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Question
I want to learn how to cut the trim - cherry - which will cover the raw edge of a
)
greenboard fascia where it meets the ceramic tile ceiling of a shower. The
shower stall glass walls are about 4 inches in from the edge of the fascia. Two
problems to overcome - the trim is L shaped and must be cut at a 135 degree
angle. See drawings attached.
Hi Dotty,
When I answer a question here, I have the option of giving a response that the question is too long and involved to go into. I was tempted to click on that automated response, because your question is a tough one! It would be 100 times easier to show you in person, than to type it out here. So bear with me if this answer is hard to understand.
It's a little difficult to tell you how to cut this trim, but I have a couple of things I want to share. First, when cutting L shaped trim, it's easier to place it on top of another long piece of wood, like a scrap piece of 1 x 2 or something, so you'll cutting it in the orientation in which it will be used. You don't want the L shape good side down, against your fence, but rather, facing you so you can see it as you're cutting it.
Next - the 135˚ angle is really two angles of 67.5, so that they total 135˚. So set your miter setting to 22.5˚ (which is 90-67.5)and you will achieve that 67.5˚ cut. If that doesn't work, you may have to put a 90˚ block on your miter box and cut against that, instead of using your fence. CLAMP EVERYTHING DOWN, do not hold this wood with your hands when cutting. It's too tight of a fit to manually hold, you could cut yourself.
It's really hard to explain this in an e-mail. I hope it makes sense, but it can be done. The important thing to remember is don't cut the L shaped trim with the good side down; you want to be looking at the L, so it's facing you.
And when you have an angle that you can't quite cut on your miter box, you have to "think outside the box" and use some jigs to accommodate those weird angles.
Last thing - when I am cutting weird angles on L shaped trim, I usually hold the trim up in place and draw on it with a pencil how I want the cut to be on the wood. So on L shaped trim - if you're making an angled cut - one part of the L will be cut at 90˚ square looking at ti, but on an angle on the 90˚ edge. The other part of the L will be completely angled. (I swear I'm not drinking! That's the only way to explain this!) I recommend using some scrap wood to practice cutting this miter and you'll understand what I mean.
Three things - practice on scrap wood, clamp wood down, don't hold it with your fingers, use jigs to accomplish those odd cuts.
OK, hope this helps, write back if you need more help, or didn't understand something. Sorry this was so confusing, but it's tough to answer questions like this in a letter!
Jamie Yocono
Wood It Is! Custom Cabinetry
Las Vegas, NV
www.wooditis.com
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Answers by Expert:
Jamie Yocono
Expertise
Woodworker, Furniture designer/builder, industrial arts educator. Bachelor degree in Furniture Design, and journeyman carpenter, with a 4 year apprenticeship. Currently owner of custom furniture/cabinet shop in Las Vegas, NV. Can answer most woodworking questions EXCEPT those regarding repairs, refinishing, and antiques.
Experience
Bachelor in Furniture Design - Ohio University (1980)
Journeyman Carpenter, Local 639
Adult educator - Developed adult education woodworking program for the University of Akron, and taught classes there for 9 years.
Opened a private woodworking school in Las Vegas, NV and teach private and semi-private lessons. In 2011, I will begin teaching UNLV woodworking classes at my school. Sweet!
Organizations
Furniture Society
Publications
Tile Design and Installation Magazine (Article on inlaying tile into wood)
Education/Credentials
Journeyman Union Carpenter
Bachelors degree in Furniture Design (Ohio University)
College of Hard Knocks!
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