How to Cut Angle Crown Molding and Base Molding for a Cabinet Top

Loosen the adjustment knob on the combination square and move the sliding square to the 3/8-inch mark on the ruler and tighten the knob again. Set the flat edge of the square against the cabinet top with the short end of the ruler pointing down. Mark the cabinet at 3/8 inch approximately every 12 inches.

Measure the top front of the cabinet with a tape measure and subtract 1/4 inch. Measure and cut 2-by-2 lumber to fit on top of the cabinet. Miter-cut each end to a 45-degree angle so that the point of the angle cut is on the same edge of the board. The board must sit back from the front of the front of the cabinet 1/8 inch and be 1/8 inch short of each corner.

Measure the cabinet sides along the top and subtract 1/8 inch. Measure and cut 2-by-2 lumber for each side. Miter-cut one end of each piece at 45 degrees and square-cut the other end.

Lay the three 2-by-2 pieces on the cabinet top so the corners come together. Each piece should sit 1/8 inch back from the edge. Nail the pieces to the cabinet top with the finish nailer. If the cabinet is made of particle board, use particle board screws instead. Drill pilot holes for the screws and screw them in place with a screwdriver, not a drill.

Measure and cut baseboard for the front and sides. Cut the baseboard on the saw upside down with the back against the fence and the table set to 45 degrees. The face of the baseboard will be longer than the back and the length of the back matches the cabinet front and side dimensions.

Hold the baseboard upside down along the cabinet top edge with the baseboard top aligned with the pencil marks. The back edge of each must align exactly with the end of the cabinet. Nail the baseboard to the 2-by-2 backer with two nails every 10 inches.

Measure the baseboard front and sides for the crown molding. Place the crown molding on the miter saw at an angle with the upper edge against the table and the wall or cabinet edge against the fence. Set the table to 45 degrees right and cut off the end of the molding. Set the table to 45 degrees left for the next cut.

Measure along the crown edge that fits against the baseboard and mark. This edge is against the fence. Make the cut. Cut two more pieces of crown for the sides.

Set the combination square to mark a depth that will reveal the detail on the baseboard and mark the baseboard every 12 inches. Hold the front piece of crown against the baseboard along the marks with the bottom point of the angle cuts aligning with the ends of the baseboard. Nail the crown to the baseboard with the finish nailer. Fasten the side pieces in the same way.