Specialty Tools for Coping Crown Molding

Miter Saw

• Before you can cope crown molding, the molding must be cut at a 45-degree angle. Place the crown molding on the miter saw. Adjust the molding so that the top edge sits against the miter fence and the bottom edge sits against the miter saw table. Cut the molding to size on the miter saw. After the molding is cut, you should be able to locate the leading edge or profile of the molding. Mark this edge with a pencil so you can see it more clearly.

Coping Saw

• A coping saw is a small, thin-bladed handsaw. This saw is the most important tool you need when coping crown molding. At the highlighted leading edge, use the coping saw to trim away the back portion of the molding. Do this by angling the saw towards the back of the crown molding at about 5 degrees. Follow the leading edge as you cut the crown molding. The finished coped edge will then fit into the profile of the molding in the corner.

Clamps

• Clamps are an essential tool for coping crown molding. A homeowner may try to hold the molding steady with one hand while he runs the coping saw with his other hand. This technique may work, but for most homeowners it will be extremely difficult to get good results. Instead, clamp the crown molding to a table or workbench with a pair of clamps. The clamps hold the crown molding firmly in place and help you to get the best result possible.

File

• After crown molding has been coped with a coping saw, many homeowners feel that they can simply slide the molding in place. This is not always the case. There are typically small bumps or areas that must be smoothed before installation. The easiest way to smooth these bumps is with a file. A small woodworking file will gently smooth the coped edge of the molding and prepare the molding for installation.