Cutting Crown Molding - Compound Miter Saw

When cutting crown molding with a compound miter saw the molding will sit flat on the saw table for these cuts. The angle at which you will set your bevel now depends on the spring angle of the crown molding you are using. The most common are 45 degrees and 38 degrees. An easy way to check is to take your framing square and use it as your wall and ceiling and place your molding in the square.

If the measurement from the corner along the ceiling and wall are the same then you have a 45 degree spring angle. If the measurements are different than it is not 45 degree and 99% of the time it is a 38 degree spring angle. While 45 and 38 are the most common, of those two 38 is the most common and is most likely what the spring angle is of the molding you are using. Always make test cuts when cutting crown molding to be sure.

For 90 degree corners with a 45 degree crown molding set your saw bevel left at 30 degrees and the miter angle (left or right) at 35.3 degrees. For 90 degree corners with a 52/38 degree crown molding set your saw bevel left at 33.9 degrees and the miter angle (left or right) at 31.6 degrees. These settings may already be marked for you on your compound miter saw.

The best place to get your crown molding is believe it or not is not at the local home center, but at you local lumber yard. I have found that the price per foot on moldings at the home center compared to the lumber yard can be double. I could not believe this at first but it is true compare for yourself. Besides just cost, the quality of stock is in most cases better at the lumber yard.

When you pick out you pieces of molding thoroughly inspect each piece for cracks, stains or excessive warping. A straight piece will be much easier to install. The only advantages to buying at the home center are that they will let you buy by the foot. At the lumber yard you will have to buy pre cut lengths like 8', 12' or 16'. Also the home centers have more convenient hours and are open on the weekends.

Lumber yards are typically open to 5:00pm on weekdays and 12 noon on Saturdays. Most lumber yards will have small samples of molding that you can have for free. Where ever you do decide to buy you molding from make sure if you need more of the same that you buy it at the place as before. Even molding that looks identical to the eye will have slight differences and your corners and splices will not line up.

Brian Kiernan is a master trim carpenter who has had his own carpentry business in Connecticut for the past 15 years. For more information on how to cut crown molding like a pro visit http://www.Install-Crown-Molding.com

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