How to Make Outside Corner Cuts With a Miter Saw

An outside corner is one that juts outward with the point of the angle to the outside. When you cut trim or molding it is important that you cut the angle correctly to have a good fit and constant flow of pattern to the wood. You can make the outside cuts with a miter saw to increase speed and efficiency of the cut.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Adjustable bevel
• Miter saw
• Wood stock or trim

1. Measure the angle you're cutting. Most of the angles for outside corners need to be 90 degrees, but in older homes in particular, that may not be the case. Before you cut the outside corner with your miter saw, make sure that you have the right angle. Use an adjustable bevel or adjustable T-bevel to measure. Always measure twice, cut once.

2. Check the height of the board. You may need to adjust the miter on the saw, but much of the time you won't need to for base molding since the base tends to be taller. If the blade is too small to cut completely through, adjust the bevel and cut the angle with the board lying flat.

3. Divide the angle in half. The angle of the cut is made of two equal sides. Adjust the bevel or miter to one-half the width of the angle and cut each board according to those measurements.

4. Put the board with the back flat on the surface for outside cuts with the miter saw using the bevel adjustment. Set the board as it would look on the wall if you can adjust the miter.

5. Bring the saw through the board. Make certain that you wait until the saw stops before you remove the blade. If you don't, it will kick the piece out, creating a projectile.

6. Line up the board with the other side before you cut. You need to flip the board in the opposite direction to make the appropriate cut. Make sure that the angle you cut will fit to the first board and match the molding design.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear safety glasses at all times when you cut the boards or trim.