crown molding, could use a little help... - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

freemason21 · 11-02-2009, 03:39 PM

just put some in a room still got a lot to do but whatever. stuff is a pain in the a$$ on the corners im not that good at it yet. any tips?

**genecarp** · 11-02-2009, 03:42 PM

UPSIDEDOWN_______AND BACKWARDS______

GMOD

Meetre · 11-02-2009, 03:45 PM

What Gene said, and COPE you corners.

maverick17 · 11-02-2009, 03:45 PM

1. set up a jig before you start cutting.

2. make practice cuts on scrap. I have been doing this for years and I still use scrap pieces to fit a cut just right.

3. Just like with anything else practice and experience are the best teachers.

**Gus Dering** · 11-02-2009, 04:16 PM

The key to making crown molding installation easy and consistent is a chop saw that cuts well and very square and a good jig to hold the crown at the spring angle.

Notice that the crown is upside down. That is because you will be marking the cut on the bottom. Transfer your mark to the very bottom little shoulder and simply line that up with the kerf in the jig. That takes the eye balling part out of the equation.

If you are coping the inside corners do a search in the trim carp area and that will turn up all kinds of fun reading. Basswood has a video showing how he uses an angle grinder to do most of the back cutting. Good stuff in there.

Like others are telling you, you need practice. Crown molding is tricky for a lot of seasoned guys. Hang in there.

thom · 11-02-2009, 04:23 PM

I learned upside down and backwards per the illustration by GUS. I tried using a compound saw. What a pain in the AS$ that was. Up-side-down and backwards is the way to go.

Great illustration Gus.

CookeCarpentry · 11-02-2009, 04:26 PM

Am I the only one who uses the pre-set stops on a miter saw and lays the crown flat?

Meetre · 11-02-2009, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CookeCarpentry

Am I the only one who uses the pre-set stops on a miter saw and lays the crown flat?

Yes, you are!

**Gus Dering** · 11-02-2009, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CookeCarpentry

Am I the only one who uses the pre-set stops on a miter saw and lays the crown flat?

You are clearly in the minority but that don't make it wrong if it works for you.

You are at the distinct advantage when it comes to those larger profiles that will not fit the throat of the saw standing up. You can hang your pride on that one.

CookeCarpentry · 11-02-2009, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gus Dering

You are at the distinct advantage when it comes to those larger profiles that will not fit the throat of the saw standing up.

Gus - this is exactly why I learned how to cut it that way.

I even had a chart at one time that I would cheat off of if the bottom or top was open, that would show me what degree to change the miter or bevel too. Now it's kind of ingrained.

WarnerConstInc. · 11-02-2009, 04:35 PM

Angle finder, Kapex, and crown stops. I am offically over coping for now.

I have done 3 small cut-up, wonky old kitchens, did not cope a single joint and it turned out better than when I coped and used my Bosch saw.

Thank you Kapex and your little angle thingy and your crown stops.

I hate, I mean refuse to cut crown flat. If it is bigger than 6 5/8" I suppose I have to.

NormW · 11-02-2009, 04:50 PM

When you cope your corners try putting the blade in your coping saw, backwards... Try coping by cutting on the pull stroke, I find it a lot easier. Also, if you have a dremel tool, try using it to fine tune the fit. Last thing to remember, if the joint won't go tight, and you can't see where its hitting, You have to back cut more.

Keep trying, and learn how to cope. You'll be better than most, eventually.

J F · 11-02-2009, 04:52 PM

wonder how confused the op is now

J F · 11-02-2009, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WarnerConstInc.

Angle finder, Kapex, and crown stops. I am offically over coping for now.

I have done 3 small cut-up, wonky old kitchens, did not cope a single joint and it turned out better than when I coped and used my Bosch saw.

Thank you Kapex and your little angle thingy and your crown stops.

I hate, I mean refuse to cut crown flat. If it is bigger than 6 5/8" I suppose I have to.

the kapex is just waaay too expensive....it's only for people with more money than brains.

WarnerConstInc. · 11-02-2009, 04:55 PM

I guess you belong in that club with me too, huh?

J F · 11-02-2009, 04:56 PM

I'm really screwed, I don't even have the money

**Gus Dering** · 11-02-2009, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J F

the kapex is just waaay too expensive....it's only for people with more money than brains.

That Kapex may seem spendy until you take a look at that little Italian fox of a saw in that post up there ^^^

Although I wouldn't want to carry it from where it is to the truck with out help from two young studs while I watched and cheered them on.

J F · 11-02-2009, 05:09 PM

My next miter saw is going to have to be made of balsa wood at the rate I'm going.

paulie · 11-02-2009, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J F

My next miter saw is going to have to be made of balsa wood at the rate I'm going.

Whatever happend to balsa wood, I haven't heard that for years.

bert0168 · 11-02-2009, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CookeCarpentry

Am I the only one who uses the pre-set stops on a miter saw and lays the crown flat?

Nah, I'm with ya on that one.

I have done it both ways, U & B on small stuff but flat on larger crown.