On Tue, 7 Nov 2006 18:54:55 -0600, "Perry Templeton"
wrote:

I want to install a crown molding that has a dentil detail. I'm comfortable
with coping the typical crown molding that has the popular ogee type
profile.
To cope this molding with the square detail of the dentil detail, do I
follow the cut edge with my coping saw just as I would for the rounded
common molding.
I'd rather not capitulate and install the corner blocks unless I have to.
I'd like to install the crown with the dentil and cope it and make it look
nice and solid and professional.

Having installed crown for many years, I must admit I've never come
across this particular situation. With all of the crown I have
installed, that had the dentil detail, the dentil mold was an added
piece installed after the crown was up.
I suppose it could be coped but you'll have to be careful about where
the dentil lay-out falls. If you have a cut to waste, cut it at a 45
as if you were going to cope and have a look at the cut line. The
bottom edge of the dentil detail will be the problem. You may have to
remove that edge (or cut that part square) as long as the dentil
detail on the previous piece will run behind your cut.
I'm old school and prefer to cope crown but this could be a situation
where 45's on the inside corners might be an alternative.

Mike O.