How Do I Cope For An Obtuse Angle?

karma_carpentry

Okay, I searched these forums (and also did a Google search) and didn't get a quick answer... so...

Tomorrow I need to cope a basecap into a 121 degree obtuse angle. In a normal new construction, I would bisect the angle and butt the pieces to each other, but I'm running into existing basecap and don't want to pull it off, cut the angle, and replace it. I thought I'd cope into it.

Trouble is, I never coped into a wide angle, just into the near-90 inside corners. So is there a special way? I figured I'd cut the initial miter for the cope to 1/2 the angle and cope to that, angling the cut especially backward, rather than the 5 or 10 degrees I normally do for an inside 90. I figure you don't cut a 45 miter and expect that to fit.

Does this sound right?

I want to do it to learn the technique. If it doesn't look good, I'll just pull of the old molding and miter it.

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Build on a good foundation.

Tom R

Yes, - - you are correct, - - just cut your miter at 29 1/2 degrees and 'back-cut' much sharper when you cope. Also you can cheat a little (well, a lot) by nipping off some of the corner of your 'existing' piece.

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karma_carpentry

Thanks, Tom. That's what I suspected, but I have no experience behind it. I'll give it a shot and see how well the cope will mesh into the old piece.

__________________
Build on a good foundation.

King of Crown

paint grade, or stain grade?

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Real nice guys

rick grippo

how can i find out what the obtuse angle is on stairwell picture frame moulding???

Jeremy E

Uh... protractor?

MALCO.New.York

This would be the perfect opportunity to start a NEW THREAD. First in "Introductions", then in "Finish Carpentry"!

Bevel and angle gauge for an existing.

Calculating for a new set is different!

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Something to One may be Nothing to another!

Ultimate Wisdom---------
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OW-cnizLDEE

world llc

to continue off topic.... i always use a level and speed square

MALCO.New.York

That only works is someone knows how to use a Swanson!!!

+ YouTube Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jh04yCYGPTA



But it is OBTUSE and a speed square only goes up to 90!!! Help!!!

Figure it out!!

__________________
Something to One may be Nothing to another!

Ultimate Wisdom---------
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OW-cnizLDEE

Gus Dering

I did see that right, didn't I?
I have been using a speed square wrong for almost 30 yrs.
It seems I am supposed to make a tick mark at the needed angle and connect the dots.
Darn it! I hate it when I'm wrong like that

Do you ever think you should have your own tv show?