Going to install baseboards and crown molding - what tools will I need?
 

Do I need a chop saw with laser guides or is a basic one from Lowes/Home Depot or even harbor Freight good enough? Any tips to make the job easier? Thanks!

you'll need a finish carpenter..:D

i have the saw you need..borrow it, dont buy.

Or a civil engineer. Are you volunteering?

I've seen lots of guys use a circular saw and do a good job. I've used a mitre box. That's a pain in the rear. What I'd recommend is a mitre saw (looks like a chop saw, but not really the same).

Borrow what Vash has got.

Get one of these.

Amazon.com: FastCap 3rd Hand Support System 57-to-144-Inches, 2-pack #3HAND5: Home Improvement

DO NOT USE THE WIFE TO HOLD THE OTHER END!!! You will get in a fight and be banished to the couch or doghouse and it is cold outside.

finish nail gun and compressor. I have both for you to borrow.

haha I've learned my lesson long ago about partnering with my wife on home projects.

Thanks!

Good wood glue for the long pieces(cut at 45deg and overlap).

Mitre boxes take forever and produce rough edges vs. a fine blade chop saw.
It's worth the extra setup time.
Measure twice, cut long and double check.

The condo had a distinct bump in the main hallway, so I used a belt sander and knocked the drywall down and blended a few feet out. Didn't feel like taking the wall apart. It became almost invisible with medium-light eggshell paint.

for what its worth...I picked up a Pasload cordless finish nailer off fleabay when I redid my baseboard and its been an outstanding tool to have around the house.

make sure to true up the saw so your cuts are accurate.

The finishing nails from the box store either folded over, or transfered oil stains.
I went with stainless from the small packages.

This is a good video. I would double-side-tape a cleat to the saw base to hold the molding at the proper angle.

How to Cut Crown Molding | Video | Crown Molding | This Old House

An old carpenter slams his apprentice by saying " the only way you will become a finish carpenter is by moving to Finland".
I have a nice Hitatchi compound slide miter saw that was given to me in non working condition. Replaced one bearing put on a new blade and replaced the brushes and have been using it for over 10 years on projects around the house. Great little saw but only compounds one way.
+1 on the compressor and brad nailer. Takes a lot of the pain out of trying to punch in finishing nails.

Absolutely! I've done it by manually nailing the stuff in. THese days I have a compressor and nail gun. Soooooo much better!!!

i remember when i was a kid watching a man install crown molding..some type of molding.

he would put a bunch of finishing nails in his mouth and spit it onto the end of his magnetic hammer. then one swift swing he would slam it home. FAST!!

if i wasnt a dense 14 year old at the time..i would have taken a closer look at his technique.

Well, that's very important to have a saw that's adjusted and cuts true, but your walls are not so you have to make minor adjustments.

I used a Paslode finish nail gun when we did ours and it helped a lot!

Painters caulk is your friend!

How do you want to cut the crown? Up on edge or flat on a compound miter saw? If ther are to be cut flat, then you need to determine the angle of the crown mounding. i would suggest cutting it flat and because holding a long piece up against the fence of the saw is a pain the the rear. You would need some help for sure. Unless you use the string trick. I have done enough of it in college with the string. So help is always available when ever crown mounding are to be install. I still do much of the finish carpentry because its fun until the damn phone rings with you up on the ladder with one hand on the crown and the other with a nail gun in hand. If you can't fine the angles to set up the miter saw, I can give them you once you have the degree on the crown.

Jeff