Festool PT3K561287 User Manual

 

22 

Kapex KS120 Miter Saw 

There are several methods for cutting crown 

moulding, and each method has its benefits 

depending on the specific application. The most 
common method for cutting crown moulding is to use 

a standard miter cut, where the moulding is tilted 

against the fence of the saw. For unusual situations, 

or when the moulding is too large to fit against the 
fence, compound miters are used. In some 

applications, inside corners are made using a method 

called “coping.” Each of these methods will be 
described briefly. 

A standard miter cut is the easiest and most common 
method for cutting crown moulding. The Kapex miter 

saw has an optional auxiliary crown moulding fence 

(also called the Crown Stop) specifically for making 

this type of cut. The fence holds the moulding at the 
correct angle so it can be cut with a normal miter cut. 

For this type of cut, you place the moulding on the 

saw as it would normally rest in the installed position. 
The edge that normally faces the ceiling is the edge 

that should be on the base of the saw.  

 

A compound miter cut is used when the moulding is 
too tall to use the standard miter method. This can 

also be used for a higher level of accuracy when the 

tails of the moulding are not perfectly perpendicular 
with each other (a common problem with most 

mouldings). Place the moulding on the saw with the 

flat back face on the base. 

A coped cut is sometimes used for making inside 

corners so there is no visible gap between the two 

pieces of moulding. A coped cut requires the use of a 
coping saw (a thin bladed handsaw for cutting 

curves), but the initial cut is made with a miter saw. The first 

piece of moulding does not get a miter, and butts into the 

adjacent wall. The second piece of moulding gets a coped cut to 
match the profile of the first piece. 

 

To make a coped cut, cut the second piece of moulding with a 

miter, just as though it was going to be a mitered joint. Then 

use a coping saw to cut along the edge of the resulting miter. 

 

► 

If you are mitering both ends of a piece of moulding, make 

the more difficult cut first, because it does not need to be 

at the exact length. For example, a right-handed operator 

may want to cut the left-hand miter first. This makes it 
easier cutting the second miter to exact length. 

► 

When installing crown moulding around a room with walls 

that may not be square, use a piece of off-cut scrap 
moulding to test-fit the miters and lengths. 

► 

It is mathematically impossible to make a mitered joint that 

changes two directions at the same time, such as putting 
crown moulding around a vaulted ceiling. You must either 

make a double miter joint, or use a corner block.