Interior trim thoughts

Factual Questions
1

Went to paint our first room over the weekend, and I pretty quickly got fed up w/ trying to salvage the old trim (w/ lovely yellow pickled finish.) :rolleyes: So I tore it off, and figure I’ll do the same throughout the house. Now I’ve got a couple of choices I’m pondering:
-white vs stained?
-what style/extent of trim?
-power vs hand saw?

I’m a pretty big fan of natural wood. But we have wood floors throughout that are being refinished. We also have a ton of qtr-sawn oak furniture, and are doing the kitchen w/ similar cabinetry. So I’m not sure how much MORE natural wood we NEED. Also have the issue of which wood/finish? Do I try to match, or complement? Then there is the issue of cost - could do painted pine for a fraction of the cost of oak/maple. Finally, white trim could “lighten” the place up.

Re: style, we are pretty big fans of arts/crafts, mission, prairie - but our house is a mid-century split, not a bungalow. So we are going for more of a arts/crafts “feel”, than “pure.” I’ve seen some pictures of white painted trim with a lot of right angles that kinda conveys to me a sense of “modern” arts/crafts style. Also, the right angles should make for easier cuts/joints. I could imagine having a basic trim throughout most of the house, with additional elements - wainscoting, chair rails, etc, to set of different levels/rooms.

My wife and I intend to buy some power tools. I’m wondering if a compound sliding miter would be a worthwhile first investment, or would we be well served with just a fine back saw and mitre box? She is studying violin-making, I am interested in woodworking, and we have the space to put in a nice shop. I realize installing trim is not SIMPLE, but I’m thinking it is something we should be able to learn to do, and that could give us satisfaction over however long it takes.

If you advise a power saw, and specific brand recommendations? 10 or 12"? I think one of the woodworking reviews did a comparison recently - I’ll look if up (as soon as I figure out which box it is in!) :stuck_out_tongue:

Thanks for any input.

2

The main difference between a “regular” miter saw and a sliding is the sliding saw’s ability to cut wider boards with a smaller diameter blade. This reduces the cost of blades and might reduce the weight of the saw. I would suggest a saw that tilts both left and right for bevel cuts.
I have a DeWalt that’s served me for 10 years or so, but I’m not using it for heavy duty work.

3

Compound miter saws are great, and since you will be making a lot of right angle cuts it will be quick and easy to use. A back saw and a miter box are all you need for molding, but a good power saw will make it easier, and you’ll have it for the next job you take on. A sliding miter saw has more use with wider boards, but it will be bigger, taking up more space, and heavier, something to consider as you move it room to room while doing molding.

4

You might want to look up coping molding too. That’s where you make a 90° cut on one piece, then use a coping saw to cut away the back side of the mating piece. It reduces any gaps appearing if the molding shrinks a little.

5

A chop saw and a coping saw and you make do molding that you can show off and be proud of.
Also get a brad nailer to install the molding.
I think I spent $100 on a chop saw many years ago and I am very happy with that purchase.
While a slider would appeal to my inner Tim Allen (More Power!) I haven’t found it necessary.