What??? Pros Cut Baseboard Upside-down and Vertical... Why?

Why in the world would anyone cut baseboard upside-down??? We cover that in this video and look at the small tricks that production trim carpenters use to increase speed and efficiency while making the job easier when coping baseboard.
Collins Coping Foot - geni.us/yiknREx
Dewalt Barrel Grip 20v Jigsaw - geni.us/Uv00Y
Dewalt DWS780 XPS - geni.us/gCB3f
FS Tool Miter Saw Blade - geni.us/kZAB
Tall Auxiliary Fences - www.customfabricatingsolution...
My Favorite Tools - Insider Carpentry Amazon Site - www.amazon.com/shop/insider_c...
Support more content like this by becoming a PATREON SUPPORTER - / insider_carpentry
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(0:00) Intro
(0:26) Should you cut base vertically or flat?
(1:00) Key advantage to cutting base vertically.
(2:36) Cutting Angles Vertically Is Easier
(3:48) Cutting Vertically Makes Coping Easier
(6:38) Back Beveling is Easier When Cutting Vertically
(7:17) Cutting Upside-Down Puts the Profile Towards You = Easier
(7:59) Cutting Base Flat is Still Perfectly Fine
(9:02) My Tall Auxiliary Fences Supplier
(10:04) How Cutting Upside-down Affects the Cutlist

[@InsiderCarpentry]

THANKS FOR SUPPORTING THIS CHANNEL BY PURCHASING THOUGH THESE AFFILIATE LINKS!!! Collins Coping Foot - geni.us/yiknREx Dewalt Barrel Grip 20v Jigsaw - geni.us/Uv00Y Dewalt DWS780 XPS - geni.us/gCB3f FS Tool Miter Saw Blade - geni.us/kZAB Tall Auxiliary Fences - www.customfabricatingsolutions.com/ez-speedy-zero-clearance.html#/

[@alexlunham61]

Your video editing is getting real good! That was a good video for explanation and footage.

[@billmillar7234]

In my layout..i do straight cuts on the wall opposite the door and cope so the cope is always out of the sight line....if that makes sense....and cut both flat and upside down.....good video

[@keithluck8517]

What is your coping blade?

[@SDMacMan]

I've been a finish carpenter for over 30 years. I find that most people have zero idea of how much brain power it takes to do this job, and more importantly do it well. 👍

[@MikeZMonroe]

Nice reply. I’m a retired project manager from the aerospace engine industry. I had a interesting career and did my job well but always felt since my teens that being a carpenter was to be my calling. Specifically a trim carpenter. I’ve always done my own home trim work. And your very right about the brain power aspect of that trade. Spencer for his age is an amazing one man skilled trades man. I envy you guys that do it for a living. Leaving your mark everyday and doing it well has got to be super rewarding.

[@swooopg]

Nah, the concepts are simple enough...it's the "doing it well " that limits most people!

[@mattschoular8844]

Math is your friend...

[@thomasdickson35]

People are mind-bogglingly out of touch. I recently went to repair a ton of base in a house where their dog had peed it into oblivion and about ten minutes after I arrived, while ripping the base out, the homeowner asked if I was done yet. I was hired to finish it through PAINTING.

[@itzNickyJayBeats]

Do you run a sliding miter saw or fixed saw?

[@TR-rn3pd]

I don’t get to do much trim work being a form setter/ framer. But when I do Spencer is my secret weapon. I do it exactly like he shows in his videos. I get lots of compliments from the older carpenters. They all have a barrel grip jig with a coping foot now. I get to show old dogs new tricks. Thanks Spencer.

[@chefblundard2051]

These skills can still come in really handy as a concrete guy. Especially when you get into installing chamfer with compound angles and any architectural concrete

[@BillTiemann]

I've retired from doing production trim but when I was doing it, like Spencer, I measured and cut a whole floor at a time. However, I had an employee who was shooting the trim in as I was cutting. It's a great way to run baseboard.

[@kentpeters6446]

Another great video. I wanted to comment half way through asking about your cut list. You have nailed this whole system and explain it so perfectly. Thanks.

[@sheldonpearo2003]

As a carpenter I look to improve my productivity and this is a great tip. You are a great teacher and very good at what you do.

[@rogermathews3035]

"its very simple, everything is opposite" lol. Great video and excellent information. It's crazy how simply switching orientation of a board can increase productivity. I have been cutting base vertically and right side up but I will definitely be trying to get used to cutting this way. Thanks again!

