Before a piece of crown moulding, casing or base can be milled, a profile needs to be selected. Profiles can be selected from an existing selection of profiles, an existing sample or from an architectural drawing. Once a profile or sample has been selected, a knife needs to be made from steel to the contour of the profile of the moulding. Once a knife is made, it is set up in a moulder, where the wood is fed and is shaped to the contour desired. After the wood is shaped, it is sanded and either painted or stained. These examples of mouldings are only a very small representation of the profiles available.