how do i cut a molding to connect at a corner?

Question

I am putting up some wainscoting panel with molding. I only have a jigsaw and hand saw. How do I cut the 45 degree angle on the molding for the corners? Please help and thank you in advance.

Answer 1

You need a miter box. They cost $10-15 for a basic one, and are really easy to use. The chances of getting a perfect 45 degree cut by hand are pretty slim.

Answer 2

The problem you face is that walls are seldom fully square and this will present problems trying to stop mitred joints gaping. On internal corners you scribe the joint. To do this cut at 45 degrees and then using a coping saw cut along the line formed by internal cut edge as a guide. This will produce a perfect profile that will joint perfectly at the corner and also easily deal with slight deviations from square.

External angles are a little more tricky and you can use angle guides or work on trial and error to get the joint perfect. Power mitre saws are cheap and will always come in handy so it is worth the outlay. However, this will depend on how wide teh moulding is.

DWD

Answer 3

Either get a miter box and backsaw. Or spring for a 10" miter saw. You can probably get a simple (not compound) 10" saw for under $100. Just ask yourself, how often will I use it. Also cope the inside corners. Picture are better than words, so go to This Old House. Basically, cut one end straight, then cut the end of the inside corner at 45. Then using a coping saw, backcut the wood that blade cut. It helps if you color the part you cut, so you can see it better. No matter what, you need to by some basic tools for good results.

http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/knowhow/handbook/article/0,16417,221855-1,00.html

http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/knowhow/handbook/article/0,16417,216118-1,00.html

Answer 4

They actually make kinda a generic miter hand saw that costs around $10 at the local hardware store. This allows you to cut on a 45 degree angle. My husband has done tile, marble, granite, and hardwood floors for 14 years and he has to use this miter hand saw to install shoe molding and he has to make 45 degree angle cuts with the wood!

Hope this helps!

Answer 5

Rather than cut a 45, take the two mldgs you wish to join in the corner and place one all the way into the corner and butt the other up against it. Trace the profile of the one mldg onto the one that's all the way into the corner. Then use a coping saw to cut the profile out. Now put the one you didn't cut back into the corner and check the cut mldg's fit by placing it up against the uncut one. If they don't fit, I usually use a dremel tool and sand it down until it does fit. Once they fit, cut them to length and you're done!

Answer 6

You may be able to adjust your jigsaw to a 45 degree angle. I know that my jig saw can be adjusted and of course my circular saw too. A mitre box would probably make a better cut though.

The cheapest chop saw with angles is around $50-100 depending what deals you can find. Chop saws are great.

Answer 7

Go to Wal-mart get a cheap Miter Box and back saw, Be well worth your time and money. Shouldn't cost over 10 bucks or so

Answer 8

1

Answer 9

get you a triangle sqaure and draw you a 45 degree line on it and us ur saw to cut it. Or just go get a mitter box is the easyest way to do it.

Answer 10

A miter box would be the cheapest. There are saws that will do it but they are more expensive, but are worth it if you plan on doing alot of that type of work.