Is there a way to make precise 45-degree miter cuts without a miter saw for molding that is too tall for a miter box?
Asked by Arlo Anderson 
7 months ago
Last Updated: June 6, 2024
Is there a way to make accurate miter cuts without a miter saw? The miter box I have isn’t big enough for the 6″ molding I’m working with. I’ve got a hand saw, rotozip, and electric hand saw, but the challenge is cutting a flat plane at a 45-degree angle by hand. Do you know of any tricks for that?
Making angle adjustments on a circular saw.
You can attempt to copy the piece you are installing. Just make sure the existing piece’s cut isn’t wider than the new piece.
Place it on a flat surface and tilt the saw…many chop saws also have a bevel feature
Alternatively, you could use a standard saw.
Can you adjust the bevel on the circular saw, or should I do it?
👆Yes, exactly! If you don’t have a large enough miter saw, you can use a speed square clamped to the baseboard as a saw fence if you struggle with freehand cutting.
If you own a miter saw, you can achieve precise mitres and easily modify the angles. But if you’re unsure about getting a power miter saw, try using a coping saw. It’s possible that the corner may not be a perfect 90 degrees.
Can you make your box taller? Stack a piece of wood with a mitered edge on top of the fence, making sure it lines up with the box’s saw slot. The extension piece won’t lock your saw blade, but it can help guide your cut at the right angle until the saw reaches the box’s saw slot. And remember to turn the molding upside down so the tapered decorative edge is at the bottom – this will ensure a clean cut on the thinner edge using the box’s saw guide slot.
Should definitely be coped
Here is a helpful guide: https://www.finehomebuilding.com/pdf/021174063.pdf
I’m sorry, but I am unable to access external content such as PDFs. If you provide me with the text you would like me to rephrase, I would be happy to help you with that.
It’s recommended that corners are coped instead of being mitered
Yes, a mitre saw is specifically designed for creating mitered cuts as the name suggests. However, coping is key. While a mitre saw can assist, it’s important to remember that the corner will never be a perfect 90-degree angle.
Coping should only be considered if you are able to make a precise miter cut initially.
Why do you ask?
I guess for one or two pieces, using wouldn’t be an issue. However, a miter cut provides a precise measurement. Scribing against another piece may be imprecise and inefficient, especially for a large quantity.
Coping is definitely a solid choice, especially if you’re without a miter saw.
You might consider getting a corner block (usually used for crown moulding) to create a decorative corner piece with straight cuts that match.
Before you make your miter cut, consider placing a piece of 2 x 4 underneath to elevate it and maximize the use of your blade.
If that’s not tall enough, try using two pieces of lumber. This should give you enough length on the blade to complete your cut.
Are you planning on just one cut or a whole bunch of baseboards? You can find a power mitre saw on FB marketplace for $20-$50, use it, then sell it again. If you find a good deal, you might even make a profit.
When dealing with corners, it’s better to cope instead of using a miter cut.
When it comes to baseboard, it’s best to cope instead of miter. Invest in a coping saw and practice coping the corners. Remember to cope the right end of the left piece if you are right-handed.
One end is a straight cut, while the other end is coped to fit. Using two 45-degree angles is not the best method. A compound miter saw is the way to go for cutting the 45-degree angle for coping wider baseboards without any issues.
Definitely. Get a budget-friendly mitre saw from harbor freight… haha
Man, ryobi’s are definitely on the more affordable side.
Cut the grooves with a mitre box and finish the rest with a compound cut. Make sure to bevel it in the opposite direction.
If you own a roto zip with a drywall bit, you can easily cope it and skip the need for a miter altogether.