| Picture Frames: Cutting Rabbets and Mitered Corners |
From "Woodworking"
episode DIW-210 |
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Are you looking for a woodworking project that will utilize the small scraps of wood on the workshop floor and that can be given as a gift? Make picture frames!
Creating Rabbets
A rabbet is a notch in every frame created to hold the artwork or photograph (along with a glass overlay if desired) in place. A rabbet (figure A) can be created using a router, but DIY Woodworking host Bruce Johnson prefers a table saw.
Materials: Table saw
Scrap or small pieces of wood
Thin-lead pencils
Ruler or tape measure
- Set table-saw blade 1/2" above bed and 1/2" away from fence (figure B) to create a standard rabbet (which will narrow the wood along the inner edge of the frame and create a groove).
- Use push stick to guide wood as it's being cut to prevent the wood from kicking out.
- Kick first measurement on the horizontal edge of the frame (figure C). Then go back and cut the vertical edge to meet the first cut and notch the wood.
Creating Mitered Corners
Mitered corners are two 45-degree angles joined to create a 90-degree angle. It adds a more finished appearance to most woodworking projects.
Materials: Radial-arm saw or table saw
Miter box sled
- Although a miter box and saw (figure D) can be used (a saw with a minimum of 14 teeth per inch prevents splintering), there's no way of determining an exact angle. In addition, the slots get larger after a few uses, creating rougher cuts. A radial-arm saw or table saw provides the best results.
- When creating miters, use first cut piece as a pattern for consistent cuts on all pieces.
- When using a radial-arm saw (figure E), use framing square to check two miters and make sure they create a perfect right angle (figure F).
- A table saw creates a good miter cut, but the guide included with the saw shouldn't be used, as it can create inaccurate cuts. Spare materials can be used to make a miter-box sled (figure G), which can ensure perfect miter cuts on the table saw. To create a miter-box sled, Johnson uses 3/4" particleboard (plywood can also be used). Runners are attached on the back to align with the grooves on the table saw, and a top guide piece is added to protect hands. On the top, 2 pieces of wood are glued at a perfect 90-degree angle. To make cuts, wood is aligned with one of the 45-degree angles (figure H) before the miter-box sled is guided into the table-saw blade.
Sponsored Resource
> Click here to order your tools and materials for this project from Woodcraft!
RESOURCES :
Making Picture Frames
Model: 1550745050
Author: Linda Hendry
Fine Woodworking: Making Picture Frames
Author: Stuart Altshuler
# 014032
The Taunton Press Inc.
Website: www.taunton.com
Woodworking.com
"One woodworker helping another."
How to Make Your Own Picture Frames
Model: 0823024520
Author: Hal Rogers and Ed Reinhardt
Table Saw Techniques
Model: 0806942681
Author: Roger W. Cliffe
Mastering Woodworking Machines (Fine Woodworking Book)
Author: Mark Duginske
Publisher: Taunton Press
ISBN: 0942391985
Band Saw Handbook
Model: 0806963980
Author: Mark Duginske
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