Making Your Own Custom Wooden Frames For Artwork and Photos - Woodworking
Ryan Henderson
June 01, 2009
How often have we had a beautiful piece of artwork or perhaps family photo and the frame just doesn´t do it justice. Even if we are into woodworking there is often the misconception that framework is not something comes within this field. There are many custom framers that specialize just in this area and have spent many years at it. Unfortunately, we can´t always afford to put out that extra money for the framework costs.
You may not have the tools to do the custom work or the expertise, buy you do have the ability to make a very acceptable frame with the tools you already have and a few how to instructions. If you have, a table saw, a router and a few bits then you are on your way.
When you are sizing your frame, you are going to have to take into consideration the size and thickness of your matting for the picture. Keep in mind as well that the larger the frame is then the side pieces must be appropriately as wide as well to work with the over all balance of the picture.
First, you are going to need to cut your pieces of your ¾-inch solid stock wood. You are going to cut two pieces but tack on an extra 3 inches to the length of each piece so you will have it to work with when you make your adjustments.
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For the width of your frame pieces, you need to double the measurement and add 1/2inch. This also will allow for adjustments.
So now you have cut the pieces for your height and length, you will need to choose which profile bits you are going to use with your router. As you probably know there are several styles and you probably already have a selection of them to choose from. In this case, it´s a matter of individual choice and preference.
Now what you need to do with your chosen profile bit you are going to need to make the frame profile. You need to rout the face of the frame, which means it´s the good side.
The area where the glass sits inside the frame is called the rabbet profile. It´s suggested you use a 3/8 inch rabbet.
Finally, you are ready to star ripping the pieces to the width measurement that you wanted. Once you have done this, you will now have four pieces.
On the outside frame pieces, you need to make the cove edge. This is the last pass that is needed.
Now you have all of your profiling done you can go ahead and cut the frame with your miter saw or your table saw.
Once you are sure you have cut the frame to the proper size you have to fasten the joints. You can choose which technique you want here. You can use tack plates if you like but not on hardwood. Consider corrugated nails or chevrons for this. If you are familiar with working with biscuits this method may be good to use in some cases.
Use a picture frame clamp to hold your pieces together for drying. You should also consider reinforcing the joints with dowel plugs to give your frame good strength.
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You may not have the tools to do the custom work or the expertise, buy you do have the ability to make a very acceptable frame with the tools you already have and a few how to instructions. If you have, a table saw, a router and a few bits then you are on your way.
When you are sizing your frame, you are going to have to take into consideration the size and thickness of your matting for the picture. Keep in mind as well that the larger the frame is then the side pieces must be appropriately as wide as well to work with the over all balance of the picture.
First, you are going to need to cut your pieces of your ¾-inch solid stock wood. You are going to cut two pieces but tack on an extra 3 inches to the length of each piece so you will have it to work with when you make your adjustments.
woodwork plans
woodwork plans
free woodworking patterns
woodworking projects
woodworking design
For the width of your frame pieces, you need to double the measurement and add 1/2inch. This also will allow for adjustments.
So now you have cut the pieces for your height and length, you will need to choose which profile bits you are going to use with your router. As you probably know there are several styles and you probably already have a selection of them to choose from. In this case, it´s a matter of individual choice and preference.
Now what you need to do with your chosen profile bit you are going to need to make the frame profile. You need to rout the face of the frame, which means it´s the good side.
The area where the glass sits inside the frame is called the rabbet profile. It´s suggested you use a 3/8 inch rabbet.
Finally, you are ready to star ripping the pieces to the width measurement that you wanted. Once you have done this, you will now have four pieces.
On the outside frame pieces, you need to make the cove edge. This is the last pass that is needed.
Now you have all of your profiling done you can go ahead and cut the frame with your miter saw or your table saw.
Once you are sure you have cut the frame to the proper size you have to fasten the joints. You can choose which technique you want here. You can use tack plates if you like but not on hardwood. Consider corrugated nails or chevrons for this. If you are familiar with working with biscuits this method may be good to use in some cases.
Use a picture frame clamp to hold your pieces together for drying. You should also consider reinforcing the joints with dowel plugs to give your frame good strength.
Want to build shed plans and woodworking projects the easy way? Download your free shed plans now.
MyShedPlans offers you over 12,000 shed plans and woodworking patterns. It comes with detailed blueprints and diagrams. Learn how to build woodwork easily with woodworking patterns.
From storage shed plans to garden shed plans, MyShedPlans cover them all!
As seen on Woodcraft Magazine, these free shed blueprints and woodworking projects makes shed building fun and easy, even for beginners.
If you have not already started, learn how to build a shed with the step by step guide and plans. From small birdhouses to large garden shed, you will find something you need.
free shed plans
shed plans free
building a shed
shed designs
build a shed
storage shed plans
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