What is art? Critics and theorists are totally free to debate the concern constantly, but we think it’s pretty easy: If there’s a frame around it, then it’s art! Less easy– but not so complicated that you shouldn’t give it a try– is building your own photo frame. Starting woodworkers love this task, and for lots of others it can be a terrific money-saver. Within just a weekend, supplied you have access to a couple of standard 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 general method no matter what kind of wood you wish to use (or take place 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 construct an 11 ″ x 14 ″ photo 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 2 4-foot-long pieces. These should be exactly the very same width, so pass the wider of the two through the table saw a 2nd time. (Naturally, if you ‘d desired the frame wider or narrower, you would have set the table saw accordingly.).
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 product (or to use a mat) of substantial density, accommodate it by developing a more generous rabbet.
Step 3.
Utilize a miter saw to cut one end of both boards at a 45-degree angle, bewaring to make certain that the rabbet runs along what is to become the inside of the frame. To put it simply, once 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 choose among 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 preliminary 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 pair of identical pieces. On the two leftover pieces, repeat the procedure of measuring, marking, and cutting, this time using as a guide the shorter side of the picture to be framed. Make sure 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 place the rabbet groove to the inside. Dab wood glue onto each joint, then attach the pieces together by means of brad nails. Two nails near to each outside corner ought to work. Clean away any excess glue right away. Let dry over night.
Step 6.
Sand the picture frame framing security hardware, then wipe away any sawdust with a wet fabric. When you have allowed sufficient time for the wood to dry entirely, it’s safe to use your option of finish. (If you’re building with attractive lumber, I recommend 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 backing over it. You have numerous alternatives for protecting everything in place, including glazing points or brads.
Congratulations, you have actually developed a work of art: You may even decide to leave the picture out entirely, due to the fact that the frame itself is such a work of art!