framing question

Not sure where else to post this and this section is about finishing so here goes....

I am wondering how many here build their own frames and how they join the corners. I wonder if just a proper glue joint is enough? If using a mechanical fastener then what tool to install fasteners?

Thanks in advance.

http://www.ehow.com …09_make-wood-picture.html

http://www.kjwoodworki​ng.com …-Wood-Picture-Frames.html

If you have the equipment to do them, I've personally always liked mitred half laps with backing strips.

Cut your 45 degree mitre similar to how you would normally do it, but this cut is only 1/2 way through the top of the material. On one joint piece you trim away all the top material so it stays with a square end. On the other joint piece you make a square cut below your face mitre so it then forms a butt joint with the lower part of your first piece. Glue and clamp these.

Backing strips can then be made with thin ply material that extend beyond the corners. This is glued and clamped over the back side of the joint. These can also be inlaid to keep them flush with the rest.

I've used Cascamite wood glue in the past which is used for, amongst other things, boat building. It holds well. The pros use little sprung steel widgets that pull the cut faces together when hammered into the rear of the frame. These and the tools to use them are readily for sale from framing suppliers on the web.

Thanks to everyone for their replies. Right now I am leaning toward gluing the corners and then re-enforcing with Vnails.

I own a high volume frame production company. The glue is the most important part. A proper glue on a good cut should provide a corner that is stronger than the rest of the frame. We use CornerWeld wood glue.

We apply the glue and then we apply v-nails to help hold the corner while the glue dries. The v-nail also provides a different type of long term support. V-nails are not perfect for holding some tall mouldings so sometimes we add some painters tape to across the top to provide a little extra support as the frame is staged in the assembly area.

Custom framers will often use corner vises to hold the frames.

Cheers,
Mark
http://www.framedestin​ation.com/

Mark,

Thanks for the reply. I have always believed that a properly done glue joint is stronger then the surrounding wood. At the same time we are talking partial end grain and/or composite materials. I was hoping to avoid the v nails but it seems to be the best way to go. Will look at the corner weld. Already plan to use corner clamps.