[@fromthistexasbreath]

This is awesome, I appreciate that this isn't targeted towards beginners, but people already in the trades looking to hone a specific skill further, the way a specialist would do it.

[@lorebeth]

This has been incredibly helpful - thank you! My husband and I bought a fixer upper post empty nest, something we’ve always wanted to do because we thought it would be a “fun” challenge. Well, we got the challenge part right and no single task more than baseboards. We’ve always had a healthy respect for carpenters but oh my gosh it’s on a whole other level now. You have to be geometry wizards!

[@davewolinsky9201]

Been doing this a long time and never thought of this. Great tip. Just like cutting ceiling crown. I understand the clockwise method but when I do stain grade work I try to orient my copes to the room to take advantage of the blind joint. I've learned to help the confusion for beginners (and myself on bad brain days) on cutting ceiling crown upside down with two steps that would be the same for base with this upside down method. Identify which end is being cut and put it into the saw upside down. Swing the head in for an inside corner and out for an outside corner. Love your stuff. Great combination of top quality work and efficiency.

[@m3528i]

Redoing all the trim and paint. Been learning and practicing all day.. thanks for the help!

[@davidrobertson7964]

Thanks dude! I'll be doing that from now on. Save loads of time coping out. These power tools are great. When I started we were cutting 45° over the base of our trecils. Glad those days are gone.

[@alexnelson09]

Wow you THOROUGHLY sold me on this technique. I’m just a homeowner but I’ve trimmed out two of my homes now with material all flat to the saw top and I 100% see the benefits of this instead. Plus I JUST got my dream DWS779!

[@wtlloyd6039]

Just another excellent, excellent video from you, really glad I found your channel - I've been a cabinetmaker over 30 years, but you've got lots to teach about running finish trim that building casework doesn't encompass. One thing, when using the chop saw to cut out the waste on your miter, you correctly lifted the blade out of the cut before releasing the trigger. This is something that becomes automatic once you've spoiled enough cuts when the blade brake cuts in and the saw head kicks down. Worth pointing out to folks who haven't used a chop saw much.

[@danhall5253]

I am waiting for him to mention this as I watch the video. Very good point. I've learned that the hard way and I've seen many make that mistake as well.

[@chaslaspata5385]

First video I have watched if yours. I like how you are concise and very informative. Very professional. Love the video. I’m an electrician and I wish I could present information the way you do. You’re a natural born teacher. Keep up the good work man.

[@davidparker8475]

Your instruction makes my work much more efficient. Thanks!

[@brianaguiar7927]

Awesome tips as always Spencer thanks! just bought my extension fences and zero clearance inserts to my saw to PRO status :)

[@rmd35501]

Great videos. Setting up my new saw and learning lots of great tips from your videos

[@prf4510]

Excellent video! Love the progress dude!

[@Kingsley_Shat]

Great video! Pretty cool to see we have nearly the exact tool belt setup. But, I cut on the flat use a coping saw and put a 15degree backcut on the straight length cutting a single room at a time in a counter-clockwise pattern with the copes on the right side.

[@gregoryenste3883]

OK you convinced me to try something new. I just ordered those fences. Thanks for the knowledge.

[@trevorslack9546]

Awesome video! I learned a ton and I am definitely going to try these new techniques out on my next trim project!

[@daryldavirro4237]

I do a lot of the things the same as you. A few I don't but after hearing the reasoning behind you do them that way I'll give it a try. Always looking to improve my methods. Thanks

[@tc9148]

Brilliant. Another great tip. Thank you, Spencer!!!

[@TomKaren94]

Great tips. I usually get very little out of videos like this... but this and others of this channel are very good.

[@stevenfoust3782]

Good information. I almost always cut vertically. I run a lot of 5-1/4 neckbase top side up because I’m lazy and don’t like moving the saw anymore than I must. I cope with a jig saw and for me it seems faster than repeating lining the cut up to just slide the piece to the end of the support and zip out the cope. As always, great video!

[@wllm500]

Very thorough video and solid information. Thank you.

[@thefam5830]

Thank you for very good explanation. I’ve been struggle how to do this and after watching you do it was a very easy. Thank you again.

[@brodiewilson4377]

Same way we do base. Great video man! Always enjoy.

