How to Cut Inside Corners Using a Miter Saw

A miter saw is a versatile and common tool in home improvement and construction projects.

Cutting inside corners with a miter saw, usually for crown molding or baseboard molding, is fairly easy and straightforward. Many carpenters prefer to use a coping saw for a better finished look when cutting inside corners but, unless your walls are extremely out of square, using a miter saw will do the job.

Things You'll Need

• Molding
• Miter saw
• Fine grit sand paper
• Wood putty

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Instructions

1. Set the miter saw at a 45-degree angle for the first cut. Firmly place the piece of molding against the miter saw guide so that the finish surface is facing you and cut the 45-degree angle on the end of the molding.

2. Adjust the miter saw to the opposite, 45-degree setting to cut the opposing angle. Again, place and hold the molding firmly and cut the 45-degree angle. You will now have two pieces of molding that, when butted together, form a 90-degree angle.

3. Sand the cut edges lightly with a fine grit sand paper to remove rough edges, then place the pieces of molding. Check the fit of the two pieces. It is likely that you may have a small gap due to the walls not being perfectly square. Fit them for the best appearance that you can and secure the molding in place.

4. Fill any small gaps with wood putty that matches the finish of the molding. If you are painting the molding, you can paint over the wood putty.

Tips & Warnings

• Allow wood putty an hour or so to dry before painting over it.

• Be sure your hands are well clear of the miter saw blade when operating it.

References

• The Family Handyman: How to Use a Power Miter Saw

Resources

• Home Addition Plus: How to Use a Coping Saw