Replies

1. 
   Ragnar17 | Nov 21, 2002 08:51am | #1

   I prefer coping -- hands down.  The biggest reason is that with a coped joint, you can apply pressure and get it nice and tight. 

   To illustrate, think of the simplest profile imaginable: a basic rectangle.  In this case, say you're putting in some 1x6 for baseboards.  If you butt the joints in each corner, you can cut each piece a little longer than it has to be, and snap it in place.

   However, if you miter the inside corners, snapping a piece in place is impossible.  This is because the "snapped" piece is pushing against the other piece at a 45 degree angle.  Any force that is used to attempt to tighten the joint is deflected out of the corner with equal force (45-45-90 force vector diagram). 

   If it's still not clear, think about pushing a stick against a slab of ice.  As long as the stick is held at 90 degrees to the surface, you can push as hard as you want.  If you hold the stick at 45 degrees and push, it slides right away.

   There are also arguments that the coped joint looks better even if it does eventually separate (due to contraction, etc.)    There's no question that a separated miter looks terrible -- there's no hiding that whatsoever.

   Ragnar

2. 
   gordsco | Nov 21, 2002 10:04am | #2

   I like to miter. Its the only way to fit those little inside-outside ones. In comparison, the long lengths are easy. Miters are faster and I've got no time to diddly around, the painters are booked for Tuesday.

   Gordsco

3. 
   StanFoster | Nov 21, 2002 01:41pm | #3

   coped joints ... when done right are the best...

4. 
   PaulParadis | Nov 22, 2002 06:34am | #4

   I cope when installing crown in rooms - install the butts a tiny bit short and double cope to them and the time for me is about the same as mitering.

   On smaller peices (like mantels and built-ins) with lots of joints it is Sooo much faster and nicer looking to pre-assemble with all the peices mitered.  I use the clamps from Collins because they don't apply to much preasure and can be used without a tool.  I cut and assemble sections at a time, maybe double coping in spots to preassembled sections.  It was not my idea (Gary Katz has it in his book I think) but after doing it a few times and making a couple mistakes it has easily cut the time to install small sections of intricate crown by at least half.

5. 
   JDRHI | Nov 22, 2002 06:36am | #5

   Cope.

   J. D. Reynolds

   Home Improvements

   "DO IT RIGHT, DO IT ONCE"

6. 
   McDonnel3 | Nov 22, 2002 07:05am | #6

   Cope

   Legend has it that the phrase, "I can't cope", came from carpenters relating their skills to a boss; "i can cut rafters and layout walls but I can't cope"

7. 
   Piffin | Nov 22, 2002 07:17am | #7

   poll me on both sides

   I prefer to cope because it gives the better look.

   But some crown patterns just can't be coped and when doing a large foam substitute/imitation wood crown that will be painted anyway, it's rediculous to waste the time since it requires expansion joint and glue anyway.

   .

   Excellence is its own reward!

   "The first rule is to keep an untroubled spirit. The second is to look things in the face and know them for what they are." --Marcus Aurelius

1. 
   Lateapex911 | Nov 22, 2002 07:35am | #8

   I can cope....except on Fridays!

   Actually, on all inside wood joints I prefer coping, but it did take a little time to become proficient. 

   More satisfying when done right, IMHO.

   Jake

8. 
   Bruce | Nov 22, 2002 08:56am | #9

   Nothing better than cutting that coped 12-footer 1/16" inch long and snapping the piece in place, with the joint closing tightly.  If you try that with a miter, the pressure will cause it to open up.

9. 
   Brudoggie | Nov 22, 2002 09:09pm | #10

   Cope!! .......... Miter??Got a story about this subject, for when I have more time to write.

    Brudoggie

1. 
   CAGIV | Nov 23, 2002 06:25am | #11

   Well when you get the chance Id love to hear it

2. 
   gordsco | Nov 23, 2002 09:08am | #12

   Cope!! .......... Miter??Got a story about this subject, for when I have more time to write.

   If this is the one about the elephant salesman and the farmers wife,  I've heard it.

   Gordsco