What is art? Critics and thinkers are complimentary to discuss the concern constantly, but we think it’s pretty simple: If there’s a frame around it, then it’s art! Less simple– but not so complex that you shouldn’t give it a try– is developing your own photo frame. Beginning woodworkers love this task, and for many others it can be a great money-saver. Within only a weekend, offered you have access to a few basic tools, you can make a picture 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 steps apply in a basic way no matter what type of wood you wish to utilize (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 intend to build an 11 ″ x 14 ″ photo frame from a 1 ″ x 4 ″ maple board that measures 4 feet long.
Action 1
Setting the table saw at 1-1/2 ″ (from the blade to the fence) bear claw picture hangers, rip the wood board into 2 4-foot-long pieces. These need to be precisely the very same width, so pass the larger of the two through the table saw a 2nd time. (Of course, if you ‘d wanted 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 among 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 product (or to utilize a mat) of significant thickness, 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 make sure that the rabbet runs along what is to end up being the inside of the frame. Simply put, once you have actually ended up cutting an angle into each board, the rabbeted edges ought to be opposite the longer (and pointier) side.
Step 4.
Procedure the longer side of the picture you are going to frame; add 1/16 ″ to that measurement. Then select among the two boards and transfer that total measurement to its rabbeted side, marking the distance. Here, cut a 45-degree angle, this time in the instructions opposite to the initial angled cut. Next, put the 2nd board over the one into which you’ve just now cut a 2nd angle. Mark the 2nd board, then sufficed so that you have a set of identical pieces. On the two remaining pieces, repeat the process 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.
Assemble the four pieces into a rectangular shape, keeping in mind constantly to place the rabbet groove to the within. Dab wood glue onto each joint, then fasten the pieces together by means of brad nails. Two nails near to each outside corner ought to suffice. Wipe away any excess glue instantly. Let dry overnight.
Action 6.
Sand the picture frame framing security hardware, then wipe away any sawdust with a moist fabric. Once you have actually allowed sufficient time for the wood to dry completely, it’s safe to apply your choice of surface. (If you’re developing with appealing lumber, I advise finishing with linseed oil.) Having ended up the piece, flip it over so the back (rabbeted) side is facing 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 numerous choices for securing everything in place, consisting of glazing points or brads.
Congratulations, you’ve created a work of art: You may even decide to leave the picture out completely, because the frame itself is such a masterpiece!