Using a cornice miter box correctly is essential for achieving perfectly cut angles on your cornice molding.
The fundamental principle when using a cornice miter box is to always place the ceiling edge of the cornice along the bottom of the box. This specific placement is crucial for ensuring your measurement marks on the wall edge of the cornice align properly with the cutting guides at the top of the miter box, leading to accurate cuts.
Steps for Using a Cornice Miter Box
Cutting cornice molding requires precision. Follow these steps to ensure a clean, accurate cut using your miter box:
- Identify Edges: Determine which edge of your cornice molding will face the ceiling and which will face the wall.
- Proper Placement: As per the reference, place the cornice in the miter box so that the ceiling edge is along the bottom of the box.
- Align & Secure: Ensure the cornice molding sits square against both the base and the side of the miter box. If the molding doesn't sit flat or stable, you may need to use a small piece of wood or packer behind it to hold it firmly and squarely in position during the cut.
- Mark Your Cut: With the cornice correctly positioned, transfer your required length measurement onto the wall edge of the cornice. Because the ceiling edge is at the bottom, this mark on the wall edge will now align with the appropriate cutting slots in the miter box.
- Select the Angle: Choose the correct miter slot in the box for the angle you need (usually 45 or 90 degrees for corners or straight cuts).
- Sawing: Insert your saw into the chosen slot and carefully saw through the cornice molding, keeping the saw straight and the molding firmly against the box.
- Check the Cut: Remove the molding and check the angle.
Why Placement Matters
Putting the ceiling edge at the bottom of the box might seem counter-intuitive at first, as the molding is installed with the ceiling edge up. However, this technique aligns the molding's orientation within the box with the angle guides, making it possible to cut the correct angle relative to how the molding will sit on the wall and ceiling. It's a standard practice that ensures consistent and accurate cuts for both internal and external corners.
By following these steps and paying close attention to the molding's orientation within the box, you can confidently cut your cornice molding for a professional finish.
