Last Updated On February 10, 2023
Looking for a simple way to cut crown molding without using a miter saw?
A miter box would be a perfect solution as it can hold the crown molding securely to avoid damage and get a proper angle cut.
When you’re out of miter saw, the only way is to use a hand saw or coping saw to cut the crown molding. But, it is extremely hard to maintain a proper angle with a hand saw. To get rid of such issues, use a miter box to get a proper angle cut without damaging the workpiece.
Still confused about how to cut crown molding without a miter saw? Scroll through our article to get some detailed steps to cut crown molding in seconds.
Steps To Cut Crown Molding With Miter Box
Without using power tools, the simplest and quickest way to cut crown molding is to use a miter box. If you’re using a miter box, you need to follow some steps including gathering the instruments, measuring the area, and marking the crown molding.
Once you’re done with the markings, set up the mold in the miter box and cut the inside & outside corners properly. To get a perfect cut, let’s dig into these steps in detail.
Gather Up The Instruments
Most people think a miter box with a miter hand saw is enough for making some cuts. But, if you have proper instruments, it makes work easier when cutting crown molding.
For example, picking a measuring tape to measure the cutting area is a must. In fact, take out a pen or pencil to mark the area. It is better to have a few clamps and painter’s tape to keep the cuts straight and avoid damage to the workpiece while cutting.
Marking The Crown Molding
If you’re a professional with years of experience, no need to mark the mold before measuring. But, if you get confused with the top & bottom while measuring, it is better to mark the modding on the front.
Some of the crown moldings have a wider base which is quite easily noticeable while marking. But, most of the time, it is extremely hard to differentiate the top & bottom of a crown moulding due to the similar design. So, it is wise to mark the front side of the molding by top & bottom with a pen or pencil to avoid any confusion.
Here you may take look of our one of the best article about the best sliding miter saw for homeowner.
Measuring The Area
To measure the area, take a measuring tape and go for the first side that you need to cover in the crown molding. Now, the measuring is a little bit tricky as the outer corners need to have a longer top whereas the inner corners must have a longer bottom.
On top of that, the bottom measurement won’t apply to the top. As a result, you have to take the measurement twice to get a perfect cut. Moreover, a single piece requires an outer angle on one end of the crown molding. On the other end, it requires an inner angle.
Due to such a measuring system of crown molding, it takes little time to accurately measure. So, mark the front side of the molding with a pen or pencil as soon as possible. If you’re a beginner, then we suggest you measure twice to keep things accurate. Otherwise, these precise workpieces become useless for further installation.
Set Up The Mold In The Miter Box
To set up the mold properly on the miter box, flip the mold upside down first. If you want to hold the mold securely, set the bottom edge against the miter box. As the proper position gives the best cutting results, it is better to hold the mold extremely securely in place.
Sometimes, the miter box can’t hold the crown molding due to the small width. If such issues arise, use clamps to secure the mold in the perfect position. On the other hand, if the crown molding is taller than the miter box, add a thin piece to fit the molding properly.
Cutting The Inside Corner
Most people get confused while cutting inside and outside corners of the crown molding. Let’s clear these with a quick shot.
When it comes to cutting the inside angle, flip over the mold and set it properly in the miter box. Next, go through the miter box with a miter hand saw to cut one piece on the right side at 45°. Once you get the piece, go for the second one on the left side at the same angle.
Now, fit these two pieces with different cuts together. Hence, you got a perfect inner corner piece to set on the wall or cabinets. To get rid of confusion, always cut the bottom mark side longer compared to the top mark one.
Cutting The Outside Corner
The cutting process is quite the same as the inside corner but little change in setting up the crown mold. To cut the outsole corner, flip over the mold and set it properly in the miter box. Like the previous one, cut one piece on the right side at 45° and another one on the left side at 45°.
After going through the same process, it is obvious to get a question in mind about where the actual difference is! When cutting the outside corner, always cut the top mark side longer compared to the bottom mark one.
Once you have the two pieces with different cuts, keep these molding together to get perfect outer corner pieces. So, let’s go to the wall, cabinets, or solid surface to set up this outer crown molding.
Tips & Tricks To Cut Crown Molding Quickly With Miter Box
As crown molding with a miter box requires measuring, setting up, and many other things, it is a little time-consuming for beginners. To cut crown molding quickly with a miter box, let’s go through some million-dollar tips & tricks.
- Due to the similar design, it is a little hard to differentiate the top & bottom of a crown molding. To avoid any confusion, it is wise to mark the front side of the molding by top & bottom with a pen or pencil.
- To keep things accurate, it is better to measure the length and angle twice. As these precise workpieces are hard to match due to the wrong measurements, you won’t be able to use them for further work.
- If the crown molding is small in width, the miter box can’t hold it securely. To get rid of such issues, we suggest using a thin piece of wood to fit the mold in the miter box properly.
- While making the inside corner blocks, always cut the bottom mark side longer compared to the top mark side. On the other hand, always cut the top mark side longer than the bottom mark one for making the outside corners.
- Due to the smaller width and bigger length, the crown mold can vibrate and cause damage while cutting with a miter box. So, use a clamp to keep cuts straight and avoid damage to the workpiece.
How To Cut Crown Molding With a Circular Saw
To cut crown molding with a circular saw, pick instruments including a speed square and hand clamps. Let’s go through the cutting process in detail.
First of all, use hand clamps to clamp the end of the molding with the sawhorse face-down end. Next, measure the length and angle and mark the area with a pen or pencil. Then, place the speed square and make a 45° correct angle with it.
After that, take a deeper blade compared to the crown molding thickness. It is better to use a crosscut blade for wider molding. Finally, go through the molding smoothly to get the cut pieces. As the circular saw is a little hard & tricky to handle, we suggest you avoid using a circular saw to cut crown molding.
Frequently Asked Question
How Do You Cut Crown Molding By Hand?
Use a miter box with a miter hand saw to cut crown molding by hand. If you don’t have a miter saw, we suggest you cut crown molding by hand with a miter box.
What Is The Easiest Way To Cut Crown Molding?
Using a compound miter saw is the easiest way to get some cuts real quick. Due to the adjustable angle of the miter saw, you can easily make some inside or outside corners in seconds.
What To Avoid Confusion While Cutting Crown Molding Corners?
If you’re making the inside corners, always cut the bottom mark side longer compared to the top mark side. On the contrary, if you’re making outside corners, always cut the top mark side longer than the bottom mark one.
How To Fit Thin Crown Molding In Miter Box To Avoid Damage?
Use a thin piece of wood to fit the crown mold in the miter box properly. As the wood helps to hold the mold securely, you can cut crown molding without any damage.
Finishing Up
Finally, we are at the last step of our detailed staircase. As we tried to cover the cutting process of the crown molding with a miter box step by step, we hope this article will help you to cut crown molding without using a miter saw.
On top of that, we have added some million-dollar tips & tricks that can help to cut crown molding quickly with a miter box. So, follow these steps right now to cut & install crown molding with a miter box in seconds!
Still doubt in your minds? See the video below-
This is Ahmed Shuvo, an enthusiastic tool enthusiast with a passion for saws, especially circular saws and miter saws. I have written blog posts and conducted research on the proper use and maintenance of these tools. I am also a DIYer who enjoys making wooden projects and always striving to improve my skills. I am confident in my expertise and eager to contribute to the growth of this industry through my writing.