How to Connect Straight Base Molding

To properly connect straight molding, use a scarf joint. This utilizes as much of the glue surface of any piece of wood as possible. They are created by cutting extremely sharp angles. Most miter saws can cut up to about 55 degrees. That is enough to create this type of joint on molding. For a sharper joint, alter the angle by putting a small block in between the molding and the miter saw fence.

Tape measure
Pencil
Miter saw
Small block, 3/4 by 3/4 by 2 inches
Glue
Nail set
Hammer

Instructions

- 1
  Measure over from each side of the blade 6 inches and make a mark on the fence on each side of the blade. Swing the blade as far as it will go to the left. Swing it past the 45-degree preset notch until it will not move any farther.
- 2
  Stand the small block up on the mark on the left side. Place the molding against the fence on the left side, with the block between the fence and the molding to give it a sharper angle to the blade. Turn on the saw. Hold the molding with your left hand and bring the blade down slowly with your right hand, trimming off the end of the molding.
- 3
  Swing the saw to the right side. Move the block to the mark on the right and the other piece of molding to be joined to the right. Reverse your hands. Trim the end off the other piece of molding, creating a left and right.
- 4
  Spread glue on both mitered ends of the molding. Place them on the floor in the selected location. Bring the mitered scarf joint ends together. Nail them in place using 1-1/2-inch finish nails.
- 5
  Tap in the nails using a nail set and hammer. Putty the holes. Sand over the joint by hand with sandpaper until smooth.

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