[@e.t.preppin7084]

I made a whole house cut list just like yours when I was still trimming mostly new construction. I can’t get on my knees anymore. I always used a traditional hand coping saw. Still do however I cut the flats on the miter saw but I never thought to cut base upside down. On walls needing a scarf I don’t cope those pieces as well as pieces that make an outside corner. Another good tip for beginners is to cut all your long lengths first and using the drop for small pieces and don’t forget to number the back of every piece. I miss trimming houses but I really love being in the wood shop now.

[@bwojak3226]

Excellent explanation Spencer

[@FreekSharkHD]

This is incredibly helpful. Amazing really. Thank you for helping even an apprentice trim carpenter like me… 🤞🏽

[@mattrumbattrum9952]

Thats why i love my delta 12 double accordian miter. Super ez and fast changing bevel

[@toothpastehombre]

Top tier techniques and info. Thanks

[@VAFSH4LIF]

I'm a carpenter of 40+ years and I was taught to Only wear pouches when doing Rough carpentry. When it came to finish work you don't want nail bags and hammers beating against door jambs and painted walls? If I Must have nails or tools at the ready I wear a nail apron which is in the front and have less chance of beating up my surroundings. You're obviously a successful carpenter and businessman so to each his own. Your videos are Very instructional to the point that even an apprentice can understand. Keep up the Great work.

[@tomc3965]

Great vid mate as always and very informative

[@grimmheart]

Spencer, your camera work and videos overall keep just getting better and better. Entering into another league of not only carpenters, but KZbinrs. Thank you for sharing this knowledge - I do plan to use it. Just became a Patron to support your work.

[@grimmheart]

Enjoy your upcoming vacation!

[@InsiderCarpentry]

Thanks! I just saw your support email come through. I really appreciate the support and glad the videos are helping. Also thanks for the feedback. I have been working much harder on video quality and upping my videography game, so its good to hear that the viewers are noticing.

[@kiwdwks]

Thanks so much Spencer! You have taught me so much!

[@anonymouslyominous33]

This channel is very , very helpful . Thanks again

[@6453bianchi]

Awesome detail as always man.

[@keepingitreal6793]

Excellent video. I appreciate the tips! Cheers.

[@bobjosefson4950]

Another great video Spencer

[@patrcrnn]

Learning a lot! Thanks for the help.

[@kentpeters6446]

Loved your last video that I saw taping miters. We did this twenty years ago on production trim on $3million homes in Los Altos, CA. Always wanted to pass this skill along. You have nailed it. Would love to talk to you. Have some other points. Well Done.

[@chalmerelkins8965]

Like the extensions for the saw stand.

[@lwilliam22]

Man I would love to be an apprentice under you. Thanks for the insight. So good.

[@kevinlucas8437]

I'm a diy guy who found that this was a really good way to cut found that flat cutting didn't give the accurate cut all the time. But I'd get a head ache trying to cut whole level !!! Strictly one room at a time !!! Great info !!!!

[@FD-dh2fu]

Great info as always. Thank you.

[@farmerjim-fat-man-do]

I fully agree cutting upside down is the most efficient way to cut base. Learned this by trial and error 20+ years ago when learning to cope miters for stain grade. All the flipping around when cutting flat seems to always results in an ah shit and some wasted material. But when cutting upside down, if the piece has a crown or dip the slight angle on the cut will be reversed when on the wall. Paint grade it don’t matter but stain grade it will require just a little extra work to close the gap. Keep up the good work and knowledge sharing. 👍👍

[@dustinpomeroy8817]

Haha I've done it,or seen it done every way possible,I tend do just pick whatever works best at the time depending on the trim size and honestly how much mud the drywallers used.I was taught to go around the room like you said,but over the years I have learned to put my cope on my short run when given a choice,it may be out of order sometimes but I'd rather put a cope on a 3 ft piece than a 16 footer especially if I can just put two straight cuts on the 16 footer.Youre a good teacher that's for sure and your methods are sound.

[@aug77cj]

you are amazing ~ I have learned so much from you 👍🏻😊

[@mattschoular8844]

Thanks Spencer, much appreciated

[@pocketlint82]

Just did baseboard for the first time and tried every way. Ended up on upside down and vertical too. When right side up and vertical I realized my base has a thinner profile at the top so if I cut on the line, it cut more off the bottom and my cut was too short. The bevel was too annoying to keep switching and you can't cut 45.5 deg bevels on my dewalt 779. Stops at 45. Great tips! Wish I'd watched this first

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

Wow. I had no idea there was so much to know about baseboard!

