How to Cut a Coped Joint in Wood Trim

A coping saw is a versatile tool when you're woodworking with wood moldings. Coped joints make the trim fit better against the other piece of trim. Coping works better than just mitering your joints. Coping joints is a must when you have stain-grade trim.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Cut a coped joint in baseboard wood trim. Cut your first piece of base trim, measuring from wall-to-wall. Make straight cuts on both ends, using a miter saw. Your miter saw must be set on 0 degrees.

2. Make a 45-degree cut with your base molding turned up on your miter saw. For example, let's use the left-hand end of your base trim. The saw must be turned on the right-hand 45-degree angle of your miter saw. After making this cut, take your coping saw and follow your cut line on your base molding, angling your coping saw back into the wood about 10 degrees. This cope will go on the right-hand wall, against the straight end of your baseboard.

3. Follow this example to cut a coped joint in crown molding wood trim. Install your first piece of crown with straight-cut ends from wall to wall. Now, take your crown molding and invert it with the top at the bottom of your miter saw. Turn your miter saw to the left side of the 45-degree mark. It is critical that the crown mold is bedded correctly on your miter saw.

4. Finish your piece of crown by coping the cut end of the crown mold wood trim. Use the coping saw and cut the sawed area out of your finished piece of crown molding. With the cut made, you can see the profile of your crown. This is where you cut with the coping saw. Cut back into your crown between 5 and 10 degrees. This allows for a tight fit on the coped joint against the other piece of crown mold wood trim on the wall.

[jull14]

on 6/22/2009 A very interesting article and very helpful, I hope that you write more like this one, thanks for helping us.