Quck answer
To cut molding with a circular saw:
1. Measure and mark the length of the molding.
2. Set the saw blade to the appropriate depth to avoid cutting into the surface beneath the molding.
3. Secure the molding firmly in place using clamps or a vise.
4. Position the saw blade at a 45-degree angle for miter cuts or at 90 degrees for straight cuts.
5. Start the saw and slowly guide it along the marked line, applying even pressure.
6. Take caution not to rush the cut and always wear protective gear.
7. Sand any rough edges and test the fit before permanently installing the molding.
To achieve professional-quality results when installing trim and molding, it is important to have the right tools for the job. However, the key to making the trim work look great is to have a method of cutting angles that can be repeated with the tools available. While a miter box saw is usually required for accurate molding cuts, there are simple tricks that can be used to cut molding with a circular saw, especially for small projects or when only a few cuts need to be made.
Keep Safety in Mind
When cutting molding with a circular saw, it is important to prioritize safety. While a miter saw may be safer for certain functions, if using a circular saw, it is crucial to always have the blade guard attached and operable. Holding the guard open with your hand or any other means while cutting should be avoided. To ensure safety and achieve the best results, each molding piece should be firmly clamped to a solid surface, such as a workbench, before making cuts.
Use a Speed Square
A simple trick to cut molding with a circular saw involves using a speed square. This method works well for trim pieces that lie flat, such as picture frame molding or door casing, and allows you to make pairs of 45-degree cuts to form perfect corners.
- Begin by marking the desired cut location on the trim piece.
- Unplug the saw and measure the distance from the saw blade to the edge of the saw’s shoe or base.
- Make an additional mark on the trim piece, the same length as the measurement, away from the original spot.
- Clamp the trim piece and firmly hold the speed square on the second mark, with its 45-degree edge facing the cut.
- Guide the base of the saw against the square while cutting the molding.
The speed square method also allows you to create perfect 90-degree crosscuts by simply turning the square in the appropriate direction on the molding.
Make a Bevel Crosscut
Cutting molding for inside or outside corners with a circular saw is slightly more complex. However, by utilizing the bevel cut function on your saw, you can achieve precision angle cuts for taller trim work, such as baseboard molding.
- Start by determining the exact angle needed for the cut and mark the spot on the molding. To ensure accuracy, make an additional mark for the speed square.
- Clamp the piece to a solid surface.
- Set the saw’s bevel to the desired angle.
- Firmly hold the speed square in its 90-degree configuration against the trim and align the mark with the saw blade.
- Guide the saw along the edge of the square.
The bevel method allows for any angle cut up to 90 degrees. For cuts steeper than 90 degrees, use the inverse angle and cut from the back of the molding.
Bevel a Long Edge
A circular saw can be used to make a trim cut that may not be possible with a miter saw. Typically, a long-edge bevel cut would be made with a table saw, but in some cases, this may not be an option. For example, when wrapping an outside corner with corner-guard molding, a long bevel cut may be necessary.
- Adjust the bevel angle of your circular saw to half of the total degrees needed to complete the corner.
- Securely fasten your workpiece and create a mark at both ends to indicate the cutting location.
- Create a straight line connecting the two marks and use your saw to follow the line and make the cut.
- Place a strip of painter’s tape under the cutting line to minimize chipping on delicate pieces.
