really long molding (crown, baseboard, etc...)

masraum · 03-19-2010, 12:22 PM

Just curious, if you were putting molding in a house and needed a really long piece (so long that you needed 2 or more pieces to make the run), how would you cut/join the ends?

cgarr · cgarr's Garage

Scarf joint

Scuba Steve · 03-19-2010, 12:27 PM

Don't do a butt joint or you'll be in there with wood filler trying to make it look right. Use a scarf joint:

How to Install Baseboards : How-To : DIY Network

masraum · 03-19-2010, 12:30 PM

Jeez, 5 minutes for 2 replies. You guys must just be counting the ticks until quittin' time.

Thanks. You guys should have told me that 10 years ago.

I'm considering redoing the molding in the house, but I'm not sure that won't be a bigger pain in the rear than it's worth. We'll see.

cgarr · cgarr's Garage

If you have about ten min and can stand it watch this!!!

Watch Making a Scarf Joint in How-To | View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

masraum · 03-19-2010, 12:34 PM

they block youtube at work, and we got caught bypassing the block once (they made a huge deal out if it), so I'll have to wait until I get home to watch.

look 171 · 03-19-2010, 01:05 PM

Scarf joint. I lilke to joint it right above the stud for better nail holding. for cheap insurance, I glue a small board, sometime 1/2" or 3/4" piece right behind the joint and pin it in place. I try to get it as wide as possible depending on how wide the crown is.

javadog · 03-19-2010, 01:12 PM

If you buy your moldings directly from a company that makes them, as opposed to a big box store, you can often get them in really long lengths. This assumes you have a truck with a rack to haul them...

Still, if it's an option, buy long pieces. The best joint is the one that isn't there.

JR

Scuba Steve · 03-19-2010, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by masraum

Jeez, 5 minutes for 2 replies. You guys must just be counting the ticks until quittin' time.

Thanks. You guys should have told me that 10 years ago.

I'm considering redoing the molding in the house, but I'm not sure that won't be a bigger pain in the rear than it's worth. We'll see.

Nah, I don't go to work for another 2 1/2 hours. I'm procrastinating working on a case study for one of the classes I'm taking online. Believe me, I'd rather be back in my own home doing some remodeling. Less than a month left until that happens...

Talewinds · Talewinds's Garage

Scarf joint huh, been using them for years and had no idea that they had a name...

DanielDudley · 03-19-2010, 03:31 PM

Lay it flat on it's back and cut a 45 from the deck on each piece. That's a scarf. Don't cut a regular 45 like a corner joint.

chapo · 03-19-2010, 08:10 PM

22.5 cut, good backing, glue, light sanding if needed. I do it for a living. Use the longest lengths possible.

look 171 · 03-19-2010, 08:55 PM

Also, bondo is your friend if its not stain grade. We have done magic with Bondo to creatate moulding that had been missing chunks or what not. I had once got a flux finisher to jazz up a broken piece of build up crown that we created in good old Bondo. You can't tell unless you were 3 inches away from it. Thank goodness it was 12' high.

look 171 · 03-19-2010, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanielDudley

Lay it flat on it's back and cut a 45 from the deck on each piece. That's a scarf. Don't cut a regular 45 like a corner joint.

Daniel, if the profile was a little high or irregular, then you run the risk of cutting another compound angle. it would not meet up nicely. Why not cut on the front side where you have full control and full view?

john70t · 03-19-2010, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by javadog

If you buy your moldings directly from a company that makes them, as opposed to a big box store, you can often get them in really long lengths. This assumes you have a truck with a rack to haul them...
JR

Never underestimate the power of driving slow on a sunday morning with a 2x or plywood strip strapped on top of a blanket.
Old toyota pickups with ten feet of cardboard used to be a familiar sight. If it doesn't go inside, it goes on top.

masraum · 03-19-2010, 09:32 PM

I've purchased the 15' or 16' lengths from the big box stores, but the front of my house is at least 30' long. That's a looooooooooooooooooooong piece of molding. I think I'd rather use 2 pieces than try to figure out how to get molding that long inside the house and nailed in place.