How To: Make a Picture Frame
What is art? Critics and thinkers are free to debate the question constantly, but we think it’s pretty easy: If there’s a frame around it, then it’s art! Less easy– but not so intricate that you should not give it a try– is constructing your own picture frame. Starting woodworkers like this task, and for lots of others it can be a great money-saver. Within only a weekend, supplied you have access to a couple of basic tools, you can make a picture frame frame sealing tape to keep for the rest of your life.
TOOLS & PRODUCTS
Table sawMiter sawWood routerMeasuring tapeWood glueHammerBrad nailsSandpaperPaintWood stainLinseed oil
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The following actions use in a general way no matter what type of wood you want to use (or happen to have on hand), or what size you would like the picture frame to be. But for the sake of simplicity in this tutorial, we’ll presume that you mean to build an 11 ″ x 14 ″ picture frame from a 1 ″ x 4 ″ maple board that determines 4 feet long.
Action 1
Setting the table saw at 1-1/2 ″ (from the blade to the fence) hangers, rip the wood board into two 4-foot-long pieces. These need to be precisely the same width, so pass the larger of the two through the table saw a 2nd time. (Naturally, if you ‘d desired the frame larger or narrower, you would have set the table saw appropriately.).
Action 2.
With a router, cut a 1/2 ″ x 1/2 ″ rabbet– that is, a rectilinear groove– along one of the long sides of each of the two pieces. The picture is going to lie against the rabbet, so if you anticipate to frame an item (or to use a mat) of substantial density, accommodate it by developing a more generous rabbet.
Action 3.
Use a miter saw to cut one end of both boards at a 45-degree angle, being careful to ensure that the rabbet runs along what is to become the inside of the frame. Simply put, when you have actually ended up cutting an angle into each board, the rabbeted edges need to be opposite the longer (and pointier) side.
Step 4.
Step the longer side of the picture you are going to frame; add 1/16 ″ to that measurement. Then choose one of the two boards and transfer that total measurement to its rabbeted side, marking the range. Here, cut a 45-degree angle, this time in the direction opposite to the initial angled cut. Next, position the 2nd board over the one into which you have actually just now cut a 2nd angle. Mark the 2nd board, then sufficed so that you have a set of identical pieces. On the two leftover pieces, repeat the procedure of measuring, marking, and cutting, this time using as a guide the much shorter side of the picture to be framed. Ensure you’re keeping the rabbeted side to the inside of the frame.
Step 5.
Put together the four pieces into a rectangular shape, keeping in mind constantly to position the rabbet groove to the inside. Dab wood glue onto each joint, then fasten the pieces together by means of brad nails. Two nails near each outside corner should suffice. Wipe away any excess glue right away. Let dry overnight.
Action 6.
Sand the picture frame picture framing security hardware, then clean away any sawdust with a wet fabric. As soon as you have actually permitted adequate time for the wood to dry totally, it’s safe to use your choice of surface. (If you’re constructing with appealing lumber, I suggest finishing with linseed oil.) Having actually ended up the piece, turn it over so the back (rabbeted) side is dealing with up. Fit a piece of cut-to-size glass into the frame, then lay the picture face down on the glass and location a support over it. You have several options for securing everything in place, consisting of glazing points or brads.
Congratulations, you have actually developed a work of art: You might even decide to leave the picture out completely, due to the fact that the frame itself is such a work of art!