Tip #86
How to Cut A Cove Molding
Right Click here to download a printer friendly version of Tip-
Pg. 1-4 (1416 KB)
Help with Downloading PDF Files

Operations:
Warning: When cutting molding, it is necessary to remove the upper saw guard. Whenever the upper saw guard is removed, keep the lower guard in place and work with extreme caution.

Fig. 2 Click image for larger view.

Let us cut a mold which is a combination of a straight and a concave cut, as shown:

1. Prepare one piece of stock 3/4" x 5" x 12" and another 3/4" x 2" x 20".

2. Outline the cross section of the mold on one end of the 5" wide stock and mark one side of the same piece “S” as indicated in drawing.

Fig. 3 Click image for larger view.

3. Lock rip fence 1" from outside tooth of saw blade.

4. Set saw blade to 1/8" height.

5. Place 12" stock on table, edge to be molded against fence, and marked side up. Make rip cut.

Fig. 4 Click image for larger view.

6. Set saw blade to 1" height.

7. Lock rip fence 5/8" from inside tooth of saw blade.

8. Place edge of stock to be molded on table, hold marked side against fence and make rip cut.

9. The stock is now cut by rabbet 1/8" x 1".

Fig. 5 Click image for larger view.

10. Set saw blade to 5/8" height.

11. Clamp guide stick (stock 3/4" x 2" x 20") on table to left of saw blade angled from the front center towards back left corner.

Fig.6 Click image for larger view.

12. Place stock on table with marked side up and uncut edge against the guide stick. Adjust position of stock by moving guide stick until the top of the arc indicating the convex cut is even with maximum depth of cut and the other end of the arc is even with the tip of a saw blade tooth positioned 1/8" above table.

Fig. 7 Click image for larger view.

Note: The correct positioning of stock and guide strip will require considerable trial and error. It is easiest to do by sighting flat across table top in line with the cut edge of the stock. You can then line up the outside of the blade with the mark on the end of the stock.

Fig.8 Click image for larger view.

13. Clamp feather board to table to hold stock against strip. Set saw blade to 1/8" height.

14. Make cut holding stock against guide strip and feeding slowly. Warning: Stand to left of line of cut and keep hands close to guide strip.

15. Lift stock from table upon completion of cut. Raise saw blade 1/16" and make similar cut. Repeat until cove cut reaches the scribed arc.

Fig. 9 Click image for larger view.

Note: A sharp “combination” or “rip” saw blade should be used for this operation. You will notice the cove cut is not an exact arc. Hand sanding will correct, if desired. The use of the MARK V Dado, or 6" Dado Assembly, will permit cutting the cove in fewer passes.

Back to Description and Use