My Introduction to Crown Molding

About a week ago my new DeWalt compund mitre saw and my new DeWalt air compressor complete with brad nailer and finish nailer showed up at my doorstep. I spent that week reading all of the instruction manuals, reading online, and actually visiting the library. I found the videos from Bobby Hester to be extremely helpful. The arrival of my new toys really inspired me to finish painting the office, which will be done this afternoon.

So I picked up a piece of crown molding yesterday from Home Depot. The length of it was about 8 feet and cost a total of 14 dollars. I also got wood putty which is in the paint area and caulk. I also picked up a pine shelf in the lumber area and layed that on the saw horses as a temporary work bench. I didn't know exactly what nails I needed, so I picked up 6d 2" finish nails and 8d 2.5" finish nails - neither of which fit into my finish nailer. I also bought a coping saw.

Everywhere I read it says to practice. Man were they right. My head is still spinning a little bit figuring all of the crown molding out angles out. It took me about 2 hours to get comfortable enough with the saw to make two 45 degree mitre cuts that married. I also cut a piece so I could practice coping. I still havent mastered that, but will tray again this afternoon. I have to agree, it will save you a lot of money to practice. My goal with picking up the stuff yesterday was to make a simple planter box. That won't happen unless I get another piece. So my advice at this point is to practice practice practice.