Question:
I am having a house built but have decided to leave some of the finishing
work for myself. I will be adding crown molding and built-in bookcases.
I belive I need a compound miter saw and a friend has and recommends a
DEWALT 12" Double-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter saw. Based on what I've
been quoted to have these things done for me I figure I can buy some
pretty good tools and still come out thousands of dollars ahead and keep
the tools!
Any opinions on this? Is this the tool I need? Any brand/model
recommendations?
Answer:
I would agree that given you can complete the work to your own
satisfaction (which is the *clincher*) you could save a substantial sum
doing the work yourself and come out with a nice collection of tools at
the end.
That said, I would also have to say that craftsmen experienced in the
trade (working daily) spend a lifetime mastering the installation,
therefore making it profitable, of intricate trim details such as crown
molding. The variables are endless that can make crown installation a
real chore and downright nasty. It can be, by far, one of the most time
consuming, and difficult, finish details in a project to do right and well.
As for the built-ins, those too have several issues associated but if
you are a semi-experience woodworker it could be an enjoyable project
for you to take on yourself. Other details like casing doors and
installing base are more manageable yet also have several tricks and can
have stumbling points.
The *clincher* I mentioned earlier is the real issue and also the one
you should focus on most. There is no doubt you can get these elements
"up there" but the real issue is will you torment yourself endlessly for
the rest of your days looking at the trim "you could have gotten
tighter". Or the casing "you could have gotten better", and so on.
Simply remember you will have to look at these elements daily for as
long as you live in the house. Some added expense in construction is
often quickly offset by a clear conscience and peace of mind while you
enjoy your new home after move-in. The simple fact is that if you are
trying this for the first time you _will_ come out with a less than
perfect end result. The main question is, will the cost savings offset
your dissatisfaction with your own work enough to allow you to enjoy it.
Some can say "ya, it aint the best, but I saved 800 bucks so I can live
with it". Others will live a life of misery and self loathing,
tormenting themselves daily staring at the trim they so wished they had
just had done by a professional. Two extremes.
As for the tools themselves, if there is a lot of crown and trim
involved a dual bevel slider would definitely be handy though it most
definitely would be possible with a single bevel slider. Personally I
would not opt out of a slider for any cost as they are so handy for
numerous other tasks. For cross cuts up to 10" or so you can use your
slider instead of a table saw or circular saw with a fence. You will
also need several associate tools, a nailer and compressor (unless you
are a masochist), coping saw, a good block plane, rasps, files, ladders,
planks, and so on. The built-in's build even further, table saw,
circular saw, fences, long level, router, router bits, dado blades (or
router with a fence), possibly a jointer, sanders of all sorts,
finishing tools, and so on.
Lastly, you had better plan on buying at least 1/3 to 1/2 more material
than you think you need as you will surely muck up several pieces of
crown learning to cope and need to do them over and so on. But even with
that you may still come out ahead and will have the tools to boot.
