What is art? Critics and theorists are complimentary to discuss the question constantly, but we believe it’s pretty basic: If there’s a frame around it, then it’s art! Less basic– but not so intricate that you shouldn’t give it a try– is constructing your own photo frame. Starting woodworkers enjoy this project, and for lots of others it can be a fantastic money-saver. Within just a weekend, provided you have access to a few fundamental tools, you can make a picture frame quality sealing tape to keep for the rest of your life.
TOOLS & MATERIALS
Table sawMiter sawWood routerMeasuring tapeWood glueHammerBrad nailsSandpaperPaintWood stainLinseed oil
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The following steps use in a basic method no matter what type of wood you wish 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 assume that you plan to build an 11 ″ x 14 ″ photo frame from a 1 ″ x 4 ″ maple board that measures 4 feet long.
Step 1
Setting the table saw at 1-1/2 ″ (from the blade to the fence) use bear claw hangers, rip the wood board into two 4-foot-long pieces. These need to be precisely the same width, so pass the broader of the two through the table saw a 2nd time. (Obviously, if you ‘d desired the frame broader or narrower, you would have set the table saw appropriately.).
Step 2.
With a router, cut a 1/2 ″ x 1/2 ″ rabbet– that is, a rectilinear groove– along among the long sides of each of the two pieces. The picture is going to lie against the rabbet, so if you expect to frame an item (or to use a mat) of considerable thickness, accommodate it by developing a more generous rabbet.
Step 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 end up being the inside of the frame. Simply put, as soon as you have 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; include 1/16 ″ to that measurement. Then choose among the two boards and move that total measurement to its rabbeted side, marking the distance. Here, cut a 45-degree angle, this time in the instructions opposite to the preliminary angled cut. Next, position the 2nd board over the one into which you have actually recently cut a 2nd angle. Mark the 2nd board, then cut it so that you have a set of identical pieces. On the two remaining pieces, repeat the procedure of determining, marking, and cutting, this time utilizing 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 4 pieces into a rectangular shape, keeping in mind constantly to position the rabbet groove to the inside. Dab wood glue onto each joint, then secure the pieces together by means of brad nails. Two nails near to each outside corner should work. Clean away any excess glue instantly. Let dry over night.
Step 6.
Sand the picture frame framing security hardware, then clean away any sawdust with a moist fabric. As soon as you have enabled enough time for the wood to dry completely, it’s safe to use your option of finish. (If you’re constructing with attractive lumber, I advise 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 place a support over it. You have several alternatives for securing whatever in place, consisting of glazing points or brads.
Congratulations, you have actually produced a work of art: You may even choose to leave the picture out entirely, due to the fact that the frame itself is such a artwork!