Cutting out skirting boards can be tricky. If you don’t have a mitre saw then you might find yourself struggling to get the job done.
But there is an easier way to cut out skirting boards. All you need is a pair of scissors and a straight edge.
- To start off, using a tape measure, measure the length of the skirting board. Then, using the straight edge, mark the skirting board where you want to cut.
- Next, use the scissors to cut along the line. Once you have cut out the first piece, repeat the process until you have cut out all the pieces.
- Now that your skirting has been cut out, it's time to install them into place. Start by measuring how far apart each one needs to go from the wall.
- Then, lay them in position on top of the wall. Use some screws or nails to secure them in place.
- Once they are installed, paint over any gaps with wood filler. This will help keep water away from the walls.
Tools Needed To Cut Skirting
Miter Saw - A good quality miter saw comes with many features including adjustable fences, variable speed controls, and automatic depth adjustments. It allows you to quickly and accurately make precise mitre cuts.
Circular Saws - Circular saws are great for cutting materials such as hardwoods, soft woods, plastics, metal, etc. They feature high torque motors and powerful carbide teeth that ensure smooth cuts every time.
Table Saw - Table saws offer several advantages compared to other types of saw For starters, their blade rotates 360 degrees allowing you to perform multiple tasks simultaneously. Also, they provide more stability than handheld models.
Power Drill - Power drills are useful for drilling holes in various materials like drywall, plasterboard, concrete block, brick, tile, etc. Their compact size makes them easy to store and transport.
Wood Filler - Wood filler is essential for filling up small cracks and crevices left behind after installing new skirting boards.
Mitre Box - Mitre boxes are handy devices that enable you to hold two lengths of timber together while you make accurate 45 degree cuts.
Mitre Joints - A mitre joint is a type of joint used for connecting two pieces of wood together. The mitre joint is also known as a miter joint, which is a type of joint that is used to connect two boards at a right angle.
How To Cut Skirting Boards Without Using Tools?
If you don't want to invest in tools, here are some tips to help you get started:
1) Use scrap plywood instead of real wood. You'll need about 1/4" thick material so buy enough to cover the entire project.
2) Apply masking tape around the edges of the plywood to prevent scratches.
3) Place the plywood onto a table with its long side facing upwards.
4) Hold the top part of the skirting board firmly against the plywood.
5) Slide the lower section of the board downwards slowly. When the upper portion reaches the desired position, stop moving.
6) Remove the tape once the cutting has been completed.
7) Sand the finished product lightly with sandpaper.
8) Paint over the exposed areas with white paint.
9) Let dry completely before removing the remaining tape.
10) Finally, trim the excess ends neatly.
How To Cut Corners On Skirting Board Without Mitre Saw
Cutting corners on skirting boards requires accuracy. There are many ways to achieve this goal. One method involves making several passes over each section. Another option includes using a miter box. If you decide to go with the latter approach, here are some tips:
1) Make sure that the angle of the miter box matches the angle of the wall. Otherwise, you won’t be able to create straight lines.
2) Use a pencil to draw a guide along the length of the piece so that you know exactly how far apart the joints should be.
3) When measuring the distance between two points, make sure that both measurements are taken at right angles.
4) Once all four sides are done, mark where the center point needs to be located. Then measure the width of the corner and add half of that measurement to the height. Finally, subtract 1/8th inch from the total amount. That way, you'll end up with a perfect 90-degree corner.
5) Now it's time to start marking your cuts. Start by drawing a line perpendicular to the edge of the material.
6) Next, place another line parallel to the first one.
7) Afterward, connect those two marks together.
8) Repeat steps 4 -7 until you've completed every side of the skirting board.
9) Lastly, trim away excess material.
10) Congratulations! Your job is now complete.
Different Types of Cuts
There are different ways to cut skirting boards depending on whether you prefer to use a mitre box or a hand held saw. Here we’ll take a look at both methods:
Using a Hand Held Mitre Saw
This method involves holding the end of the skirting board against the fence and then sliding the saw down towards the floor.
As soon as the saw touches the ground, pull back slightly before pushing forward again. Repeat until all four sides of the skirting board are complete.
This technique works well for smaller projects but it's difficult to control the amount of pressure applied during each pass. If your hands slip off the handle, you could accidentally damage the surface below.
Using a Mitre Box
With this approach, you first set the length of the skirting board by placing one edge along the bottom of the mitre box.
Then slide the second piece into place. Once everything is lined up correctly, clamp the pieces securely using clamps or screws.
Now simply follow the same steps outlined above to finish the job.
What are External and Internal Mitres?
When making any type of angled cut, there are 2 main options available – external and internal.
An external mitre refers to when the workpiece rests flat against the fence whereas an internal mitre requires the workpiece to rest perpendicular to the fence.
The difference between these techniques is important because if you choose to do an external mitre, you will have to apply extra force to push the wood away from the fence.
This can be dangerous since the angle may not be perfectly aligned. On the other hand, doing an internal mitre means applying less pressure which reduces the risk of damaging the surrounding area.
What is the Best Type of Saw for Cutting Skirting Boards?
There's no shortage of power tools designed specifically for DIY projects like cutting skirting boards. However, it doesn't hurt to learn more about your alternatives. Here we list three popular types of saws that could come in handy during your next home improvement project.
Power Saws
A cordless circular saw is probably the most versatile tool among them. It comes equipped with a powerful motor that allows users to easily perform various tasks such as cutting through hard materials or even slicing through thin pieces of wood. Cordless circular saws also allow you to move freely while working.
A good example would be Bosch Powermatic CX18M Circular Saw. With 18 amp motors, they produce up to 20% more torque than their counterparts. They feature variable speed control and automatic depth adjustment. In addition, they provide maximum safety features including LED light indicators, auto shut off when the battery runs low, and vibration dampening technology.
Jigsaw
This type of saw is ideal for creating intricate designs. Jigsaws usually require much practice but they offer great versatility. A jigsaw makes quick work of any kind of woodwork. For instance, you can use one to remove old wallpaper, repair damaged walls, build shelves, etc.
The best jigsaws have adjustable speeds ranging from slow to fast. Some models include an electric brake system that prevents accidental movement. Other useful tools include dust collection systems and storage trays. You may want to consider buying a new model if yours isn’t holding up well after years of heavy-duty usage.
Circular Saw
If you prefer using hand tools, then a circular saw will definitely do the trick. This type of saw offers excellent maneuverability and precision. Its blade rotates in a circle allowing you to effortlessly carve out precise shapes. While some people find these tools intimidating, others love the fact that they don’t need batteries. All you need to get started is a steady grip and a sharp eye!
Last words:
There are many ways to cut skirting boards. The right method depends on what material you're dealing with and how big the piece is. If you'd like to know more about this topic, feel free to contact us at our website. We'll help you make the perfect choice!
