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Coping Crown Molding and panel grain orientation

10Bill | Posted in General Discussion on June 12, 2010 12:13pm

I am finishing my living/din room with stain grade crown molding and 36″ high wainscot.  I’ve got 2 questions. The end of the room has a bay window with 135 deg angles.  is it possible or advisable to cope those angles or would I get a better look mitering them?  The crown is made of sapele, 5.25″ wide, has a quarter round at the top, cove and bead at the bottom, and a large cove in the middle.  I tried to upload a copy of it but can’t seem to make it small enough.
 

 The other question is about grain  orientation  in panels.  I will have a base of 1/2″ Q/S plywood covered with 3/4″ rails and stiles with a panel mold inside.  Most of the room will have panels with the grain  orientated vertically 13″ wide and 21″ high.  Under the windows the panels will only be 11″ high and about 18″ wide.  I think the grain should be orientated horizontally here, however the only examples I’m finding show the grain vertically.  Any thoughts? 

 

Thanks 


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Replies

  1. calvin | Jun 12, 2010 01:07pm | #1

    Crown and panel

    On corners such as you have in the bay-I've never been satisfied with coping  much anything less or more than a 45.  You have to back cut so severely and some shapes just plain cant take it.  Of course, if you want to cut, grind, file, sand and carve, have at it.    A good glued mitre (best if you can make it up b/4-hand , back nailing or screwing it if it's that beefy-perhaps even splined if you want to go to the trouble) lasts and looks good..

    Panel orientation.  I would probably defer to the homeowner,but if no opinion, would orient it with the rest.  Most panel directions go vertical.

  2. JTC1 | Jun 12, 2010 03:53pm | #2

    Panels

    As a general rule, I like the grain to run parallel with the long dimension of a panel.  This is most likely how it would be done if you were to glue up solid lumber to make the raised panel in the "traditional" manner.  Your other waincott panels run with vertical grain because............that's the long dimension orientation.

    Like someone else said - defer to the homeowner - since the homeowner is you - defer to your wife!

    I would miter the corners of the crown - pre-assembled would probably be the best.

    Jim

  3. ki | Jun 12, 2010 05:43pm | #3

    grain should definitely run vertical, its one thing to cope baseboard on those angles, but crown, yikes!

    i say mitre them too, try to preassemble with biscuits or some fastener too

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