[@trshuster]

I think I got it. Upside down and backwards, just like crown moulding. Thanks Spencer!

[@T.E.P.]

always impressed with how much info you share and also how the editing and sound is sooo good!!

[@brianb1179]

Thanks for the great tips and explanation 👍🍻

[@2chipped]

We make our own cabinet basemolding out of 3/4 x 5 1/4 poplar or soft maple . Using our shop corded 12 Bosch slider or 10 cordless Makita, I have to cut on the flat. It is definitely more stress on the motor and blade ,but because they are 90° corners I don't need to cope. I find the Bosch to have very poor sight lines, it involves holding the guard up with your finger then sighting mark and blade. There are desk lights that can be modded for shadowlines,but my boss doesn't like modding tools. Very good videography,and as always the content is outstanding 👏.

[@davidberezyuk1146]

Keep up the great work.

[@keithbartlett6708]

Thank you your knowledge very helpful.

[@samirbasic6255]

Great video buddy !

[@antonn1608]

Hey Spencer, I cut my baseboard on the flat. I don’t tighten the back knob and my saw drops freely to the left, down to 46° and back up to 0° when I need a straight cut. I make a 46° cut for the cope. Then I make a straight cut trough the cope the way you do it, hook up with my tape to that cut, and measure - say 100”. Then make that 100” cut and finish the cope with the jig saw. It’s another way to do it and doesn’t require a super good blade, because it pulls the material in with the teeth from the face or high quality wings like yours. Love your videos.

[@swooopg]

I've done it just like this in the past, leaving the bevel knob loose, only when doing 11" mdf that the HO wanted coped for some reason, it worked pretty well but I was nervous about the saw rotating while cutting

[@alansynnott2838]

Great tips thanks for making

[@chrislogue5744]

Great video as always! I cut my base upside down and backwards. Was just about to ask about those fences when you started to explain where you got them. I will be getting me a set for taller base.

[@seankelly9998]

Love your content keep it coming. Very well organized very well. Set up. I like it. Those outfit tables for your saw, would love to know how you made them. I’d like to see a video on that.

[@ou8nucks630]

It's the most efficient way for me to cut base. It cuts out that awkward step of flipping the piece over and around, to make the straight cut on the cope. I typically cut my outside miters, with the back of the base facing me as well. That way I'm not leaning over the saw, trying to see my line. Cutting base upside down, is just one of the many tips I've picked up from Spencer. So many people dismiss new ways of doing things, simply because "This is how I've always done it". In my 42 years on this earth, I've figured out a thing or two, and one of those is, my way, may not always be the best way. Keep an open mind and be willing to try new things, you may be surprised at how well it works for ya.

[@russdee333]

Well said,right there with ya 👊🏻

[@chevyimp5857]

Absolutely... Spencer is very generous with his content and opened up different ways of approaching the job..

[@10813mike]

Great advice sir! I’ve bin building houses for over 30 years and everyday I still wake up asking myself how can I improve on what I did yesterday. Your advice is very appreciated!

[@josephdestaubin7426]

I would imagine it didn't take all 42 years to figure that out. :)

[@ou8nucks630]

@@josephdestaubin7426 maybe just 41 1/2. 😉

[@gibsonbuilds4841]

Good job on the video

[@oglebydidit4555]

If a right side cope is necessary, you can sit the board upside down still, but with the profile facing the fence (depending on the profile perhaps). Then set the depth stop for straight/straight back cuts down to the profile. Flip the depth stop on or off as required.

[@bryanhall9996]

Why haven't I thought of this already!?

[@phillipemmons3714]

Great idea. I use 2 saws, on a custom stand, in line, to reduce moving a saw mitre so much

[@lastditch727]

Lolwut

[@lukebrunskill7176]

I just started following your channel, awesome work! I'll defiantly be checking out more videos! Separate question for you, how did you make your "Legs" / "Wings" chop saw that you use in this video? I have a similar stand and been trying to figure out way's to create a couple.

[@charlesviner1565]

Thanks for the great video

[@vbBegin1957]

Been a carpenter for a long time never had a problem with inside meters and outside meters. We cut baseboard in a normal cut without a slider chop saw. The only time we cut upside down is only a crown molding not baseboard. However, the cope for baseboard is cool.

[@kevinlemay4924]

Great insight!!

[@Cousin.Justin]

*Welcome Back*

[@alexcheney6692]

If you’re doing a remodel and need to scribe to the floor, working off the finished profile (cutting upside down) is a good way to keep you joint angles true.

