Cutting quarter round is generally quite easy to do. Quarter round a special type of trim that is often installed at the bottoms or tops of walls. Now, for this job, most people would use a miter saw.
This is because a miter saw does all of the measuring for you, especially where the angles of the ends of quarter rounds are concerned. That said, what if you don’t have a miter saw? Today we are going to go over how to cut quarter round without a miter saw.
Can You Cut Quarter Round Without a Miter Saw?
What you need to know here is that quarter round is really just a small and thin piece of wood that has the shape of a quarter circle.
One side is flat, which rests against the floor, and a second side is flat as well, the side that rests against the wall, with the space in between taking the shape of a quarter circle. Generally speaking, wood is not hard to cut through, and it can be cut with more than just a miter saw.
However, the reason a miter saw is used for quarter round is because it allows you to measure the angles precisely. More accurately, it does all of the measuring for you. If you are putting quarter round on inside corners or outside corners, you need those ends to have specific angles so that they match up properly. The miter saw will do that measuring for you.
Now, the reality is that you might not always have a miter saw on hand, or just don’t have one at all. The good news is that it is absolutely possible to cut quarter round without a miter saw. There are a variety of tools that you can use for this task.
The trick here is to get the measurements of the angles or cuts right. Therefore, before we can talk about the best tools to use to cut quarter round (other than a miter saw of course), you need to know how to get those angles right.
Measuring Quarter Round for Inside and Outside Corners
If you are cutting two pieces of quarter round to meet at an inside corner, you need both pieces to come together at a 90-degree angle, which means both pieces need to be cut at 45-degrees for an inside corner.
For the left piece, cut at 45-degrees to the right and then save the right end of the cut. For the right piece, cut at an angle of 45-degrees to the left, and save the left piece.
If we are talking about outside corners, you will do the opposite. For the left piece, cut at an angle of 45-degrees to the left and save the right end, and for the right piece, cut at a 45-degree angle to the right, and save the left piece.
5 Best Tools for Cutting Quarter Round Without a Miter Saw
What you need to know first is how to measure those angles. Remember, the miter saw does the measuring for you, but without one, you will have to measure those angles by yourself. The best way to do this is with a protractor. You may also be able to use a T-square.
Before you start cutting into the quarter round, we do recommend looking up some easy methods for measuring those 45-degree or 90-degree angles with ease.
There are some pretty easy tricks out there to get that angle perfect. Either way, what we want to do is to talk about some other tools that you can use to cut quarter round in the event that you don’t have a miter saw, so let’s take a look.
1. Hand Saw (+ Miter Box)
One of the best tools to use for this task, other than a miter saw, is a hand saw. Now, this could really be any type of hand saw out there, whether a normal hand saw, a hacksaw, a foxtail, or anything else of the sort. If it can cut wood, then you can use it to cut quarter round.
Now, if you want to make life a bit easier, you can use a miter box. A miter box allows you to insert thin pieces of wood into it. There are then several pre-cut slots at specific angles that work as guides for your hand saw blade. This removes the need for you to do any complicated angle measurements.
2. Circular Saw
The circular saw is another great tool for this task, as it will certainly be able to cut quarter round. You can hold the quarter round at an angle to cut it, or you can adjust the base of the circular saw.
Most circular saws feature adjustable tilting bases, so you should be able to get a 45-degree cut with ease.
3. Table Saw
While most people wouldn’t use a table saw for this task, there is really no reason you can’t. Simply set the fence, adjust the blade, and pass the quarter round through the blade.
4. Jigsaw
Although it’s certainly not the first choice, if you are in a pinch, a jigsaw will work just fine too.
5. Multi-Angle Miter Shear
Multi-angle miter shears are really convenient. These are like big scissors that you can set to make cuts at certain angles, and yes, they can cut through thin pieces of wood.
How to Cut Quarter Round by Hand
Let’s go through a quick tutorial on how to cut quarter round by hand using a hand saw and a protractor, two very simple tools (we’re going to assume that you don’t have a miter box).
Step 1: Measure
Yes, if you have a miter box, this is going to be much easier. If you don’t have a miter box, use a protractor to mark the specific angle that you need to cut. Use a pencil to mark a straight line for you to follow.
Step 2: Support the Wood
Quarter round is quite thin and fragile, so make sure that you support it well while cutting. Make sure to hold down the end that you are going to keep, and have the excess hanging off the side of your table or sawhorse.
Step 3: Cut
With the mark made and the wood supported, make your cut. Remember, when using a hand saw, you are best off by starting the blade at a 45-degree angle pointing downwards. Then, simply make the cut.
How to Cut Quarter Round with a Multi-Angle Miter Shear
The next best tool to use for this task is a multi angle miter shear, so let’s go over a quick tutorial on how to use this tool for cutting quarter round.
Step 1: Adjust the Shears
Multi angle miter shears come with a special adjustment mechanism so you can adjust the cut of the angle. This is very clearly labeled. Simply set the shears to the desired angle.
Step 2: Make the Cut
With the marking on the wood made and the shears set to the right angle, insert the wood into the blades and apply pressure to the handle. It’s really no different than cutting something with scissors.
Mistakes to Avoid, Tips & Tricks
Lastly, here are some extra tips to keep in mind:
- Whatever tool you use for this task, make sure that it is sharp. Quarter round is thin and fragile, so the blades or teeth need to be able to make a clean cut.
- Make sure to get the angles right. Cutting inside and outside corners on quarter rounds can be confusing if you aren’t experienced.
Summary
You should now know exactly how to cut quarter round using a variety of tools.