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

Does anyone own a copemaster?

CBAD | Posted in Tools for Home Building on October 6, 2006 12:29pm

I’ll try again in the tools folder.

I’m in the Boston area. I have a project with a coffered ceiling, with crown. The room has 20 ‘boxes’ x 4 copes/ea.=arm/shoulder pain. I would love to pre cope the stock. Can anyone help. Thanks.
-Chris

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

Replies

  1. User avater
    EricPaulson | Oct 06, 2006 01:07am | #1

    Why not try the website and see if they have a number to call..........perhaps they know of a rental in your area.

    [email protected]

     

     

    It's Never Too Late To Become What You Might Have Been

     

     

     

  2. paperhanger | Oct 06, 2006 01:10am | #2

    Try Tom Silva, TOH, I know he has one!

  3. JMadson | Oct 06, 2006 01:14am | #3

    If you're looking to buy one, check Rockler.

    If you're looking for advice on using, do a search for it. I know it's been talked about in the past.

    “The richest genius, like the most fertile soil, when uncultivated, shoots up into the rankest weeds..” – Hume
  4. User avater
    IMERC | Oct 06, 2006 01:15am | #4

    that was discussed here...

    don't think anybuddy here has one..

     

     

    Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming

    WOW!!! What a Ride!

    Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

    1. DanH | Oct 06, 2006 03:22am | #5

      Seems like he should buy one and write us a review of it.
      If Tyranny and Oppression come to this land, it will be in the guise of fighting a foreign enemy. --James Madison

      1. User avater
        IMERC | Oct 06, 2006 03:25am | #6

        and let us use it to verify the findings...

        ya think several years should do it... 

         

        Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

        WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->

        Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

      2. CBAD | Oct 06, 2006 04:37am | #8

        Dan, I'd love to buy one. I'm a recovering toolaholic. But, it's a big ticket. It would be great if Copemaster lent me one. I would definitly write a good(and of course unbiased) review. All the suggestions have been helpful, and I may try the easycoper. Sounds good.
        Thanks, Chris

  5. scrumseeker | Oct 06, 2006 03:49am | #7

    Can't help you with the copemaster,  but can recommend the Easycoper.  It is a jig for coping crown moulding using a jigsaw. 

    It still takes a little bit of work,  but lets the jigsaw do most of it.  I was skeptical, and always preferred to cope by hand.  My brother purchased the easycoper (@$35.00)  and asked me to try it.  It was easy to use, and worked great.  I now use it anytime I have more than a few crown moulding copes to do.

  6. tcs | Oct 06, 2006 05:09am | #9

    C-

    Don't have one but saw one used at the Brother-in-laws's house. Cuts were very clean but the thing was HUGE and set up looked like it was a nightmare to port around.

    The best thing (cheap and fast)  that's worked for me was was mentioned here - the $10 angle grinder sander! Cuts the time more than in half and is amazingly accurate once you get the hang of it. I can't take credit for it but I can recommend it.

    Ted



    Edited 10/5/2006 11:06 pm ET by tcs

  7. DougU | Oct 06, 2006 05:52am | #10

    C

    Are you building the coffered ceilings?

    Or is the ceiling already there?

    Doug

    1. CBAD | Oct 06, 2006 01:21pm | #11

      This is an addition. I am planning to plaster the ceiling, and add beams. The beams are not very deep because of high windows. The HO also wants some kind of beaded panel in each one.
      -Chris

      1. DougU | Oct 07, 2006 02:00am | #12

        Chris

        The reason that I asked is because when we do coffered ceilings we always make up the boxes and add the crown to them while still on the bench, much easier to do then over your head. Also you dont have to cope the crown doing it that way. Miter everything and get good joints with glue and they'll stay tight for a long time, or forever, whichever comes first!

        Then just install your boxes per the layout.

        Doug

         

  8. User avater
    dieselpig | Oct 07, 2006 02:48am | #13

    Well who's the jerk who framed all the windows so high?  ;)

    View Image
    1. DougU | Oct 07, 2006 06:37pm | #14

      Dammed framers, cant depend on them to do anything right!

  9. IdahoDon | Oct 08, 2006 05:27am | #15

    Have you tried a collins coping foot for a jigsaw?  After the first few days you'll be amazed at how quick it works, but it is hard at first.  The following is a great reveiw and I agree with Gary that the key is in the jig to hold the crown at it's spring angle:

    http://www.garymkatz.com/Tool%20Reviews/CollinsCopingFoot.htm

     

    Beer was created so carpenters wouldn't rule the world.

  10. User avater
    james | Oct 08, 2006 06:31am | #16

    done this many times.. we always just measure VERY accurately and take angle readings with my bosch angle finder and get to mitering, glueing and mitre clamping... job looks like a picture frame shop before we hang'em.. then.......... we put them all in and believe it or not almost all of them will fit ( sometimes all).

     

    james

  11. averagejoe | Oct 08, 2006 06:38am | #17

    Don't bother with the various jigs...do a forums search on using an angle grinder with a sanding pad for coping. I learned about it here and could not believe how easy it was. It was one of those "duh!" moments. In one of the threads, someone loaded a small video showing him coping some large crown with the grinder and it blew me away.

    I've used it for crown, base, cap, shoe, and cove. You know how sometimes it is really hard to cope some coves where the top flattens out and you really have to lay back the cut? You can feather the cut down to almost paper width if you want to!

    The first time I tried it, I was literally giggling after about 3 cuts because it was so easy.

  12. alrightythen | Oct 09, 2006 03:57pm | #18

     

    I did the search and found this...very cool

    http://forums.taunton.com/tp-breaktime/messages?msg=75981.51

    (thanks to averagejoe for that lead)



    Edited 10/9/2006 9:00 am ET by alrightythen

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

FHB Podcast Segment: Finding the Right Fixer-Upper

Get expert guidance on finding a fixer-upper that's worth the effort.

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

  • Guest Suite With a Garden House
  • Podcast Episode 688: Obstructed Ridge Vent, Buying Fixer-Uppers, and Flashing Ledgers
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Finding the Right Fixer-Upper
  • Keeping It Cottage-Sized

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 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
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

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