What is art? Critics and theorists are free to dispute 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 building your own image frame. Starting woodworkers enjoy this project, and for lots of others it can be a excellent money-saver. Within only a weekend, offered you have access to a few basic tools, you can make a picture frame quality 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 apply in a general method no matter what type of wood you want to use (or occur 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 intend to build an 11 ″ x 14 ″ image frame from a 1 ″ x 4 ″ maple board that determines 4 feet long.

 

Step 1

Setting the table saw at 1-1/2 ″ (from the blade to the fence) bear claw picture hangers, rip the wood board into two 4-foot-long pieces. These must be exactly 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 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 significant thickness, accommodate it by producing a more generous rabbet.

 

Step 3.

Utilize a miter saw to cut one end of both boards at a 45-degree angle, taking care to make certain that the rabbet runs along what is to become the inside of the frame. To put it simply, as soon as you have ended up cutting an angle into each board, the rabbeted edges must be opposite the longer (and pointier) side.

 

Step 4.

Measure the longer side of the picture you are going to frame; add 1/16 ″ to that measurement. Then pick one of the two boards and transfer that overall measurement to its rabbeted side, marking the distance. 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’ve just now cut a 2nd angle. Mark the 2nd board, then sufficed so that you have a pair of identical pieces. On the two leftover 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 four pieces into a rectangle-shaped shape, remembering always 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 to each outdoors corner ought to work. Clean away any excess glue instantly. Let dry overnight.

 

Step 6.

Sand the picture frame framing security hardware, then clean away any sawdust with a wet cloth. As soon as you have enabled enough time for the wood to dry entirely, it’s safe to apply your option of surface. (If you’re building with appealing 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 backing over it. You have several options for securing everything in place, consisting of glazing points or brads.

 

Congratulations, you’ve developed a work of art: You may even decide to leave the picture out totally, since the frame itself is such a masterpiece!