Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Mar 27, 2000 04:09am | #1

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   Well Leonard, I have mentioned this before but I have to emphasize it again, because every time I have used this procedure I have always had perfect results. In my opinion nothing beats an accurate protractor when mitering crown moulding. I use the one by Bosch that's electronic. I can't tell you how many times framers have framed walls that they claim were angled 135 degrees and actually wern't. What I do is first check the angle of the crown (spring angle). With the Bosch you can record that angle. Next you measure the wall angle and input that data. You then press a button and the protractor will dispaly what degrees to set the mitre angle of your saw. Depress the button once more and the bevel angle will appear to set your saw's bevel. This works great for cutting your moulding on the flat.

   If you happen to be a diehard that prefers to cut your moulding bedded upside down against the fence, it's no problem, the protractor still will keep you right on. If you choose to use this method of cutting all that you have to do is measure the actual angle of the wall. If, for example you measure the wall angle and find that it's 138 actual degrees instead of the proposed 135. You simply take 138 degrees and divide it by two, which would be 69 degrees. Now subtract 69 degrees from 90 degrees and you would set the mitre setting at 21 degrees. I usually apply some wood glue to the mitre and then nail it in place.

   There are no trial cuts to make and adjust, just measure, set, and cut.

   There are times I like to cope my inside 90 degree corners, but lately due to the speed and accuracy, I've been mitering instead of coping, and so far, no complaints of joints opening up or poor fit. Bosch's electronic protractor costs about 120 bucks, but it is worth far more than that in the time it has saved me. I believe that Andrew D. has also used the Bosch protractor. Maybe he'll add his thoughts.

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   Guest_ | Mar 27, 2000 04:20am | #2

   *Hey Mad Dog! Where did you get that protractor? Is it available mail order? Sounds like it's worth every penny of 120.00.

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   Guest_ | Mar 27, 2000 05:12am | #3

   *Hi Jim, How have you been doin? I purchased it from a place called Professional Hardware which is a authorized Bosch dealer. I did Notice that Tool Crib of The North has it in their catalog for about the same price, only no tax and only 4 dollars and something to ship it.

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   Guest_ | Mar 27, 2000 06:33am | #5

   *Yes, I have one too -- mine from Tool Crib I think. It's nice, and helped me to understand the math better. The best thing I did in the last crown job was low-tech: making and using a setting block. Keep the spring angle consistent!I coped a number of 135° corners like you describe, with 5"+ crown. The only catch is that you have to backcut the bejesus out of it to allow the profile to pass behind the coped piece. I ended up with an edge that was paper-thiun, but with a bit of caulk the result was quite impressive.check out this and this discussion.I still maintain the Bosch is a bit of a toy.... One that i own, mind you. :)

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   Leonard_Feitel | Mar 27, 2000 06:33am | #4

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   What is the best way to install 6" (45 degree) crown moulding on a bay corner that is at 135 degrees. Is it better to miter or cope (assuming the profile is one that can be coped)?