Owner Tutorials setting up for crown

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Alter Eagle Construction

You've read the basics so you know how to determine the top,  the difference between a bevel and a miter, and what a spring angle is.  Lets look at how to set up to cut crown, and a few tricks of the trade for locating the studs. Some of this was lightly covered on the basics page.

Owner Tutorials - How to install crown moulding
Setting up a station to cut crown / How to find the studs
 Crown molding, setting up for your project.

Setting up to cut crown molding

Video 1
Video & slides of the the set-up I use on the job site.
1.39 MB or 1,425 KB
(358kps-broadband)

Take the DW706 tour at amazon

If you are cutting up to 6 5/8 crown and intend to cut in position this DW706 Double Bevel Compound is a less expensive deal

amazon link

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I researched quite a while before I chose the Delta 50-155 Universal Miter Saw Stand.
The large wheels make it easier to get around sites & onto the truck, plus the extension rollers all fold into a neat package.

My  Set-up to cut crown molding

Alternative set-ups

Any set-up you are going to need the Crawford WM-5 Contractor's Choice Workmover Roller Stands or something similar for the 16 foot pieces of crown

I use the DEWALT DW708 12" Double-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw so when I'm cutting wide stock I can slide out to 12"+ for crown back-ups or 2x12 etc. I couldn't get along without it.

You need a strong base like the Black & Decker WM425 Workmate 425 Portable Project Center  on the left, which I use sometimes in the shop. This is what I  first started out with. But at 99.00 or so, for 49.00 more you can get the Delta stand? It would depend on you though since the workmate is more versatile.

I've also seen a few plywood set-ups that are pretty decent, I had one for a while, but it was just too heavy & cumbersome, and I like everything I have now to have wheels, I'm too old to carry stuff around.

amazon link

Left is a home made miter saw stand from popular woodworking & the plans explained.
Here are the PLANS pdf download
A great magazine by the way...
here is a subscription link.

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Left is an exploded view and right the mitersaw stand.
You can buy these plans here.
No affiliation with Alter Eagle

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Every home is different, and some parts of America build in different styles, so this is generic but should work for most.
Older homes will have plaster & lathe over the studs so you will need to use the "deep scan" setting on your stud finder, more modern homes typically use 1/2 drywall on the walls and 5/8 on the ceiling.

Some tricks of the trade:
Use a stud finder like below, refer to the video for use.
Look for indentations from the drywall screws, you may be able to locate one or two and measure from there.
Locate a plug most electricians are right handed and the boxes will be nailed on the right side of the stud
Look at the trim closely, you should be able to see the nailing pattern, most finishing carpenters nail into the studs
Knock with your knuckle on the wall, it will sound densor over a stud.
Use a 2" or longer finishing nail and move along the wall at 1" intervals more then 3" down from the ceiling (top plates)
Once you've located one, measure the 16" or 24" on center (they will be marked on your tape) and test with a nail.
Leave the nail in your first found stud and hook the tape on that, mark the studs out just below the bottom of the crown

Note:  It's important when cutting crown to have your saw adjusted correctly, and to use it safely read at those sections in your manual !

How to locate the wall studs

Modern homes use 2x4 at 16" on center walls, but they can be at 2x6 at 24" on center as well.
Usually ceilings will be 24 on center and use trusses.

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amazon link

The Zircon studsensor I use, (left) To locate studs. This deal comes with a wire locator at no extra cost right now and has the "deep scan" capability

Video 5  Locating studs
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Video 6  Locating studs
3.47 MB  (180kps-broadband)

amazon link

amazon link

amazon link

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without battery

with battery

The DEWALT DC618KA 18-Volt 16-Gauge 20-Degree Angled Finish Nailer Kit
You can get the 12/14volt kit as well.
This is my next tool purchase, no hoses or compressors

If you shop online please pick up something at amazon while you are here, 
(it helps me keep this tutorial free ).      Thank-you  -Gordon-

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

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