A coping saw is used to fit moldings in corners.
To "cope'' molding means to join it together so that there are no gaps on inside corners, which can happen with a miter cut if the corner isn't exactly square. With a cope cut, instead of butting the ends of the trim together at an angle, you set one side straight against the wall, and carve out its profile on the other piece so that the two pieces fit snugly together. This gives the illusion of a miter cut, but it will work even if the corner isn't completely square.
Instructions
1. Measure the wall from the corner. Transfer the measurement to a piece of molding. Use your miter saw to cut the molding straight across at the measurement.
2. Set the piece of molding against the wall, with the straight-cut side in the corner, butting into the adjacent wall. Secure the molding with , shooting pairs of nails every 12 to 16 inches.
3. Measure the wall on the other side of the corner. Transfer the measurement to a piece of molding.
4. Set the molding on your miter saw in the position it will sit against the wall. Turn the blade 45 degrees inward, pointing it toward the main part of the trim. Make the cut.
5. Cut around the edge of the miter cut, using your coping saw to follow the contours of the exposed wood where it meets the face of the molding. The cut should end up having the same shape as the profile of the molding.
6. Set the piece of moulding on the wall, with the coped-cut end against the first piece you installed. The coped-cut piece should fit over the face of the other piece. Use your trim nailer to secure the second piece to the wall.
Tags: against wall, measurement piece, measurement piece molding, piece molding, your trim nailer, corner Transfer