RIDGID Expert Guide on Cutting Crown Molding Angles Using a Compound Miter Saw

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OPERATION

CUTTING CROWN MOLDING

Your compound miter saw does an excellent job of cutting crown molding. In general, compound miter saws do a better job of cutting crown molding than any other tool made.

In order to fit properly, crown molding must be compound mitered with extreme accuracy.

The two contact surfaces on a piece of crown molding that fit flat against the ceiling and the wall of a room are at angles that, when added together, equal exactly 90°. Most crown molding has a top rear angle (the section that fits flat against the ceiling) of 52° and a bottom rear angle (the section that fits flat against the wall) of 38°.

LAYING MOLDING FLAT ON THE MITER TABLE

See Figure 36.

To use this method for accurately cutting crown molding for a 90° inside or outside corner, lay the molding with its broad back surface flat on the miter table and against the fence.

When setting the bevel and miter angles for compound mi- ters, remember that the settings are interdependent; chang- ing one angle changes the other angle as well.

Keep in mind that the angles for crown moldings are very precise and difficult to set. Since it is very easy for these angles to shift, all settings should first be tested on scrap molding. Also most walls do not have angles of exactly 90°, therefore, you will need to fine tune your settings.

 

52°

CEILING

 

 

38°

 

 

W

 

 

A

 

 

L

 

FENCE

L

 

TOP EDGE AGAINST FENCE =

LEFT SIDE, INSIDE CORNER

RIGHT SIDE, OUTSIDE CORNER

MITER TABLE

When cutting crown molding by this method the bevel angle should be set at 33.85°. The miter angle should be set at 31.62° either right or left, depending on the desired cut for the application. See the chart below for correct angle settings and correct positioning of crown molding on miter table.

The settings in the chart below can be used for cutting All Standard (U.S.) crown molding with 52° and 38° angles. The crown molding is placed flat on the miter table using the compound features of your miter saw.

Bevel

 

 

 

Angle

 

 

Type of Cut

Setting

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Left side, inside corner

33.85°

 

1.

Top edge of molding against fence

 

2. Miter table set right 31.62°

 

 

 

3.

Save left end of cut

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Right side, inside corner

33.85°

 

1.

Bottom edge of molding against fence

 

2. Miter table set left 31.62°

 

 

 

3.

Save left end of cut

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Left side, outside corner

33.85°

 

1.

Bottom edge of molding against fence

 

2. Miter table set left 31.62°

 

 

 

3.

Save right end of cut

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Right side, outside corner

33.85°

 

1.

Top edge of molding against fence

 

2. Miter table set right 31.62°

 

 

 

3.

Save right end of cut

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INSIDE

CORNER

FENCE

OUTSIDE CORNER

BOTTOM EDGE AGAINST FENCE =

RIGHT SIDE, INSIDE CORNER

LEFT SIDE, OUTSIDE CORNER

MITER TABLE

CROWN MOLDING FLAT ON MITER TABLE

Fig. 36

 

 

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Contents OPERATOR’S Manual Introduction Table of ContentsRead ALL Instructions General Safety RulesSpecific Safety Rules Specific Safety Rules Symbol Name DESIGNATION/EXPLANATION SymbolsSymbol Signal Meaning ServiceElectrical Cord Length Wire Size A.W.GDouble Insulation Electrical ConnectionGlossary of Terms Miter FeaturesProduct Specifications Know Your Compound Miter SAW Switch TriggerAMP Motor 12 IN. BladeTools Needed Socket Head Screws Washer Extention Dust BAG Blade Wrench Loose PartsDust Guide HEX Bolt Unpacking AssemblyMounting Holes Trace Holes AT These Locations For Hole Pattern SAW BaseSee Figures 9 Assembling LEG StandUpper Side Brace C LEG B Lower Brace D HEX NUT Rubber Foot Upper Brace a LEG B Lower Brace E Carriage BoltMounting the Miter SAW to the LEG Stand Table ExtensionUpper Brace a Upper Side Brace C LEG B Extension Socket Head Washer ScrewWork Clamp Dust GuideDust BAG Laser Guide To Install BladeScrew Blade Bolt Cover Lower Guard Aligning the Laser Guide Line Mounting the Exactline Laser GuideSquaring the SAW Blade to the Fence Cutting a Slot in the Zero Clearance Throat PlateSee Figures 20 Broken RED LineAdjustments are Required Sliding Miter Fence Blade See Figures 25 Squaring the Blade to the Miter TableLock Knob CombinationBevel Pivot Adjustment Pivot Adjustments Travel Pivot AdjustmentOperation ApplicationsStraight Crosscut Work Clamp Cutting with Your Compound Miter SAWTo Crosscut Indicator Point Screw Bevel CUT Work Clamp Stop PIN Bevel Scale IndicatorTo Bevel CUT See Figures 30Compound Miter CUT Work Clamp To Compound Miter CUTSee Figures 33 Support Long Workpieces45 x 45 Compound Miter CUT Long Workpiece SupportsPitch Side COMPOUND-ANGLE Settings for Popular StructuresCutting Compound Miters Laying Molding Flat on the Miter Table Cutting Crown MoldingCeiling Inside Corner FenceMaking a Crown Molding Support JIG Using a Crown Molding Support JIGCutting Warped Material See Figures 37Clamping Wide Workpieces MaintenanceGeneral LubricationProceed as follows when replacement is required Brush ReplacementBrush Assembly Brush CAPDo not attempt to activate the laser Changing the BatteriesPage DAY Satisfaction Guarantee Policy WarrantyWhat is Covered Under the 3 Year Limited Service Warranty HOW to Obtain Service What is not CoveredModel No MS1250LZ Serial No Customer Service Information