[@carllamb6711]

As always great video mate really enjoy your stuff I must admit got a bit confusing near the end but I can see where you’re coming from 🤪🤪 I tend to cut my skirting vertical anyway so next time ill cut it upside down and try it your way... I must admit it does look a lot easier👍👍👍👍

[@pittsburghmike9569]

Spencer great stuff as always, I peeped that access panel and am requesting you do a video of how you finish those off.. do you screw them in or use a hinge or magnet? These are an opportunity for our homes we build here in Pittsburgh.

[@mc2272478]

I'm in the field every day running trim. I like your videos you're an excellent Carpenter. But when streamlining baseboard cutting on the flat is the fastest way by far. You can watch your blade as it comes to the first profile perfectly to make your cope a quick shot. Adjusting your miter is definitely quicker than adjusting your bevel, but with the right trim saw it's a routine that one Masters quickly. Keep up the good work and thank you for all the awesome videos. 👌 keep them coming.

[@robholmes2129]

I always mark to the short point on the miter as it is most accurate,add a degree or 2 to make sure the face of the trim fits flush and tight

[@IndianaJBird]

I’ve always cut laying flat as well. I’ve tried cutting base standing but my feet can’t take a whole day of that.

[@mc2272478]

@@IndianaJBird 🤣🤣🤣

[@babycakes8727]

Thank you!!!

[@stevencollins507]

Very good vid

[@Deathbysnusnu125]

Of course I find this after I complete a job. Trying to fix a job that the base was moved down leaving unfinished drywall above the baseboard... I would have just gotten taller molding but you can't get any molding right now...

[@BigmoRivera]

Nicely Done 🔨📐👍🏼

[@jeromejohnson25]

thank you!

[@daneo617]

Good video 👍🏼 I've always cut my baseboards vertically and then cope them with the table saw ( under 4') because it's easier faster & the blade back cuts the cope at the same time 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@mechanicalman1068]

I’ve been a finisher for 20 years, mostly high end remodels. There is almost no new construction where I am other than additions so I do mostly finish work on houses built before 1940. And there’s earthquakes. Can you guess where? I really wish my miter saw table and supports mimicked the floor I’m installing on. That said, if it was I’d be paid a lot less than I am. The scribing is pretty involved. And please don’t talk to me about 1/4 round… Anyway, great video with important information as usual. I approve.

[@Dwitt-fh8gq]

These suggestions work great for production baseboard. No idea what you've said regarding longer frame of reference other than wood not being straight. That makes sense when it sits vertical and the base better represents the floor. Lost me after that. But that's a nice piece of machinery, though. That DWS780. Although I did read that severak of these models, including the DWS780, had a stop sale. The issue (a manufacturing defect with the rear guard breaking in a small number of saws) affects the DWS780 DWS779 and DHS790 and can occur when the blade throws a piece of wood on the guard.

[@woodshopnorth7382]

I love the rack you have in the background to hold trim. Any chance you have a shot of the design?

[@casycasy5199]

very helpful

[@ianthompson9058]

He thinks everything through thougroughly, I love it

[@scottshaw4880]

Genius! Thanks

[@Ta53508]

Nice tip, I have a building I'll try to put that in action. Tks

[@ibrahimwehbe1153]

Production at it’s best

[@zachaugustine893]

I’ve never thought to cut it upside down. That’s genius

[@m.a.r.services5720]

Thanks

[@artemisnavaziloff3543]

Thanks a lot!

[@Stationary76]

I've watched so many videos lately about baseboard install & almost every one has either the plain flat baseboard or ones like the one Spencer is using here. Around here most houses have the colonial-style baseboard that has a lot of profile design which is not as easy to deal with in my opinion

[@raypage7564]

I would like to see an in depth demo on how to measure wall then how to measure that onto the base board, how to cut on Or next to line , and whether to measure your length to back side of mitre cut? My piece always “ shrinks “ after i cut the measurement!

[@Stoneyburnpiper]

God I wish I seen this video a week ago, would’ve saved me so much time

[@tonyspatol4324]

Spencer, have learned a lot and in all seriousness the most knowledgeable carpenter on KZbin. Have made me money and saved me time. Could you possibly in the future do a video on special isolated circumstances such as really tight spaces for base next to a wall and casing, and maybe having too much trim on not enough space. That would be cool.

[@InsiderCarpentry]

I will definitely keep those ideas in mind. Glad the videos are helping!