regular miter saw for cutting crown molding. Let’s review the materials and tools you’ll need:
- Miter Saw
- Crown Molding
- Measuring Tape
- Speed Square (helpful to double check angles on miter saw)
How to Cut Crown Molding Inside Corners and Outside Corners
1. Measure the wall
The first, and perhaps most important step to cutting crown molding is to take accurate measurements. It can be difficult to get the precise measurements needed by jamming a tape measure into a corner and guessing.
Better to lay the tape measure in the corner and measure from there to the middle of the wall, and make a mark. Then turn the tape measure around and measure from the other corner to the mark. Add those numbers together to get the total distance. This will give you exact measurements and a better fit in the end.
2. Cut An Inside Corner
If you’re cutting an inside corner, the angle is determined by the shape of the crown molding. Your long side should start at the bottom, go around to the other side, then up towards the top. You should cut the 45-degree angle, starting at the bottom and going up towards the top.
3. Cut An Outside Corner
For Cutting Crown Molding Outside Corners, the longest edge will be on the top. The 45-degree angle will start cutting at the top and go in towards the bottom.
4. Position Molding Against The Miter Saw
As it seems counter-intuitive, you will be cutting your crown molding upside down. The top will rest against the table, and the bottom will be propped up against the fence. You can draw a mark to align the top of your molding on the deck, or you can use a special jig made for this purpose.
5. Cut Molding At A 45-Degree Angle
Once you have your crown molding lined up, make the 45-degree cuts with a miter saw.
It’s easier to see where you’ll make the 45-degree cuts if you hold up the crown molding at the angle you’ll install it.
If you are using stained wood for your crown molding, you will probably need to use a coping saw to cut a bevel along with the molding profile. This step can be finicky and usually isn’t necessary for painted wood.
What Is The Easiest Way To Cut Crown Molding?
The easiest way to cut crown molding is by using a compound miter saw. You don’t need a special jig to use a miter saw for crown molding because the molding is already lined up properly. All you need to do is simply cut it at a 45-degree angle.
Conclusion
In conclusion, To cut crown molding, you first need to measure the wall and then mark the molding on the wall. Next, you must cut the molding along the marks you made. Finally, you must trim the edges of the molding to get a perfect fit.