How to Cut Corners in Crown Molding

Crown moldings add that final touch in creating beauty and value in any home. If you’re a do it yourselfer, you’ve come to the right spot. In this article I will show you how to cut corner angles using a miter saw.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Safety glasses
• Miter saw
• working gloves
• Ear plugs
• coping saw

1. 

   As with all DIY projects, safety is something that can not be missed. For this project you will need your safety glasses, ear plugs, and work gloves.

2. 

   As a general rule, there are two basic corner cuts when cutting corners, inside corner and outside corners. Outside corners tends to measure between 180 and 360 degrees while the inside corner falls between 0 and 180 degrees. As noted there is a wide range of angles. With that said, it’s very important to know the angle prior to cutting. Simply use a true angle tool to measure your corners. This can be purchased at any home improvement store.

3. 
   True angle tool

   Once you have your measurements, it’s time to set your miter saw. Many miter saws come with miter angle guides. However, if you’re like me, nothing stays in one place and may get lost over time. For the setting of your miter saw I recommend visiting http://www.americanwoodmoulding.com/bladeangles.pdf for proper cut angles. However, a 45 degree angle setting on your power miter saw will work for most angles.

4. 

   Inside corner Cut
   
   We will begin with an inside corner cut.
   
   Swing your saw left on the pre determined angle. Once your setting is complete place your molding upside down. Make sure the edge that sits on the wall rest against the fence and the edge that will go on the ceiling rest on the table. Now you can begin to cut.
   Note your cutting. The long point of the miter should be on the back of the molding.

5. 
   What you want the crown molding to look like

   Swing your saw right on the pre determined angle. Once your setting is complete place your molding upside down. Make sure the edge that sits on the wall rest against the fence and the edge that will go on the ceiling rest on the table. Now you can begin to cut. The long point of the miter should be on the back of the molding.

6. 

   Once your cuts are complete it’s time to cope a joint. Use a pencil to carefully mark the edge of your cut.

7. 

   Take your coping saw and carefully cut to the line as close as possible cutting at a slight angle.

8. Once the fit is right test it out on a scrap piece of wood. Don’t worry if you see a few gaps. Use a little caulk to fill them in.

9. 

   Outside corners
   
   For outside corners, again swing your saw to the right side and set your angles on the miter saw

10. Place the edge that will rest on the ceiling against the saw fence and the site along the blade. Cut the molding just outside the mark on the ceiling edge and begin to cut.

11. Once your cut is complete, swing the saw to the left and repeat

Tips & Warnings

• If you find gaps in between your cuts fill them in with caulk.
• For large projects it's best to get a friend to help you out.
• Always wear the proper protective equipment. In this case you should wear safety glasses, ear plugs (while cutting wood), and work gloves.
• If you are using a ladder make sure you have a spotter near by.
• Read all warnings and safety guidelines on any electrical equipment
• Never leave your child unsupervised around your equipments