Custom portrait frame

[EIEIO]

I was asked for some details on how I made a picture frame so I put this PDF together. I'd be happy to hear any suggestions for improving the process.

http://www.rmhayes.us/resources/Making+a+custom+frame.pdf

BTW - Here's the microwaved Model A in that frame...


Thanks for looking.

[Keefie]

Ray, that was a very good & clear set of instructions. Thanks for taking the time to make them for us.  My only problem is I don't have a table saw, I'm going to try it usung a band saw and a router table for the rebate.

Keefie.

[EIEIO]

Ray, that was a very good & clear set of instructions. Thanks for taking the time to make them for us.  My only problem is I don't have a table saw, I'm going to try it usung a band saw and a router table for the rebate.

Keefie.

Keith - that should work just fine but the corner slot might be tricky. Maybe a 45 degree wedge for the router table? Please let me know how it works for you.

[Rapid Roger]

I enjoyed the tutorial. Good job!
I make a lot of frames myself and have a few tricks and jigs to make a few things a bit easier and quicker but, basically the same method.
As we all know there are a BUNCH of ways to skin a cat. 

Rog

[countryscroller]

Great instructions! I like the look of the contrasting splines.

[jrpeteo]

Thanks Ray, saved a copy for later.
Pete

[dirtrider73068]

Good instructions, I am wanting to try my hand at making some frames but want to use weather wood like fence panels, to me I like the old weather look.

[GrayBeard]

Thanks for the pdf, Ray!

Saves me a lot of trial and error.

I have a pocket hole setup that I have adapted for joining the pieces and so far it has worked well.

~~~GB~~~

[ahumat]

super MERCI

[Gabby]

Can I borrow your table saw and frame clamps?
Naw forget it I'm scared spit-less of table saws
a skill saw is scary enough but I can use one.
I'm fortunate to have a miter saw for the angles and a router
to cut the rebate for the picture if I get energized enough to
make a real picture frame that is. LOL
Thanks for the tutorial Ray,
Gabby

[jeff44]

I have been looking for a tutorial on making frames for some of the Indian pictures I have been making.  Where did you find the frame clamp?  Jeff44

[EIEIO]

I got that frame clamp from Menards, but it was a little expensive (I think $35) and it's not the easiest thing to use.

Here's a site about making a similar one but out of wood. I didn't try it yet but someone else told me they work well. Might be worth a try. Note they put the tightener on the wrong side.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kATTbpJVehI

Another:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGAKIVe-IaY

[Rapid Roger]

I've made a frame clamp very much like what EIEIO's video shows but, instead of the "ready rod" (all thread) I just use a clamp to pull the center blocks together. Much less screwing around  and it makes the clamp smaller and easier to store and set up being in two pieces. By leaving the corner blocks a bit loose (just so they move easily) the whole rig is basically self centering and works quite well.

Rog

[spirithorse]

Excellent tutorial, Ray!
What do you mean by MICROWAVED Model A, please?
God Bless! Spirithorse55 at hotmail.com

[EIEIO]

Excellent tutorial, Ray!
What do you mean by MICROWAVED Model A, please?
God Bless! Spirithorse55 at hotmail.com

Spirithorse - I cut that Model A in a piece of 1/4" thick solid poplar (not plywood) from Lowes. The pattern was spray-glued on like I always do. After cutting, I needed to remove the pattern. I'd read that a microwave oven can be used to separate the pattern from the wood after cutting. The microwave melts the glue and the pattern peels off. I put the piece into the microwave for 1 minute. When the bell rang, the poplar was burning in two places, scorched black all the way through the wood. You can still see one of the burns in the lower left corner of the piece. The other burn is covered by the frame.

I had used the microwave before without a problem, but since this happened I've stuck to mineral spirits and/or the Weller heat gun to soften the glue.