Mastering crown molding cuts is an essential skill for DIYers and home improvement workers in woodworking households. Crown molding enhances the look of indoor spaces. For achieving perfect crown molding cuts, a miter saw is the best choice.
This comprehensive guide shows you how to cut crown molding with a miter saw, in both nested and flat ways. Now, let’s learn how to do it and start cutting.
Why Cut Crown Molding on a Miter Saw?
Crown molding is a decorative trim typically installed at the junction of walls and ceilings, and can also be placed above doors, windows, or cabinets. It may be a single decorative trim piece or a combination of multiple components, thereby enhancing refinement and dimensionality.
A miter saw is considered the most suitable tool for cutting crown molding due to its ability to make precise, stable miter and compound cuts. Only through these two cutting methods can crown molding achieve a tight, seamless joint.
Related Read: Different Types of Woodworking Cuts Explained
Tools to cut crown molding:
- Miter saw
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Protective equipment
Measure the wall length with a tape measure, then mark the measurement on a piece of molding with a pencil. Then, wear proper PPE to protect your eyes, hearings, and lungs.
There are two methods: cutting crown molding nested (miter cuts) and cutting crown molding flat (compound cuts). We also provide diagrams to help you better understand. Follow the next section and learn how to cut crown molding corners with a miter saw.
Cutting Crown Molding Nested - Miter Cut
Making miter cuts for crown molding is simple for beginners because no bevel adjustment is required. When cutting vertically nested, always keep the bottom of the crown molding (wall edge) against the fence, and the top of the crown molding (ceiling edge) against the table.
Tip: To avoid confusion during cutting, write it with a pencil: “Top/Ceiling, Bottom/Wall”.
1. Cut the Inside Corner
- Left inside corner: Set the miter to 45° to the right and save the right end of the cut.
- Right inside corner: Set the miter to 45° to the left and save the left end of the cut.
2. Cut the Outside Corner
- Left outside corner: Set the miter left to 45° and save the right end of the cut.
- Right outside corner: Set the miter right to 45° and save the left end of the cut.
Cutting Crown Molding Flat - Compound Cuts
Setting miter and bevel angles for compound cuts precisely may be complex and challenging. It is crucial to practice all settings on scrap pieces before cutting. There are two methods for crown molding compound cuts, regardless of whether you use a single-bevel or double-bevel miter saw.
Cutting with Single-Bevel Miter Saws
1. Cut the Inside corner
- Left inside corner: Keep the top against the fence. Set the bevel to 33.9° and the miter right to 31.6°. Save the left of the cut. (The right of the cut is the right outside corner.)
- Right inside corner: Keep the bottom against the fence. Set the bevel to 33.9° and the miter left to 31.6°. The left of the cut is what you get. (The right of the cut is the left outside corner.)
2. Cut the Outside corner
The miter saw can only set the bevel angle to one side, so you need to flip the molding trim around and then start cutting.
- Left outside corner: Keep the bottom against the fence. Set the bevel to 33.9° and the miter left to 31.6°. Save the right of the cut. (The left of the cut is the right inside corner.)
- Right outside corner: Keep the top against the fence. Set the bevel to 33.9° and the miter right to 31.6°. Save the right of the cut. (The left of the cut is the left inside corner.)
Tip: The Top of the molding doesn’t have a decorative edge. The bottom of the molding has one. You can mark "Top/Bottom" on the molding.
Cutting with Double-Bevel Miter Saws
This is an effortless way because you don't need to flip the molding piece around. Follow the steps and make an easy crown molding. Remember to rest the top of the molding against the fence.
1. Cut the Inside corner
- Left inside corner: Set the bevel left to 33.9° and the miter right to 31.6°. Save the left side of the molding.
- Right inside corner: Set the bevel right to 33.9° and the miter left to 31.6°. Save the right side of the molding.
2. Cut the Outside corner
- Left outside corner: Set the bevel right to 33.9° and the miter left to 31.6°. Save the left side of the molding.
- Right outside corner: Set the bevel left to 33.9° and the miter right to 31.6°. Save the right side of the molding.
Parting Shot
Cutting crown molding is a skill that comes with practice. With the right miter saw settings and techniques, you can do it more easily and accurately.
FindBuyTool provides a cost-effective compound miter saw with a sliding arm. It supports single-bevel adjustment from 0 to 45 degrees. This miter saw features a 15-amp motor that delivers 5500 rpm for effortlessly cutting through hardwood.
By the way, Black Friday sales are now in full swing. If you are considering investing in a miter saw, this one can be a good choice!
If you have any questions about cutting crown molding or our products, leave a comment below, and include your valid email address. We will reply to you as soon as possible.
FAQ About Cutting Crown Molding with a Miter Saw
#1. Can I cut crown molding with a miter saw?
Yes, the best tool for cutting crown molding is a miter saw. The miter saw is responsible for making miter, bevel, and compound cuts, allowing two crown moldings to fit seamlessly together at inside and outside corners.
#2. What angle should I cut for crown molding?
You should cut two pieces at opposing 45-degree angles for crown molding, and then overlap to create joinery.
