Finish Carpentry Tips Every DIYer Should Know

3 / 10 Learning how to scribe moldings to fit tightly to uneven surfaces is a vital trim carpentry skill. And once you get the hang of scribing, youll find all kinds of situations where itll come in handy. Here were showing how to fit a casing against an out-of-plumb wall. You can also scribe

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Family Handyman

Scribe Trim to Fit Uneven Walls

Learning how to scribe moldings to fit tightly to uneven surfaces is a vital trim carpentry skill. And once you get the hang of scribing, you’ll find all kinds of situations where it’ll come in handy. Here we’re showing how to fit a casing against an out-of-plumb wall. You can also scribe door bottoms, inside corners of wainscoting, and even shelving or cabinets that abut crooked walls.

There are several types of scribing tools, but the simple compass with a wing-nut lock is a favorite with many trim carpenters. To scribe a line with a compass, open the compass to the desired length and hold the pointed side against the wall. Slide it so that the pencil end draws a line on the casing surface, keeping the pointed end in contact with the wall. Ensure that the compass stays perpendicular to the wall when drawing a line.

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Family Handyman

Angle a Nail to Close Baseboard Gaps

Sometimes you can’t force baseboard tight against the wall because there’s no stud behind the gap. This is especially common at outside corners if there’s a buildup of joint compound. But there is a bottom plate that you can reach with a well-placed nail. For the best control and maximum hold, set aside your nail gun for a minute and reach for a hammer and an 8d finish nail. Drive the 8d finish nail at an angle into the bottom plate of the framing. In hardwood trim, drill a pilot hole first. Use a hammer and a nail set to set the nail head slightly below the surface.

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Family Handyman

Make Blocks for Tough Transitions

Used tastefully, transition blocks can be a real problem solver for finish carpenters. Rather than struggling to align moldings or fudging to match profiles, you can make a nice transition with a decorative block. You can buy ready-made blocks, but it’s easy to make your own. Cut the block to the height and width you think look good. Then cut or rout the top or add a small molding to complement your trim style. Use transition blocks where stair skirts intersect baseboards, where floor levels change, or at the bottom of door casings where the baseboard is thicker than the casing.

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