If you are looking for a way to cut baseboard corners, then you understand that this can be a challenge. One of the top tools that you have available to you is called a miter saw. At the same time, a miter saw not necessarily easy to use. Furthermore, you might not even have a miter saw available to you. If you are looking for ways to cut baseboard corners without a miter saw, the good news is that this is definitely possible. There are several ways that you can accomplish this task; however, each of them is going to require a slightly different set of tools. What are some of the points that you should keep in mind if you are thinking about ways you can cut baseboard corners? Some of the tools that you might have available to you include a jigsaw, a hand saw, or even a regular circular saw. It is always easier to tackle this with a miter saw; however, if you do not feel like springing for one, there are a few alternative options that you might want to consider.
Cut Baseboard Corners Without a Miter Saw: Use a Circular Saw
One of the first options that you should consider is to use a circular saw. A circular saw is very versatile and you can use it to cut trim for molding joints and angles. It is possible for you to cut low-profile baseboards and wide-profile baseboards using square and straight bevel cuts. Therefore, you should certainly consider putting a circular saw to work for you.
If you would like to use a circular saw to cut baseboard corners, some of the steps that you need to follow include:
- Start with a drill. Put four nail holes in the pivot bit in each corner of the trim piece. Be sure to place two holes at the top and bottom of the baseboard. Make sure that they are placed in every direction. The holes should not be put too close together.
- After this, put a level next to the block that you are planning on using for the project. Make sure the block is level. Use a hammer to put trim nails through each of the holes that you have drilled on the block’s exposed sides. Make sure that you put the nails into the wall behind the block to keep it as stable as possible.
- Next, use the nail set to sink the nail heads into every corner block in the room.
- Make sure that you use a tape measure in between the two blocks in the corner. Measure from the inside edges. Finally, use a pencil to mark the longer piece of trim before placing another mark several inches away. Double-check the marks to make sure they are put in the right locations.
- Mark straight lines across the trim using both marks. Make sure that the lines are totally square. Use a try square to make sure your marks are in the right spots.
- Power up the circular saw. Cut the trim across the two lines. If you have a circular saw that uses a laser-guided sight, now is the time to break it out and put it to use. Take advantage of every tool that you have available to you.
- Take the cut trim and place it in between the blocks in the corner. Make sure the square parts of the trim face each other cleanly. Drill the pilot holes at around 15 inches at the upper and lower edges of the trim piece itself.
- Finally, take out the hammer and use it to finish the nails. Make sure that you sink the heads beneath the surface. Sink all of the nails into the wall at every spot between each corner block.
If you do not have a miter saw, one of the first tools that you should consider using is a circular saw. You can use this to get the job done.
Using a Jigsaw To Cut Baseboard Corners
It is true that you can use a miter saw to install crown molding and baseboards; however, you can also use a jigsaw to install baseboard corners without a miter saw. Jigsaws are far cheaper than miter saws and is you like to handle DIY projects, then there is a good chance that you already have a jigsaw in your shed somewhere.
When you are looking at your baseboard corners and jigsaw options, you can actually make three different types of cuts. You can create a miter cut, a coping cut, or a scarf cut. If you are using a jigsaw to cut baseboard corners, it is true that this is going to be a little bit of a challenge. If you have a choice, reach for a high-speed model that will have an adjustable speed setting for your jigsaw.
In addition to your jigsaw, you will also need a tape measure, a pencil, and a speed square to make sure that you are cutting precisely. This will improve the accuracy of your tool. If you are looking for a way to create coped joints, then you will need a coping saw as well. If you don’t have one, you can make do by simply tilting your jigsaw to the side; however, this is going to impact its safety and might create a few safety concerns. This technique will take some practice.
Creating Straight and Miter Cuts Using a Jigsaw
If you are trying to create straight or miter cuts using a jigsaw, some of the steps that you will need to complete include:
- First, you need to use a tape measure to cut the baseboard. Start from one end and cut to the cutting point. Then, mark the cut point using a pencil. Mark the cutting line using a speed square.
- Make sure that you attach the right blade to the jigsaw. Ensure that the blade is on the waste side of the cutting line. Secure the baseboard with enough leeway for the blade to operate safely.
- Turn on the switch. Allow the blade to reach its top speed. Next, slowly ease the jigsaw onto the baseboard. Guide the lade carefully. Finalize the cut once you are comfortable with it. You can also use a speed square to carefully guide the shoe.
Use these steps to help you create straight and miter cuts using a jigsaw.
Use a Jigsaw To Make Coped Joints
If you are looking to use a jigsaw to make miter cuts, you can do this as well; however, it is a little bit of a challenge. Using this method, the baseboard is going to act as half of the coped corner and should fit flat against the wall without the bevel. To make this complicated coped joint cut, the steps that you need to follow include:
- Cut the baseboard along its length using a bevel and exposure the grain of the baseboard
- Use the jigsaw to create a backward cut along the decorative curve of the baseboard
- Make sure the workpiece is anchored in place safely using a bench vise
- Make a curved 45- degree cut using the jigsaw along the surface of the baseboard’s backside
- Take some sandpaper and finish the baseboard properly, making sure the other corner will fit properly
- Take some brad nails and use them to install the baseboard in a secure manner
- Take some caulk or paint and use it to refine the trim along the joints, if required
Follow these steps to create a coped joint cut. It might take a little bit of practice to perfect this.
Using a Jigsaw To Make a Scarf Joint
Finally, you can also use the jigsaw to create something known as a scarf joint. A scarf joint is similar to a coped corner because it will take the two baseboard pieces and merge them together, extending them. This can also be done for the purposes of improving the fit of the baseboards; however, it is a bit of a challenge. To accomplish this cut, you should:
- Start by cutting the two baseboard pieces using bevel cuts
- Make sure the joint will overlap the wall’s stud so that you can nail them together for added security
- Use some glue and finishing nails to completely and safely install the baseboard to the wall
- Use caulk on the seams and allow the joint to set properly to keep them from expanding
- Use paint to finish the baseboards, if required
It will take some practice; however, you can use a jigsaw to perfect your scarf joints as well.
Even though it might take a little bit of time to perfect this process, you can certainly create some beautiful joints with the right materials and tools. You would probably like to use a miter saw but if you do not have one available to you, these are a few of the options that you can use.
Closing Words
Remember that if you have questions about how you are going to go about completing this process, there are professionals who are available to lend a helping hand. It might take a lot for you to swallow your pride but this might be necessary in order for you to get everything possible out of your project. There are some cases where it is a good idea to reach out and ask for help from those around you.
