Quck answer
Cutting crown molding with a compound miter saw can be done by following a few steps. First, set the saw to the correct angle for the crown molding. Next, position the molding upside down and flat against the fence and the saw table. Then, make the first cut by lowering the blade onto the molding. After that, flip the molding over and make the second cut. Finally, adjust the saw angle for the other side of the molding and repeat the process. It is important to measure and mark the molding accurately to ensure precise cuts.
When cutting crown molding, corner joints are considered “compound” because they have two angles – a miter angle and a bevel angle. A compound miter saw is useful for this type of cutting because it can tilt to cut the bevel angle and rotate to the left or right to cut the miter angle, allowing both angles to be cut in a single motion. This feature also allows the molding to be laid flat on the saw table, which is especially helpful for wide molding. It’s important to note that a standard compound miter saw only tilts to the left, so the position of the molding may need to be reversed for certain cuts.
Right, Outside and Left, Inside Corners
Step 1
Put on safety glasses and a dust mask. Look for pre-set angles on the saw that are designed for cutting angles for a 90-degree corner. Most compound miter saws already have the correct angles for cutting crown molding. If your saw doesn’t have these angles, rotate the saw counterclockwise and set the miter angle at 31.6 degrees. Tilt the saw to the left and set the bevel angle at 33.9 degrees.
Step 2
Place the molding flat on the saw table with the finished side facing up. The top edge of the molding (the edge that will come into contact with the ceiling when installed) should be against the saw’s fence. Slide the molding to the right side of the blade in order to cut a right-hand piece for an outside corner. Hold the molding with one hand and make the cut.
Step 3
Slide the molding to the left side of the blade in order to cut the left-hand piece for an inside corner. Turn on the saw and make the cut.
Left, Outside and Right, Inside Corners
Step 1
Position the molding so that the top edge (the edge that will come into contact with the ceiling) is facing towards your body and the bottom edge is against the saw fence. The molding should be faceup and flat on the saw table.
Step 2
Rotate the saw clockwise and set the miter angle at 31.6 degrees. Tilt the saw to the left and set the bevel angle at 33.9 degrees, if it hasn’t already been set. Slide the molding to the right side of the blade in order to cut the left-hand piece for an outside corner. Turn on the saw and make the cut.
Step 3
Slide the molding to the left side of the blade in order to cut the right-hand piece for an inside corner. Turn on the saw and make the cut.
