How to Use a Miter Box to Cut Crown Molding

A miter box is a simple and inexpensive plastic or wooden frame that assists in holding a box saw at a 90 or 45 degree angle to a piece of wood being cut. A miter box is an essential tool for cutting lengths of crown moulding to the appropriate length and angle so the corners of the decorative trim recess or seamlessly overlap once installed. Although a miter box is a simple tool to learn to use, practice is necessary to create professional-looking trim.

Crown Moulding
Measuring tape
Carpenter's pencil
Miter box
Box saw
Clamps
Sandpaper

Instructions

- 1
  Measure a piece of crown moulding to its installation length and mark the wood with a carpenter's pencil.
- 2
  Determine whether the cut is to be for an inside corner or an outside corner on a wall. If the piece is for an inside corner, you will cut the piece of moulding at a 45 degree angle towards the center of the length of wood. If it is for an outside corner, you will cut the piece of moulding on a 45 degree angle away from the length of wood.
- 3
  Place the moulding vertically in the miter box with the measuring mark aligned to the cutting channel.
- 4
  Place the box saw into the appropriate cutting channel for the angle of your cut.
- 5
  Hold the moulding tightly in place with your hand, or clamp it in place, to prevent it from moving while cutting.
- 6
  Slowly move the box saw back and forth to start a cut.
- 7
  Continue cutting the piece of wood until the cut is complete.
- 8
  Gently sand any rough edges with sandpaper.

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