Woodworking requires using the right tools that help you achieve your tasks; one of the valued baseboard-inside-corners cutting tools is the miter saw. Miter saw is a powerful tool and with the correct skills, you would cut the baseboard inside corners perfectly. Once you master how to cut baseboard inside corners with a miter saw, you can achieve a clean cut. You can use electric miter saws but it could be better if you learned the skills first using a non-electrical miter box.
How to Cut Baseboard Inside Corners With Miter Saw
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Different Types of Joints
Miter Joint
This is a baseboard joint made by two beveled parts at 45 degrees, which forms a 90-degree corner.
Scarf Joint
Scarf joint on a baseboard is a longitudinal joint made by joining two tapered ends.
Butt Joint
This joint is formed by joining two ends of the work piece.
Coped Joint
One end of this joint is a but joint while the other end is trimmed and cut in a uniform way to fit the butt joint.
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Tools You Need To Cut Baseboard Inside Corners
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Dusk mask
- Clamp
- Crosscut saw
- Safety glass
How to Use Miter Saw
You have to consider the types of miter saw before buy. There are several types of miter saw i.e: single bevel and dual bevel. So, Single vs Dual Bevel Miter Saw– which is the best? Don’t forget to check it.
Cut a Scarf Joint
- Use a long wall that helps make the job easier and a baseboard molding that is longer than the actual wall will make your work easier as you can manipulate it according to your preferred design.
- Measure and cut the baseboard at each end 90 degrees, which makes them run into each side perpendicularly.
- By working with two pieces for the first wall, start by joining the pieces on a scarf joint which connects cuts at 45 degrees. It is better to place the two boards on the scarf joint which can help secure the baseboard stud on the location.
- Start by cutting the baseboard at 90 degrees while using a miter saw cut the first board at 45 degrees, and then smoothen the angles using sandpaper.
- Avoid using the sandpaper too much to smoothen the edges, hammer the baseboard using finish nails ensuring that their heads are exposed and you can use some glue on the joints which helps to keep the baseboards together.
- After cutting the second board fit the baseboard pieces together and if there is a slight bulge, you can cut the end of the 90 degrees again to ensure that you get a perfect joint.
- You can drive another nail towards the bottom and angle it towards the floor and sink any exposed nails using a nail set.
Cut Inside Corner Joint
- You should make a coped joint on the inside corner of the baseboard which does not leave any gaps compared to a butt joint. Gaps will make the baseboards uneven which reduces the effectiveness of the baseboards.
- Start by creating a butt one piece of baseboard flush on the wall would be at 90 degrees, ensure that you get the correct measurements on the baseboard flush for accuracy.
- Hold down the other baseboard molding face-down on the floor to fix it properly on the wall.
- Trace the baseboard on a molding perpendicular using a pencil which helps in marking exact points that indicate your measurements.
- Use the pencil markers as trail or reference which help facilitate the joining of the coped joint. The pencil markings should be accurate and you have to use a measuring tape to make the markings.
- Cut the wooden pieces along with the pencil marks, ensure that you make a back bevel cut, which is short of the 90-degree angle. It could be better if the cut it about 1/6 of an inch.
- Take off the back bevel that remains after the half-round works and three-square files until all the pieces fit in perfectly.
Cutting Miter Joints for Outside Corners
- On the outside corner set the pieces in a way that it extends past the outside corner.
- Mark the spot where one piece will meet another on the outside corners by placing the square against the surface of the wall.
- Using a miter saw cut the baseboards at the outside corners at 45 degrees angle
- Test the second piece for fit before nailing the pieces of the baseboard.
- When working on the doorway, measure the distance between the wall and the door casing for effective fitting.
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Types Of Miter Saw Used To Cut Baseboards
Compound Miter Saw
This machine has more angles and is the most preferred by many users. The bevel system allows users to cut the baseboard corners at different angles while allowing simultaneous using the features.
Miter Sets
This miter has both the standard and compound miters, which can turn to an angle of 45 degrees in any direction. This miter is used to cut corners from the top of the baseboard.
Chop Saw
A chop saw can be sued form a single point or location and can be used to make several baseboard cuts that do not require any angle other than a right angle. Do you know what is the difference between a chop saw and a miter saw? Check it here.
Dual-Purpose Compound Miter Saw
Dual-purpose miter saws have a double bevel, and operators have to pivot on all the sides of the baseboards. This saw gives you flexibility in shaping and cutting boards without moving them.
Sliding Compound Miter Saw
The sliding compound miter saw allows users to pull the saw back to cut the wider boards effectively. This portable miter has lasers that can help in the visualization of the markings and positions of the cuts.
Miter Box
A miter box is the non-electric version of the miter saw that has several slots with common angles. The machine requires more effort from the user.
The Bottom Line
If you want to make the best and clean baseboard cuts, you have to master the skills on how to cut baseboard inside corners with a miter saw. If you want to use a miter saw to cut, sharpen and smoothen the baseboard, you would need more practice to acquire the skill. You may not have perfect work if you have basic knowledge but your skills will improve with more practice. The steps above help you understand how to put into practice the techniques and mechanisms to cut the baseboards better.
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