What is sexier than a mitre cut?

A coped cut.

Maybe not for the client. If done correctly, no one will know the difference either way. But for the carpenter, it’s a flaunting skill, that has its place. 

For all you fine people wondering what a cope is, it’s an undercut into the profile of material, that will allow the wood to form around a joining piece. Usually found on the inside corner of most trim work.

Where on most mitered corners, you will need two joining 45 degree cuts, this allows for one cut to be a crosscut, with the joining cut to sit on top of the flat piece.

It’s big.

It’s scary.

And if you squint your eyes hard enough, it resembles a tall mysterious hairy freaky dude in the Northeast American territories…

It’s the Skilsaw 16” SAWSQUATCH Chainsaw!

Carpentry has a never ending list of power tools. 

The vast majority have a specific function, to complete a specific task.

In a recent conversation over a track saw, I was asked the importance of the tool, in regard to the operations of my business. 

And truthfully… I don’t need it.

The specific task that a track saw brings is limited to just making sure an absolutely straight cut is achieved. In one shot. Without relying too heavily on skill. Taking the pressure off of a mistake. 

But this can be done as easily with a circular saw. With a few extra steps, including a straight edge, producing the same results.

The conversation then turned from one of convenience, to one of needs. And if my circular saw was to ever stop working, then I would be in a world of problems.

Which is why I am giving you all a list of my…

8 Most Important Everyday Power Tools

In years that followed, I have burned the motor up in the drill. The impact is still around, but is a tired machine. Replaced by newer and more powerful models, only pulled from retirement when needed.

The bit case…. The bits are either lost or stripped.

But the case is still going strong.

You will run into trades people that have a week of working time to sometimes patch an area with these muds. While there are multiple types of compounds to use, they are fairly easy to work with. The downside being you have a long dry time.

But there is a secret weapon. Something you only see experienced trades people use.

That’s ‘Hot Mud’.