Upside down and backwards works every time.
This is a true statement. It applies to carpentry, for the intent of this post. It seems confusing, but sometimes rules are when first encountered. Except for the basic rules, like fire is hot.
Some rules are best remembered when included in a handy little saying, especially when there are lots of complicated steps to remember. Upside down and backwards works every time, is no exception. This rule is also an old school rule.
There is a difference, because times change and technology advances, and that benefits just about everything. It also makes some rules obsolete. But that doesn’t mean those same obsolete rules, can’t be used in a pinch.
The pinch is the absence of tech to get the job done. Tech is great and works wonders as long as there’s an outlet in the general area. Also not everyone has access to that fantastic new miter saw, that can do everything, but sing and dance.
Works every time
Occasionally elbow grease and know how, are the only tools around. This is when having a few good tricks up your sleeve can make all the difference.
The rule applies to trim work, or millwork, depending on the region. Door casings, base board and chair railing are exempt from the rule. In fact anything below ceiling level is exempt.
The rule is for crown molding, and is a simple technique for accurate and correct miter cuts. Crown molding is expensive, an incorrect cut can cost real dollars.
So why would a simple cut be a concern? All other mill work is an exception, so what makes crown molding different? The short answer is planes, or dimensions.
All other millwork or trim, runs in a flat fashion, or flat against something. Usually some form of wall. Crown molding sets against two planes, wall and ceiling. A miter that works on a flat plane cut, will not work on the two plane cut because the second part of the cut is a bevel.
That’s why upside down and backwards works every time, in the old school mitre cut, when using a standard miter saw. The new fancy compound cut mitre saw, doesn’t need an old saying. It doesn’t even need a technique, the tech handles the technique.
All of this is great, and true, however attaching the moulding to the wall is another process that has many old school techniques. For example, locating wall studs using know how, not tech. Stay tuned for the answer. Thanks for reading.