Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. I got lucky with this piece of scrap wood, it really is a beautiful, rich colour to look at. But for the sake of simplicity in this tutorial, we’ll assume that you intend to build an 11″ x 14″ picture frame from a 1″ x 4″ maple board that measures 4 feet long. Share it with us! One of the first projects many beginner woodworkers build is a picture frame. I found that if I scraped for a bit, then performed the same motion on the reverse side of the blade on top of sandpaper, that I could easily sharpen it and get consistent results. If you want a really old look, you can also add some watered down white paint. The picture is going to lie against the rabbet, so if you expect to frame an item (or to use a mat) of considerable thickness, accommodate it by creating a more generous rabbet. Once they were cut, I ran them through the table saw and cut out a rebate on all 4 pieces for the MDF backing board and plexiglass to sit in. I cheated here and used a single kreg pocket hole screw in each corner (with glue) to help hold the frame together. I was a bit worried that using the rough paper would create valleys and dips in the wood, but seeing as it was so dense the machine could really only take off the very outer layer unless I held it in place for a while. (If you’re building with attractive lumber, I recommend finishing with linseed oil.) https://www.prettyhandygirl.com/diy-barn-wood-picture-frame (Of course, if you’d wanted the frame wider or narrower, you would have set the table saw accordingly.). I was careful to always keep it flat and level and just took my time. Once you have allowed enough time for the wood to dry completely, it’s safe to apply your choice of finish. Exactly the same. * Keep track of what side of the jig you make your cuts on. Two sides of the first layer of hardboard: 2 1/8- x 8-inch. STEP 4 Measure the longer side of the picture you are going to frame; add 1/16″ to that measurement. Congratulations, you’ve created a masterpiece: You might even decide to leave the picture out entirely, because the frame itself is such a work of art! About: Hi there! I've been making sawdust for a few years now, but I can't recall ever having made one myself. Use the router table to put decorative edges on the rabbeted strips ( Making your own picture frames can be a fun and rewarding project, and one that saves you some dough compared to paying for custom framing. The following steps apply in a general way no matter what type of wood you want to use (or happen to have on hand), or what size you would like the picture frame to be. Wipe away any excess glue immediately. STEP 6 Sand the picture frame, then wipe away any sawdust with a damp cloth. on Introduction. I think you might be "rabbet" rather than "rebate". I needed to smooth the lengths out, remove the burn marks and get them as flat as possible. Making a Wooden Picture Frame: One of the first projects many beginner woodworkers build is a picture frame. I've been working wood for years, but it's past time that I made the effort to move from the DIY woodworker I am now, to the high quality, furniture making woodwor…, How to Make Charcuterie Boards Using Clear Acrylic Templates. Within only a weekend, provided you have access to a few basic tools, you can make a picture frame to keep for the rest of your life. Using 80grit paper I ran each length over the belt until I was left with a flat surface. If your décor is French country, you can whitewash the wood and use it to frame … Did you make this project? Weekend Projects: 5 DIY Ways to Make a Picture-Perfect Frame, 13 DIY Squirrel Feeder Ideas for Your Yard, The Dos and Don'ts of Air-Drying Everything You Own. 3 coats with a light sand in between here. Thanks for looking, feel free to leave any questions in the comments below and I'll do my best to answer them. Less simple—but not so complex that you shouldn’t give it a try—is building your own picture frame. Mark the second board, then cut it so that you have a pair of identical pieces. I assume red gum or maybe even jarrah but I've very little experience with hard woods so I could be way off. You agree that BobVila.com may process your data in the manner described by our Privacy Policy. You can see in the before and after photos just what a difference it made to the wood, like night and day really. It is a simple build that takes little time but provides great results. I've been making sawdust for a few years now, but I can't recall ever having made one myself. Or your frame will not be square no matter what you do. Once I was finished sanding them, I used an old paint scraper as a cheapo cabinet scraper. As for the wording I think that's an american/australian phrasing thing. If I cut one length on the left of the blade, I make sure that I cut the mating length on the right side of the blade. https://www.countryliving.com/diy-crafts/g27099515/diy-picture-frames I'm Mario, from thewoodfather.com. - A girl and a glue gun Make sure you’re keeping the rabbeted side to the inside of the frame. As you can see, the wood was so dense my saw struggled a fair bit and ended up burning them on one side. https://www.itsalwaysautumn.com/20-best-diy-photo-frame-tutorials.html Dab wood glue onto each joint, then fasten the pieces together by means of brad nails. Arrange the V-Nail so the wings are on either side of the seam and press down on the lever. So for Christmas just gone, I decided to make … Reply It worked wonderfully, you just make short, repetitive scraping motions towards you, and watch the grain completely flatten out and become almost glass smooth. All that was left was to add the photo (which I designed in photoshop) and put a hook on the back. Step by Step! The sled was made following along from this design from Jay Bates. https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-make-a-picture-frame On the two leftover pieces, repeat the process of measuring, marking, and cutting, this time using as a guide the shorter side of the picture to be framed. Thanks! So for Christmas just gone, I decided to make one for my wife as a gift. The wood I chose for this frame was a length of a very dense, red coloured hard wood. Michael Franco. STEP 3 Use a miter saw to cut one end of both boards at a 45-degree angle, being careful to make sure that the rabbet runs along what is to become the inside of the frame. STEP 2 With a router, cut a 1/2″ x 1/2″ rabbet—that is, a rectilinear groove—along one of the long sides of each of the two pieces. This way, even if my jig is slightly out of alignment, the two lengths will still combine to create a perfect 90 degree angle. https://homeguides.sfgate.com/measure-cut-picture-frames-75545.html 5 years ago If you're so inclined, I have more about this project and many others on my website, www.thewoodfather.com. How to make wood frames! Top and bottom pieces of the second layer of hardboard: 2 1/8- x 10-inch. What is art? Having finished the piece, flip it over so the back (rabbeted) side is facing up. Looking around my garage, the only clear coat varnish I had on hand was this one by Feast Watson...so that's what I used. I decided to use my larger belt sander for this task. STEP 5 Assemble the four pieces into a rectangular shape, remembering always to position the rabbet groove to the inside. Though to be honest, this system worked out great anyway, it is strong, square and the joints lined up perfectly. In other words, once you have finished cutting an angle into each board, the rabbeted edges should be opposite the longer (and pointier) side. * The 2 long & short sides must be exactly the same length. Wood salvaged from old barns or other wood structures can be recycled into picture frames to create a charming focal point for any room. STEP 1 Setting the table saw at 1-1/2″ (from the blade to the fence), rip the wood board into two 4-foot-long pieces. Glass and … Burn marks aren't really a big problem, they just look bad. They sit in the rebate and are held in with some small nails that I tapped in on an angle behind them. Apply your choice of finish 3 coats with a flat surface and level and just took my time can in! Frame: one of the two boards and transfer that total measurement to its rabbeted side to the initial cut. 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