Friday, February 01, 2008

Friday

tip-o-day

I seem to end up doing a lot of trim work around this aging house we live in.
I have mastered base trim and can cut it using either my chop saw or a hand saw and mitre box quite effectively.
Where it all falls apart for me is crown molding. I understand the basics. I know I don't have to have a compound mitre saw to get good results.

I am clear that I need to place the molding in the saw upside down and at the same 45 angle as it will be on the wall.



But for some reason I just can't keep the angles straight in my head. So inevitably I run down to the basement - make some cuts, run back upstairs and the cut is wrong... so very wrong.

I found all sorts of complex advice online, but finally came across just the simple clues that I needed to make the right cuts.

So if you have some molding to do, I hope this can help you too.

12 comments:

The Guy Who Writes This said...

Mistakes get expensive fast. A compound Miter Saw is well worth the expense. Also if you are getting one, make sure it has a radial arm. You won't regret it.

Anonymous said...

OK...I want toinstall Crown Molding and was even going to buy the fancy saw the TGWWT mentions...but everywhere I read says DON'T DO IT. Now i really want to try. I have issues with imaging angles but luckily TG has a knack for it. I think we need to take the plunge

clammy said...

hmm.. the fact that you've mastered the use of chop saws and mitre boxes is enough for me to give you a pat on the back. We just call someone. Ha.

Zoe said...

Excellent tip. And what do mean you don't need a compound miter saw for the job. OK, maybe you can get by with out one, but everyone "needs" one.

SassyFemme said...

I'm really in awe of your carpentry abilities, Weese.

pins said...

My GF and I gutted a bedroom when we first bought our house. We managed to put up drywall (with some help)but gave up on the trim work after many many attempts. We finally paid to to get it done.

WenWhit said...

I am SO coming back to this post when we get off our asses and finish the basement. I've been guilty of wasting a piece of trim or two in my time...

sporksforall said...

Angie's List. Word.

Lipglossles said...

OH Weese, I wish you were doing molding when I was...I took it down for the same reasons; but spring is in the air, maybe I will tackle it again...keep me posted :-)

weese said...

i have to agree with zoe and guy... i wouldn't turn down a compound mitre.
tho frankly - right now i would rather a pneumatic nailgun.

Maria said...

Um...could you please repeat that?

Totally lost from the get go....

WenWhit said...

Oh, man, I TOTALLY want a pneumatic nail gun!!!