Finished Trim angles can turn a mediocre project into polished woodwork. Many artisans, be it amateurs or professionals, struggle with making precise trim angles for their baseboards, crown moldings, etc. In this article, we will give you step by step guidelines on how to cut trim angles with formulae, which will result in precise trim angle cuts.
Contents
How To Cut Trim Angles- Step By Step Guide
Trim cuts can be classified into various types. They can either be an outside cut or an inside cut. Or they could be an acute angle or an obtuse angle. For trim cuts using baseboards, outside or inside cut doesn’t make a difference in the cutting process as long as it is measured correctly. More important is whether the trim angle is an acute angle or an obtuse angle. We will discuss how to cut both an acute angle and an obtuse angle.
Step 1
Wear all the necessary personal protective gear. Turn off the miter saw. Using the angle measure, measure the trim angle depending on if it is an outside angle or an inside angle. Any angle which is 90 degrees or less is considered an acute angle. Any degree which is more than 90 degrees is considered an obtuse angle. Using a marker and tape measure, measure and mark the length of the baseboard to the cut.
For An Acute Angle
Let us assume that you need to cut a baseboard trim angle cut of 90 degrees.
Step 2
First, we need to calculate the setting for the miter saw. We use the following formula:
Whatever is the angle of the corner, divide it by two. The resultant angle will be the setting angle for your miter saw. Therefore, for a 90-degree corner, the angle setting for the miter saw will be 90/2 = 45 degrees. Set the miter saw to 45 degrees. Fix the baseboard in position on the miter saw, using the adjustable jig.
Step 3
Turn on the miter saw. Cut the baseboard at the fixed 45 degrees. Turn off the miter saw. Readjust the saw to zero degrees. Adjust and fix the baseboard to the marked spot so one side of the trim angle can be cut using the jig. Turn on the miter saw and cut the baseboard. Repeat the process one more time so that you have two pieces of baseboard with a 45-degree miter cut. Turn off the miter saw. Remove the baseboard pieces. Using the filer or sander, smoothen the cut angles if required.
We now have cut a trim angle for a corner of 90 degrees. Check it with the corner. Use a wood filler to fill in minor inaccuracies if necessary.
For An Obtuse Angle
Let us assume that you need to cut a baseboard trim angle cut of 120 degrees.
Step 2
Two formulae can be applied. Anyone of them will give the same answer.
- 180 degrees – the trim angle = X
- X/2= angle setting for the miter saw.
- Therefore, since the trim angle is 120 degrees
- 180 – 120 = 60
- 60/2 = 30
- So the angle setting for the miter saw will be 30 degrees.
- Trim Angle / 2 = X
- 90 – X = angle setting for miter saw.
- Therefore, since the trim angle is 120 degrees,
- 120/2 = 60
- 90- 60 = 30
- So the angle setting for the miter saw will be 30 degrees.
- Set the miter saw to 60 degrees. Fix the baseboard in position on the miter saw, using the adjustable jig.
Step 3
Turn on the miter saw. Cut the baseboard at the fixed 30 degrees. Turn off the miter saw. Readjust the saw to zero degrees. Adjust and fix the baseboard to the marked spot so one side of the trim angle can be cut using the jig. Turn on the miter saw and cut the baseboard. Repeat the process one more time so that you have two pieces of baseboard with a 30-degree miter cut. Turn off the miter saw. Remove the baseboard pieces. Using the filer or sander, smoothen the cut angles if required.
We now have a trim cut with an angle of 120 degrees. Check it with the corner. Use a wood filler to fill in minor inaccuracies if necessary.
Things You Would Need To Cut Trim Angles
- Miter Saw: While there are various types of miter saws available, we recommend a bevel sliding compound miter saw with a bevel sliding of at least 45 degrees in both left and right and a bevel maximum of 45 degrees.
- Personal Protective Gear: This includes anti-cut heat resistant work gloves, earplugs, and protective eyewear. As miter saws have a powerful motor and a high RPM, it creates a lot of sawdust. The sawdust can inhibit vision and irritate the skin. It is damaging if it enters the eye. The blade is sharp, and there is a danger of injuring oneself. Miter saws can be noisy, and it is recommended to wear earplugs for protection.
- Angle Measure: We will use this to measure the angle required for the trim cut.
- Baseboards: The kind of baseboard you use will depend on your project. They will be cut down to make the trim cuts.
- Tape measure and Marker: You can use any standard marker that writes on different materials. It will be used to mark the points where the trim angle will be cut. The tape measure will be used to measure the length of the baseboard to be cut.
- Wood Filer or Sander: This will be used to make minor adjustments to the cut pieces of wood. Any standard saw sander and filer can be used.
- Wood Filler: This is a synthetic product which is equivalent to white cement in construction work. The wood filler can fill any gaps that may occur while placing the trim angle cuts.
FAQs
1. What are the different types of trim cuts?
There are two ways to differentiate between trim cuts. The first way is by angle. If the angle of the trim cut is 90 degrees or less, it is called an acute angle. If the trim angle is more than 90 degrees, it is called an obtuse angle.
Another way to differentiate trim cuts is if it is an outside cut or an inside cut. An inside cut is where the corner turns in to form the room enclosure forming an inward angle, such as your home ceiling. An outside trim cut is where the corner turns around the wall into another area of the home, forming an outward angle, such as another room or hallway.
2. Are trim angle cuts different for an inside angle or an outside angle?
For trim cuts, outside or inside cut doesn’t make a difference in the cutting process as long as it is measured correctly. Just use an angle measure for finding the required exact angle of the trim cut.
Final Thought
Cutting trim angles can be difficult if you do not know how to use a miter saw, or how to calculate the angle setting for an accurate trim. It is essential to note the difference in calculating the angle of the trim cut as the formulae change depending on if it an acute angle or an obtuse angle. Remember that any angle above 90 degrees is an obtuse angle and any angle which is 90 degrees or below is an acute angle. We hope that this article has given you enough knowledge to overcome that hurdle.
Thank you very helpful,easy to understand