Anyone Make Their Own Frames?

[minatophase3]

I am thinking about making my own frames as I already have some woodworking equipment. Does anyone else do this? I think it would be nice to take the picture, cut the mat and make the frame.

If anyone else is doing this I would appreciate any advice. I just picked up a framing book but haven't had time to read it yet. Looks like it should be a lot of fun though.

Tim

[dtrayers]

My other hobby is woodworking.

Here is the best woodworking forum you'll find on the net:

http://www.woodworking.org/

If you have pictureframing questions I'm sure someone there will have some tips.

I personally haven't made many picture frames, but the most difficult part is cutting the mat. You might want to order it pre-cut.

Also, a good clamping system is essential. There are several types. I know Fine Woodworking has reviewed them in the past. You can search their web site or find back issues in the library.

[vfilby]

I frame things but I don't make my own frames. I buy a cheap wood frame from a store usually around $15CDN. I immediately toss the matte and backing because they are not acid free. I then take precut mattes (I have them cut for about $3 CDN) and acid free foam core backing. I mount the photo on the matte using acid free tape and then assemble and seal with butchers tape.

I figure the whole ordeal costs about $20CDN. Just make sure you get acid-free materials.


Vince

[Roach711]

I've built quite a few simple frames in my wood shop. After cutting a big project there are always narrow cutoffs that can be used for picture frames.

I rip the stock 1 in. to 1 1/2 in. wide by 3/4 thick by however long, then on the router table cut a rabbet for the picture & glass. I change to a cove bit then cut a cove in the front of the stock.

I then miter the pieces to length on a chop saw then glue them together using a strap clamp to hold the corners tight (checking for squareness and flatness. After the glue is dry I usually spline the miters especially if it's a large frame (cutting a kerf across the miter then glueing in a spline to reinforce the end-glued miter.

You can get an inexpensive mat cutter for around $50 (if memory serves) and get mat board from an art store.

[jgbeam]

I made a bunch of frames when my wife was an art student. I used metal frame kits and cut my own mats. The mats are a snap with a decent mat cutter. A good investment if you plan on doing much framing. If you buy a 20" x 30", precut mat with a 2" border, you are also buying the material for a 16" x 26", a 12" x 22", a 8" x 18"..... you get the idea. BUT you aren't getting the material! :cry: The mat maker sells each of these mats to somebody else - all from one 20" x 30" board.

If you only plan on doing a few frames and don't want the hassle - Michaels Craft Stores has a fabulous selection.

Jim