Carpentry and Woodworking - door casing puzzlement

I'm installing door casing on an interior door. The miters -I cut on a power miter saw - come together perfectly at the top and bottom of the miter but there is a slight gap at the middle. It's less than 1/32" so I think its tolerable because it's not noticable unless your looking for it. The moulding is 3 1/4" colonial with lots of contours. I would think the saw is cutting true or the miter wouldn't come together at the ends. Does anyone have any idea why this happens? I would be grateful for any other tips on finish carpentry that you have.

thanks,

Gerald

Hello gowitheflow,

In my experience - limited as it is - this was caused by the stock moving ever so slightly while the blade was going through. These saws usually encourage movement because of the vibration and the fact that the table top on most of them is very slick. Either clamp the stock, which is sometimes difficult since you may want to move it around to "zero in" on the measurement, or try to concentrate on holding it in place better by some other means. I found that taking my time helps. Also, make sure the stock is stable and flat on the table.

Hopefully, this will help.

Hi,
Try getting some low tack double faced tape and put it on some say 120 grit sand paper and stick it to your saws fence and stationary table. This will help give the casing something to "hold on to". Also give your casing extending past the table some
support, keeping it level to the table. Check that you are getting a blade square to the table cut, while also getting your 45 cut to the fence.
Good luck,
Trent

The molding could also be just slightly cupped.

fred