Hi Guy, The correct way to install moldings is to cope the mating end to the already installed board. This becomes more necessary where you have a complicated profile.
So, you first decide which direction will be least visible and install the first piece of molding right across from one end to the other. You then cut the end of the mating board with the shape of the profile of the original board. There are several ways of achieving this. The traditional way is to draw the profile using a scrap of the molding onto the back of the board to be fitted then follow the line with a thin bladed coping saw usually working at a bit of an angle away from the face of the molding so a sharp edge is presented to the installed piece. Obviously this is difficult to do for the blind however if you cut a 45 degree angle at the end of the board then use the cut line to guide you as you cut with the coping saw it can usually be done pretty well. You may need to clean up a very little bit with a chisel. finally, and depending a bit on the profile, it is sometimes possible to create a jig using a thin slice off the end of the molding stuck onto the end of a thin board which can serve as a template for a router collar. This doesn't work as well if there are a number of fine transitions on the surface profile of the molding but where it can be used it is quick and accurate. By coping, you don't have nearly the trouble of an open miter from an imperfect square wall. I also have the devil of a time getting the length of a miter precise. Having closely examined the work of many other craftsmen, I am not the only one with that difficulty. It is probably also why coping has been determined to be the method of choice. Outside corners however still need to be mitered. So far the only thing I know what to do is just suck it up! Hope this helps. Dale Leavens, Cochrane Ontario Canada [EMAIL PROTECTED] Skype DaleLeavens Come and meet Aurora, Nakita and Nanook at our polar bear habitat. ----- Original Message ----- From: GUY CASTONGUAY To: [email protected] Sent: Tuesday, July 31, 2007 8:22 AM Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] Installing moldings Sounds like me alright! Cutting too short and using caulking to cover the gap. Your idea sounds right. I'll try it when I get home. Regards Guy Dan Rossi <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Guy, Just use a regular tape measure with a good solid lock on the tape. Then fit the tape to the length you need to fit into, then extend it another three inches. Make your cuts. Then keep nibbling off the end until it the molding fits into the space. Or, if you are like me, you will cut it six inches long, then cut off slices bit by bit until it is an eighth too short. -- Blue skies. Dan Rossi Carnegie Mellon University. E-Mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Tel: (412) 268-9081 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
