Want to improve your trim carpentry skills? Look no further than our handy guide which contains trim handyman Little Rock tips from the pros. These tips will help you to get the job right the first time, and some of them will even save you time and money.
Use a Jack Miter
You must be asking yourself, what on earth is a jack miter? Well, a jack miter is created by combining a miter joint with a butt joint. The resulting tool will give you the needed strength to keep the wood in place while you’re working, which actually helps to minimize the creation of gaps. Using a jack miter also means that you’ll have a much thinner and less perceptible glue line, so it’s a really versatile tool!
Build a Large Assembly Table
Any handyman Little Rock AR job that you do will probably require that you start by assembling things like a large casing or a jamb. Having a large assembly table will make it much easier for you, because then you’ll have a nice flat surface to work on, enabling you to finish jobs faster.
Mark Casing Reveal
One of the best ways to get consistent reveals is to mark the casings right on the edge. All you need to do is mark it on both ends and in the middle so that you won’t have to guess. We recommend using a combo square for this purpose.
Record it on a Pitch Block
Use your pitch block to record the angle of the stairs you’ll be working on, including the rise and run. The pitch block can then be used as a template for your handrails and skirts, or you can use it to modify a miter saw. Just make sure to ‘back up’ what you’ve recorded by taking a snapshot of the pitch block with your phone, just in case you lose it by accident.
Trim Clamps
It’s important to ensure that your miter fits tightly and accurately before the glue dries, which is why you need to apply pressure to it before it gets fastened. One of the best ways to do this is to cut 45-degree notches, and then screw them onto the trim. Alternatively, you can keep them in place using two extra clamps, get the clamp hooked onto the notches, and then tighten.
Weave Instead of Miter
Woven intersections on the ceiling can really add interest to a space. While popular, standard miters look pretty plain when compared to a woven intersection, and the latter typically withstands moisture and temperature changes much better than the miter.
Pocket Screws
Pocket screws are a versatile way to fasten things, and you can use them for a variety of Little Rock handyman applications. Plus, you don’t have to worry about the holes because you can cover them up with base molding afterward.
Measure from the 1-inch Mark
Oftentimes, getting your tape hooked up onto a piece of trim can be quite difficult. One way to simplify the process is to line the edge of the trim with the 1-inch mark. Then, subtract the extra inch once your tape has been hooked on to avoid itching it onto your saw.