How to Cut Quarter Round Without a Miter Saw

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Whether you are a beginner or professional, angled cuts are always tricky to execute. Even with a miter or compound saw, these cuts require pinpoint precision.

However, there are certain methods you can use to make these cuts without a miter saw. In this post, we will discuss how you can make a quarter round (45-degree angle) with basic tools.

Quick Summary

We will go over the following things in this article:

Guide to cut quarter round without miter saw
General Tips
Frequently Asked Questions

Let’s get started.

Guide to Cut Quarter Round Angles

Before we get into the steps of how you can make a 45-degree angle without a miter saw, there are a number of tools you need.

Here’s the list:

A pencil
A sharp hand saw
An angle maker
Safety gear

Once you have acquired these tools, you can start working on the piece of wood/baseboard.

Step#1: Clean the Wooden Pieces

The first thing you need to do before cutting is carefully clean the surface of the pieces you are going to cut. It will remove any unwanted dust for smooth cutting.

For this purpose, you can use a soft brush or a piece of cloth. It is important that you clean the edge of each piece as well.

Step#2: Place the Angle Marker

Once you clean the pieces, it is time to measure and mark the degrees for cutting. In your case, you will be marking each piece with a 45-degrees angle.

To do that, you will have to place the angle marker tool on the base and mark three places. These places are the 0-degree line, 45-degree line, and the center of the tool.

Why do I need to mark 3 different places?

All the 3 dots when connected will give you an accurate idea of where to cut the joint. Use a pencil to draw lines and connect them at the center dot.

Step#3: Cut the Corner

Now that you have all the measurements needed to cut corners, it is time to use your hand saw.

Using a hand saw, slowly get a grip on the piece. After that, gently move the saw to and fro along the 45-degree angle line and make your cut.

How much force should I use?

Since you are not using a miter saw to cut trim these corners, the whole procedure has to be done carefully. Do not apply a lot of force as it can cause the blade to deviate.

Furthermore, start the cutting process from the center marker and move it along the 45-degrees line instead of trying to cut the whole piece in one go.

Step#4: Trim the Edges

Once you have made your cut, the next step is to trim the edges. For that purpose, you can use sandpaper.

Although you might not need one depending on the sharpness of the blade, it is good practice to trim the edges for smoothness.

What sort of sandpaper should I use?

It depends on the type of material you are working with. If you are working on wooden material for walls, you can either use 120 or 180-grit sandpaper.

On the other hand, for baseboard floor material, you can use 60 to 100-grit sandpaper. However, you’ll only need to do it for a fine finish.

How much should I trim on each edge?

For wood, you will need to trim until there are no splinters or uneven bumps. However, for molding baseboards, you just have to even the surface on each edge.

It is important to trim the opposite side of the cut as well. This will allow you to join different pieces easily. Furthermore, it will also allow you to install these pieces in corners as well.

This is all there is to know about cutting a straight quarter-round angle without a miter saw. But what is the use of a quarter-round cut trim?

Let’s see what is the purpose and use of a 45-degree angle cut.

Uses of a 45-degree Angle Cut

Whenever you are working on a project, you will always find yourself trying to connect two different pieces. For straight pieces of wood/molding or even baseboard, it is no trouble.

But when it comes to corners on a wall or a floor, things get tricky. You cannot cut a straight line because it will leave a gap right where the two pieces are supposed to connect.

How does a quarter-round angle help with it?

Two pieces that are cut at a 45-degrees angle will create a smooth 90-degree angle when connected on a flat surface. The inclined cuts join and create a seamless joint on their edges.

This method makes the installation of baseboard and molding around a corner quite convenient. Furthermore, it gives a nice and sleek look to your room.

Can I use this procedure on different projects?

You can make angled cuts of all sorts without a circular saw as long as it is associated with baseboard or molding material. These materials are rather easy to cut and trim.

Softwood materials can also be used to cut without the assistance of a circular saw. However, it is good practice that you use a proper circular saw for all wood materials.

Is coping saw any useful for angled cuts?

A coping saw can be used to cut baseboard corners. However, for wood and molding-related materials, a hand saw is your best option besides a miter saw.

Important Tips to Remember

There are some tips you can use to cut materials for your walls and other purposes.

They are as follows:

Always use a flat surface to measure the length and make cuts on your baseboard material. It will provide you with an accurate measurement.
Always hold the piece firmly. Too much force can also break the material you are working on especially if it’s made from baseboard or molding.
Before installing your joint, make sure that the angles align perfectly. It will be hard to remove or adjust once they are installed in place.
Make sure to trim the backside of your cuts as well. It will make the entire installing process easier.
Always use a blunt pencil to mark a thick line. A sharp line leaves little to no room for errors. Especially when cutting a piece for a corner.
You can use the baseboard of a saw to make a quarter-round cut. All you have to do is extended the length to want to cut and use a coping saw to make the cut.

Find more resource guides for your favorite tools HERE.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions we found on the web. Let’s take a look at them.

Is there a difference between cuts made from a hand and a miter saw?

Naturally, there is the precision factor. A miter saw is a lot more precise and clean in its operation. However, with good practice, you can achieve the same level of precision.

Can I cut material for my wall using a hand saw?

Yes, you can easily cut material in a quarter-round section without a miter saw. The only problem you’ll face is the proper trimming of the edges. You can use sandpaper for that purpose.

What is the purpose of a miter box?

You can use a miter box to make angled cuts using a hand saw. Simply place the plank inside the box and the saw inside the lines to make your cut.

Can I use anything besides sandpaper for trimming?

Sandpaper is your best option to trim the edges. It is easy to use and effective at the same time. Other methods require the use of different tools that can take a lot of time.