I am looking for recommendations on methods or special tools to use to cleanly and accurately cut away existing base moulding trim in a room to fit in a built-in cabinet or bookcase. I do a lot of built-in work and instead of replacing long runs of existing base board moulding, I am interested in cutting away a section of the moulding to fit in the cabinet or bookcase.
Thank You,
Corvette
Replies
The Fein multi tool with the "hard" blade is one option.
Frosty
"I sometimes think we consider the good fortune of the early bird and overlook the bad fortune of the early worm." FDR - 1922
I bought a Fein Multimaster for a similar large job, and it worked very well where nothing else did. I did find that the blades, which are expensive, had a relatively short life. And I find that I don't use the tool at all for general woodwork. It's a complete bust as a detail sander because it marks adjacent surfaces (though I haven't fitted the newer star washer gizmo).
My Fein is about 3 years old. The original blade wore out quickly - very quickly. Then I bought the "hardened balde" - shocked at the price - but can't wear it out. Been used on wood and metal.You're right about the sanding.Frosty"I sometimes think we consider the good fortune of the early bird and overlook the bad fortune of the early worm." FDR - 1922
I need to look more closely at the Fein tool. I know they are a little pricey, but this may be the answer.
Thank you,
Corvette
Corvette ,
The cleanest way is to remove the existing molding obviously and re cut and place cleanly against the new piece .Sometimes you need to shim or otherwise set the cabinet other than square to the molding.
Caulking .
I have on occasion used a short saw blade , back saw or dovetail saw in conjunction with a razor knife and chisel.
You could use a Dremel tool with the saw blade attachment as well . It's a hard area to touch up if your cut is off . I have also coped out the base of the cabinet to fit the profile of the molding , depending on the profile and the look you want .
dusty
Good ideas. I need to look into the dremel tool with the saw blade attachment.
Thank you,
Corvette
remove the moulding, install the cabinet, cut and reinstall the moulding.
Pardon my spelling,
Mike
Make sure that your next project is beyond your skill and requires tools you don't have. You won't regret it.
Thank you.
Corvette
I've had good luck using a japanese style saw and a sharp utility knife. I first cut a clean, square starter line in the moulding with the utility knife ( like you would the shoulder of a tenon). Then the japanese saw allows me to cut the moulding by pulling up from the floor. On most of these saws the teeth run right to the end so the saw starts cutting almost where the baseboard meets the floor. There is usually very little to finish with the utility knife. Good Luck.
David
Thank you. I have not tried this approach but will.
Corvette
I do this a lot, and it is one of the aspects I dislike the most about my job. I'm limited to using a jig saw, dozuki saw and/or drywall knife to cut out baseboards, but i recently learned about the Fein and, after going through the BT discussions, I'm saving my pennies to get the new one (FMM250Q). The profile sanding attachments look very handy for working moldings.
My second least favorite job is cutting the holes in the cabinet back or side for the outlets, but the Fein will help a lot with that, too.
Have you actually tested the Fein or seen it demonstrated? One other answer that I received also recommended the Fein.
By the way, I recently purchased what I call a panel saw which has a flat blade in a reciprocating motion. I think it is a Bosch. It works graet for flush trimming the bottom of doors, but did not work to good on base moulding.
Thank You,
Corvette
There are several videos on the Fein site; those, along with the testimonials of a zillion breaktimers have convinced me to get the tool. Had to make a few tricky cuts this past week, and all I could think was "I wish I had that Fein gizmo."
The Bosch has been reviewed head to head with the Fein on BT: the conclusion is that it is far too limited and the fein beats it easily.
Still, $389 for a small power tool is tough to get over...Recommending the use of "Hide Signatures" option under "My Preferences" since 2005
Thank you. I am definitely looking into the Fein. It sound like the way to go.
Corvette
I have had ok results with the Bosch 1640VS fine cut saw, but it took a little practice to get it right, (a little plywood jig helps), and I finish the last of the cut with a razor knife. The knife part is because I could never quite get it stopped before I ripped into the underlying wall.
Thank you. I agree that it is really difficult to stop the saw before cutting into the wall.
Corvette
I also have a multimaster coming... (right now you can get the "old" ones cheap... they have them on sale at http://www.timberlinetools.com" Though maybe not on their website as the new one is on its way. I have one ordered. I would suggest getting the big kit to begin with as you get a bunch of accessories cheap. Remember it is called a multimaster for a reason... While it may not sand really well it removes grout in a tile floor like a hog. I feel I will probably use if for this purpose as much as for cutting wood in tricky situations ( I am going to do some built ins very soon and need it for the very reason you are asking about and will be installing a hardwood floor soon as well. Depending on use I would suggest that you look at the bigger model (next one up is calle the super master or something. I am getting the new multimaster as I looked at it at the AWFS show and the quick change blade mechanism was what sold me on it.
Drew
Thank you. I am definitely looking into the Fein.
Corvette
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled