Generally I consider the “how to” manuals to be directed at boy scouts and city kids. As for me, I question nearly everything–like why would someone snap a chalk line on the wall to set crown molding to? Obviously, it is to be able to set the crown straight. Why should it be straight? So it looks good. But, most people would have to get on a ladder to see if the crown molding is straight up and down. However, all that is needed to see if the crown is straight horizontally is the stand near the corner of the room. So, I always snap a line on the ceiling to straighten crown. I use the same offset from the wall as I use to set my miter saw crown stops. By the way I also don’t arbitrarily push the bottom of the crown molding tight against the wall for the same reason. I have filled gaps between the wall and the crown as wide as 3/8″, and it has the visual effect of straightening the wall.
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Ok
I use a "holder", a flat hand held mimic of the crown profile. I press that up and it goes the same distance from the ceiling every time.
Sure, you have to keep your eyes open on a wavy ceiling, but its the easy way to keep a consistant line on the ceiling, like you say, you don't see the up/down on the wall.