Key Takeaways
Mastering corner guard molding cuts:- Precision Measuring: Ensures accurate fit and protection for corners.
- Correct Tools: Key for making clean, precise cuts.
- Professional Finish: Techniques for both standard and complex angles.
Knowing how to cut corner guard molding is an essential skill for any contractor to know and whether you run your own contracting business or are planning to set up your business, you will need to know how to cut a corner guard molding properly to ensure that your business gets a positive reputation .
When you know how to do it, it doesn’t take that much time to complete, making it one of the easiest projects to complete. In this guide, we’ve gathered a variety of instructions on how you can achieve a perfect cut for your corner guard molding with ease. Whether you have a particular angle in mind or just want to know the basics, we have covered everything so you can complete your project with confidence.
How to miter a corner
The first thing you need to learn is how to properly miter a corner. A miter is created when two pieces of wood are joined together at an angle (usually 45 degrees) to create a corner. This is usually done when cutting corner guard moldings. The first thing you will need to do is choose what kind of saw you want to use when cutting the trims.
A miter hand saw will allow you to cut the trim at specific angles and are more advanced than other models; however, this isn’t to say that you can’t use an electrical hand saw or table saw. Bear in mind that these latter options may require more measuring but when you are first cutting a corner guard, you want to make sure that you are being as accurate and precise as possible when it comes to calculating the angles needed.
Tools and supplies needed
Before we delve into the specific instructions on how to cut a corner guard molding, you need to equip yourself with the appropriate tools and supplies so you can complete the job efficiently and safely. Here is a list of the basic supplies and tools you will need:
- Angle gauge
- Bevel protractor
- Calculator
- Caulk gun
- Coping saw
- Dust mask
- Earmuffs
- Hand gloves
- Measurement tape
- Miter saw
- Paint
- Safety goggles
- Sandpaper
- Utility knife
- Wood file
How to cut corner guard molding
Now that you have all the supplies you need, here is our step-by-step guide to cutting corner guard molding:
- Prepping the area
Before you begin, you will need to prep the area properly to ensure that you complete the task correctly and safely. Start by taking accurate measurements that you will need so you know how much trim you will need. Ensure that you leave a little bit of trim to spare but not too much that it will become distracting and difficult to cut. When you have done this, use your protractor to determine that your wall’s angle is so you can accordingly cut your pieces so it will fit as closely as possible.
Before moving onto the next step, make sure you have put on your safety gear including eyewear, earmuffs and gloves so you can be as safe as possible when using your saw.
- Cutting the trim
Using your miter saw, cut your trim at an angle between 45 degrees and 60 degrees. Place this trim against the corner to ensure that it will fit correctly. Now do the process again for the other piece of trim and make sure that the two pieces can be connected when you push them together. Cut the pieces of trim to your desired length using the miter saw and use the caulk gun to close up any holes.
- Cutting the inside trim
Once you have completed the previous step, you need to cut the inside of your corner trim using the coping saw by cutting a 45 degree angle in the piece of trim and connect these trims together. Make sure that the trims stay in place as you are clamping them together while attached to a flat surface. Lastly, smooth out the edges of the trim using the wood file and it should be ready to be installed onto the wall.
Cutting a 90 degree corner trim
Arguably the most difficult type of corner trim to achieve, the 90 degree cut requires you to trim your molding to create two 45 degree edges which in turn come together to form a 90 degree corner guard. It may seem difficult to achieve because you have to be so precise but here are the steps that you need to follow to achieve this:
- Measuring the wall and corner
Before you begin, make sure that you measure the wall and corner using a pencil so you can clearly trace what the molding should look like.
- Align the miter saw in location
When you are confident that the measurements are as accurate as possible, align your miter saw in the location with the sharpest tip placed at the center of your molding.
- Changing the angle
Alter the angle to 45 degrees which will prevent any damage occurring on the trim and take the metal away from the center of the wood.
- Measuring both sides
Now you need to measure both sides and make sure that you adjust the trim accordingly to make sure that you have a 45 degree angle setting.
- Trimming the other end
Trim each end and cut out the shape at sharp angles which should indicate that you have a perfect 90 degree angle guard. Make sure the edges are even.
- Soldering the pieces
When you are confident that you have successfully evened out each piece, solder all of the pieces together on both the top and bottom to ensure that it is secure.
Conclusion
Overall, learning how to cut corner guard molding doesn’t have to be such a stressful endeavor. Once you know exactly what to do to complete the job with the best results and quality. Knowing what you will need for each step will ensure that you are not making the same mistakes as before which in turn will save you a lot of time and effort in the long run. Make sure that you are not cutting the corners while completing other tasks such as creating the moldings or cutting out a complex shape until you know exactly what measurements you need to cut them to.