install crown molding? at Halfvalue.com

For a full crown molding tutorial, online videos, a crown forum to ask questions and a blog for your comments & projects. www.installcrown.com/
Free, professional and complete. You'll find these same links there.

If you are new to finish carpentry pick up this dvd 'Mastering the Miter Saw, Programs 1 & 2'
a very well done tutorial, even the pros will get something out of this.

How to install Crown Molding - the tools

Miter Saw

Most important is the saw 'Bosch 5412L 12" Dual Bevel Slide Miter Saw with Laser Tracking' has the Crown Molding bevel detents, which means it will stop quickly at the angles for cutting on flat at the 38 & 45 sprung angles.

It has a large crown capacity. 10-1/4" for flat and 6" in position. A laser guide, an electric break and an alterable handle so it's comfortable for you.
I use the bosch in my shop.

Protractors

You need a protractor to measure the angles at the corners, check them all you'll find more 46 and 44 deg. miters than 45's.

Cutting in position (against the fence) use the 'Starrett 505A-12 ProSite Protractor', set the protractor to the corner it'll tell you the miter.

Cutting on the flat (laying on the table) use the 'Bosch DWM40L Miter Finder Digital Protractor/Angle Finder' set the spring angle, place it on the corner then it will calculate the miter and bevel.

Fastening systems (air)

Get the 'Porter-Cable CFFN250N Finish & Brad Nailer Combo Kit'. It's an amazing deal, you get the 16 and 18 gauges finish and brad nailers, a compressor plus a full kit to get started. I believe you even get a sander with it, amazing. Quality too, it just can't be beat!

Finish & Brad Nailer (air)

Get the 'Porter-Cable DA250B 15-Gauge, 2-1/2" Angle Nailer Kit' working with an angled gun is easier on crown and the minimum you want is a 2 1/2 capacity and 16 ga. finish nail to the wall.

For a brad nailer I use the 'Porter-Cable BN200A 18 Gauge, 2" Brad Nailer Kit' an excellent little gun, you don't realize how often you will use these until you get one, and the price on them is well worth it.

Finishing nailer (battery)

The 'DEWALT DC618KA 18-Volt 16-Gauge 20-Degree Angled Finish Nailer Kit' is the way to go, well balanced and you don't need to drag the hose around or carry the compressor, it's 16 ga 2 1/2 inch angled. Perfect for the job... don't go with gas cartridges this is the answer.

Heavy duty Compressor

I use the 'Porter-Cable C3151 Job Boss Compressor With Mobility Kit' for framing, shop and finishing. I hardly plug my other compressors in anymore, unless it's a small finishing project.

150 psi means it loads faster and less often, the large wheels allow it go any where up steps over boulders up mountains... with the low draw it rarely blows a breaker, and to top it off, it has a the removable regulator console.

You can leave the compressor outside or even in the truck, bring a large hose into the regulator console and from there small hoses to your two finish guns, check this one out! Brilliant!

My Job Site Miter Saw

I use one of the 'DeWalt DW706-AV 12" Double-Bevel Compound Miter Saw w Laser Guide' models on site, this model has the laser and now have the positive bevel & maiter stops! It's a 12" blade and is a sliding compound which is very important with crown.

It'll cut up to a 6-5/8" crown molding in position and swings out to 50-degree left and right, I love mine!