Making tight-fitting, precise joints on crown molding is a time-consuming and fussy task at best. The tall profile of the moldings combined with the low fence height on most chopsaws make it nearly impossible to hold the molding in the correct cutting position. To solve this problem, I first added a taller fence to my saw, which helped considerably but did not eliminate the need for strong finger pressure to hold the alignment. Then I cut the fence’s height to match the molding’s height. This helped some more. But the last step, the addition of a little lip to the top of the fence, made the real difference. Now, light finger pressure suffices because the force from cutting pushes the molding securely into the fixture. I get accurate joints every time.

Klaus W. Nielsen, Dunwoody, Ga.

Fine Woodworking Magazine, June 1995 No. 112

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Bessey K-Body Parallel-Jaw Clamp

The 3 3/4" deep parallel jaws allow for all types of clamping, from thin panels to joinery.

Buy at Amazon

Stanley Powerlock 16-ft. tape measure

With its smooth lock, tough case, compact size, and excellent accuracy, this Stanley tape is perfect for workshop use.

Buy at Amazon

Starrett 12-in. combination square

This accurate, robust, well-machined, easy-to-read combo square is as great as ever.

Buy at Amazon