Amazon link
Cutting this for example will give you an outside left...
this is the result when it's flipped and installed...
and cutting this for will give you a outside right...
...and this is the result for the outside right cut installed.
Crown molding measurements are marked on the bottom edge
the exception is ceiling transitions
...and this is the result of that cut an inside left.
An example of backing for crown.
Right Side:
Miter Left at 45
Save Left End of Cut
Left Side:
Miter Right at 45
Save Right End of Cut
INSIDE CORNERS
OUTSIDE CORNERS
Left Side:
Miter Left at 45
Save Right End of Cut
Right Side:
Miter Right at 45
Save Left End of Cut
How do I Cut crown molding in position?
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There are two different methods to cut crown molding.
In Position:
You place the crown upside down on the saw leaning against the fence at the spring angle. You leave the bevel at 90 and set the miter.
Flat:
You will set the saw at the compound angle ( bevel and the miter ) for that crowns spring angle.
Owner Tutorials Cutting crown in position
It can be a bit confusing since the molding must be placed upside down for your cuts. So envision the saw table as the ceiling, and the fence as representing the wall. Okay, but since the molding is upside down, the angle points in the opposite direction too. That's where you've probably heard carpenters to remind themselves to cut "upside down and backward." Use the mouse over image to the left, to flip the miter saw over.
Tip:
Cut a couple of scraps to make into patterns... two sets, one with right 45 miters on each end and one with left 45 miters that will give you the 4 corners, and make them at least 12" long. Short ones may not help you if a corner is out.
Cutting crown by hand in a miter box uses the same method...
In Basics you found out about crown molding angles and some of the terms, and in set-up the way to get ready to cut the molding and find the studs so let's actually cut something.
Here we'll look at a few measuring tricks with the different materials and figure the right amount, the two ways of cutting crown to see which is right for you then on with the cutting in position part of the tutorial
Link to dewalt crown stops at amazon . Check to see If you can get a set of stops for your miter saw
The "Prosite" is the best protrator for in position cutting, it shows the actual miter angle for your saw as well as the corner angle & is heavy duty.
Owner Tutorials - How to install crown moulding
Marking out a crown project / The two different methods to cut crown explained /
/ Measuring tips / Cutting crown molding in position /
How to cut crown in position page
Marking out the job
The first thing I do after I get set up is cut a gauge block for my mark out. You will want to mark where the bottom of the crown sits on the wall, and a line for center of the studs. I used to snap a chalk line, but I found that since the ceilings are off a bit usually and the walls are painted in a lot of jobs... so the marking block really comes in handy, especially at the corners.
Video 7
Guage Block
172 KB
(45kps-dialup)
Measuring Tips
Which way is the right way for me, you ask?
"In position" is easier to measure & cut. The bottom that you mark for the cuts is always up. You'll need a good protractor to get the corner angles, and crownstops to hold it in position. If if moves slightly out of position you won't gt a perfect cut. Plus you can only cut crown that will fit sitting upright on your saw.
"On flat" you need to use crown tables, or the Bosch digital protractor that will calculate the compound angle for you. For large crown you may not have a choice but to cut it on flat. Cutting crown on flat is a more precise way to cut crown, but sometimes the measure mark is against the fence and harder to see.
Which way do I use?
Paint grade MDF in position, expensive woods on flat.
Always
use inches
, it's easier to remember and to work with your partner (
crown is a 2 person project
! ).
Inside corners
I always try to
cut MDF crown a little tight
, I don't spring in MDF but I do like it tight. I also don't cope MDF it's stable and glue is like welding with it.
Wood I cope
and cut it 1/16 long over 12+ ft and
spring that in
, but I also want the wood crown to
acclimate to the room
first too. You wouldn't leave MDF in the wet garage then bring it in and install either. Measure back from the inside corner 10" where you would have to bend the tape then
measure to the 10" mark and add
.
Outside corners
use your
protractors straight edge
when you're up there getting the proper angle
to check both sides
to see if the drywall bead holds it out at all, if it does make a note and use your tri-square to measure to. Also
check if ceiling
holds the crown down, up you can shim it a bit, down you may need to remove a bit of crown... 99.9% of the time they'll be okay (we all hope right?)
Measure where the bottom of the crown meets the walls where you marked with the gauge block, and always mark the measurements onto the bottom of the crown when you got to cut.
Amazon Link
Amazon Link
This is a 1 1/4" blade of the Stanley "Fat Max" series that I use, this one has an 11' standout.
Don't try to do this job with a cheap tape it's not worth the hassle it'll create for you.
Video 8
In position cutting
412 KB
(57kps-medium band)
Two outsides and the mantel corner they make
Before of a couple of tricky corners...
After notice the self return
Amazon link
If you already have 18v dewalt this unit comes without the batteries
Go Cordless
check the
Amazon Video
larger image
The full kit 2 batteries & charger, 18-Volt 16-Gauge 20-Degree
No compressor No Hoses No Cords - Free at last, free at last, free at last !!
Amazon Link
Larger Image
Porter-Cable CFFN250N Finish & Brad Nailer Combo Kit
2 guns a 16g finish nailer and an 18g brad. I really like the feel of the brad it's in my toolbox. Plus you get the 135psi pancake compressor, hoses and a bunch of extras. It's an extremely good deal right now too.
Crown Stops
Put mouse over image and click to flip saw
This is the archived version of my Tutorial for the new site visit:
NEW TUTORIAL SITE
more information and the udates will be there: www.installcrown.com