FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Crown Molding Complications

ColletteK | Posted in General Discussion on September 8, 2023 05:14pm

Hello. I’m having issues with coping my crown molding. Here are the specs of the crown. 

5 1\2 in crown 40/50 for wall/ceiling angles

My miter saw isn’t big enough to only use the miter function so I will have to use the bevel function as well. All the charts online show for 38/52 or 45/45 and nothing to show how those miter/bevel angles are calculated. Does anyone here know the miter/bevel angles for 40/50 crown?

The specs above are from the manufacturer.

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. Woodsmith1 | Sep 08, 2023 09:01pm | #1

    Hello ColletteK! Glad to hear you're using crown molding. When we install crown trim on our 12" DeWalt miter saw, we use "Crown Stops". It's an attachment that allows you to position the trim on the saw against the fence and the table, upside down from the way it will be installed and the adjustable stops hold the crown in position (at a 45 degree angle) and this then allows a smaller saw the make the correct cut without the compound bevel. I have also seen guys hold the trim against the fence and table and scribe a pencil line on the table and either just hold the piece there or clamp a scrap for a crown stop. Crown molding can be a head-scratcher to install but is beautiful when complete. I don't know the brand of your saw but you might do a search for crown stops. I know Bosch makes crown stops as well as DeWalt....or make your own. They make life much easier and the cuts more accurate. Good luck and have fun!

    1. calvin | Sep 09, 2023 08:35am | #3

      Evidently you didn’t read the problem she has as her size saw will only allow her to cut the crown on the flat.

      Forget your spam link?

  2. calvin | Sep 09, 2023 08:32am | #2

    Take a look here first.

    https://www.compoundmiter.com/help/Crown_Spring_Angle.pdf

    And you’ll come across this to be linked to.

    http://www.compoundmiter.com/extratables/

    Here’s another shot at figuring this out.

    https://www.blocklayer.com/crown-molding

    The simple answer, with just that bit of difference in the spring angle, minutely alter your settings on the saw and fudge your way to the perfect fit…….

    1. ColletteK | Sep 09, 2023 10:51am | #5

      Hey Calvin,

      Thanks for the reply and information, I believe I have the correct angles and settings now. Using my angle finder, the crown sits at 140 degrees which gives me a spring angle of 50, a slope angle of 40 degrees, which in the table should mean a miter of 32.7 degrees and a bevel of 32.8 degrees. Does that sound correct?

      1. calvin | Sep 09, 2023 12:19pm | #6

        At a 50 spring angle, that’s what I get.

        Remember, fit is important and no wall ceiling is perfect. Rolling trim at the point of connection and fine adjustment and glue is the way to keep it nice.

        There’s a boatload of tricks and technique, some you’ll figure out yourself. If it’s painted, a bit more leeway……

        Never back up and be safe.

        Edit. Google Gary Katz for some fine print and pictures on trim technique. “This is carpentry.com” is a good read.

        1. ColletteK | Sep 09, 2023 02:59pm | #7

          Does it make a difference when they are being coped instead of jointed? Tried the angles and not even close. Fairly large gapping at the top.

          1. calvin | Sep 10, 2023 11:59am | #9

            Well, the only difference in the coped joint “should be” the backside. Removing the material allows a bit more wiggle room on fit.

            Let us understand how your numbers jive with the fit. Using your numbers, how’s the outside corner fit (if there is an os corner in the room) ? Cut OS mitres using your numbers and do they fit real good on a 90 O.S. corner? If not, then the degrees you are using are not right.

            Adj the numbers and cut till that 90 degree OS corner is sweet.
            Now you should have the right numbers.

            Do all this with 1’ or so scrap.

            I hope you don’t send me out to the shop, roll out the saw and hunt for some big crown scrap.

          2. calvin | Sep 10, 2023 01:39pm | #11

            .this flips your spring angle"……………

          3. calvin | Sep 15, 2023 01:53pm | #12

            Collette,
            So, after confusing you, how’d it go with the crown?

      2. calvin | Sep 10, 2023 01:01pm | #10

        Went out and dragged this mock-up out of the historical job file (pile)

        It sits at a 45 to the wall and is 5-1/4” stock.
        The writing was my angle/bevels cut on the flat.

        Maybe?

  3. calvin | Sep 09, 2023 08:41am | #4

    Many years ago I bought this tool.

    https://www.boschtools.com/us/en/boschtools-ocs/digital-levels-digital-angle-finders-and-inclinometer-gam-220-mf-140453-p/

    Besides giving me the proper spring angle mitre settings (8” mitre saw) I found several other uses for it.

    If you’re still having trouble with the settings let me know.

  4. [email protected] | Sep 10, 2023 08:25am | #8

    Highly recommend watching Gary Katz crown videos. They are free on YouTube. They answer a lot of questions about crown. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ls-mRYtsjsA

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Choosing a Paintbrush

Tips for picking the right paintbrush based on paint type, surface, and personal comfort.

Featured Video

Micro-Adjust Deck-Baluster Spacing for an Eye-Deceiving Layout

No math, no measuring—just a simple jig made from an elastic band is all you need to lay out a good-looking deck railing.

Related Stories

  • Midcentury Home for a Modern Family
  • The New Old Colonial
  • Modern and Minimal in the Woods
  • Bryce Hollingsworth, Dry-Stone Waller

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 333 - August/September 2025
    • A Practical Perfect Wall
    • Landscape Lighting Essentials
    • Repairing a Modern Window Sash
  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data