Crafting Custom Picture Frames: A Router And Table Saw-Free Guide

Building a picture frame without a router or table saw is a great DIY project that can be done in an afternoon. You can use a miter box with a hand saw to cut the wood at straight 90-degree angles or 45-degree angles. You can also use a Kreg Jig or pocket hole jig to join the pieces of wood together. The frame can be customized to any size you need, and you can use inexpensive wood such as pine or more expensive wood like oak or cherry to give it an upscale look.

Cut and glue the pieces of the frame

To cut the pieces of the frame, you will need to cut the wood to length for the stiles and rails. Mark the wood with a pencil and ruler or tape measure, ensuring your markings are accurate as this will guide your cuts.

For this project, you can use a circular saw, a table saw, or a hand saw. If using a circular saw, attach a straight-edge guide and align it with your pencil marks. Set the cutting depth of the saw to correspond with the desired depth of your groove. Ensure the saw is unplugged while making adjustments. Plug the saw in, position it at the end of the guide, and slowly push it along the guide until you reach the end of the groove.

If using a table saw, install a dado blade set and adjust it to the width and depth of your desired groove. If you don't have a dado blade set, use a standard table saw blade and set the blade height to the desired depth of your groove. Push the wood through the blade with a push stick or push block.

If using a hand saw, use a miter box to guide your cuts.

Once you have cut all the pieces to size, apply wood glue to the ends of the rails, position them on the stiles, and clamp them together. You can also use pocket screws to join the pieces together.

Use a miter box and hand saw

Using a miter box and hand saw is a great way to make a picture frame without the need for power tools. This method is simple, inexpensive, and effective, allowing you to easily frame anything, regardless of size. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Set Up Your Miter Box

Get yourself a miter box, which can be purchased for a low price. This tool will enable you to cut thin pieces of wood and molding without needing power tools. Clamp the miter box securely to a sturdy tabletop, ensuring that the clamps don't obstruct the wood.

Step 2: Measure and Cut the Wood

Place your picture frame molding or wood against the miter box. You can cut the wood in three different positions: a straight 90-degree cut or two different 45-degree angle cuts. The first cut is typically at 45 degrees. This cut will help you measure how wide you need to make the frame.

After determining the width, line up the marked line with the blade's cutting edge and cut the other 45-degree angle. This will be the top piece of your frame. Repeat this process for the bottom piece if your frame is rectangular. For square frames, all four pieces will be of the same length.

Step 3: Assemble and Glue the Pieces

Once you have all the pieces cut, it's time to glue them together. Apply glue to the ends of the pieces and clamp them together until dry. This will form the four corners of your frame.

Step 4: Reinforce the Corners (Optional)

For added reinforcement, you can use a light-duty stapler or small nails to secure the corners of the frame. This step is optional but can provide extra strength to the joints.

Step 5: Cut Out a Piece of Cardboard

Find a piece of cardboard, preferably from a spare box, and cut it to fit inside your frame as backing. Trace the shape of your artwork or the glass/acrylic sheet you plan to use, then cut out the cardboard with a utility knife.

Step 6: Attach Picture Hangers

Attach sawtooth picture hangers to the back of your frame, placing one at the top and one on the side. This will allow you to hang your frame in different orientations.

Step 7: Sand the Frame (Optional)

Use sandpaper to smooth out any sharp corners or edges, paying particular attention to the corners. Also, sand off any excess glue to ensure a smooth finish.

Step 8: Secure the Picture and Cardboard

Use a light-duty stapler or small nails to secure the picture or glass/acrylic and the cardboard backing in place. Push pins can also be used to hold everything against the back of the frame.

And there you have it! You've created your own picture frame using a miter box and hand saw. This method is straightforward and doesn't require any complicated tools or cuts. Now you can easily frame your artwork, pictures, or anything else you desire.

Cut rabbet with a table saw

While building a picture frame, a rabbet is a groove that is cut into the wood to fit the glass and artwork. Rabbets can be cut using a table saw with a dado blade or a standard blade.

Using a Dado Blade

When using a dado blade, an auxiliary fence is required. This is a narrow strip of wood or plywood that is clamped to the rip fence. The blade is then raised slightly above the table, with the rip fence covering most of the blade. A test piece is then passed through the blade, and the fence is moved incrementally away from the blade until the rabbet reaches the desired width. The depth of the rabbet is adjusted in the same way.

Using a Standard Blade

When using a standard blade, the rabbet is cut in two passes. The first pass, with the workpiece facedown on the table, cuts the rabbet to the correct depth. The second pass, with the workpiece stood on edge, cuts the rabbet to the correct width. It is important to ensure that the waste piece falls away from the blade during the second pass, and to use a zero-clearance insert to support the workpiece and prevent the waste piece from becoming trapped.

Safety Considerations

When cutting rabbets with a table saw, it is important to be aware of the blade, as the blade guard often needs to be removed to make the cut. Additionally, it is recommended to use a riving knife and guard for added safety. It is also important to ensure that the workpiece is held down and against the fence to avoid kickback.

Join the face frame and glass frame

Joining the Face Frame and Glass Frame

Now that you have your face frame and glass frame ready, it's time to join them together. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Centre the Glass Frame

Place the glass frame in the centre of the face frame's opening. Use a diagram or measurements to ensure it is centred accurately. Mark the locations for the countersink holes, which will be used to attach the two frames together.

Step 2: Use an Awl

Use an awl to create a starting point for your drill bit. This will help ensure that your drill bit stays in the correct position and doesn't wander when you start drilling.

Step 3: Drill Countersink Holes

Drill countersink holes on the back of the glass frame. These holes will allow you to attach the glass frame to the face frame using screws. Make sure the holes are drilled straight and deep enough for the screws you will be using.

Step 4: Attach the Frames

Apply wood glue to the back of the glass frame, ensuring it covers the areas that will be in contact with the face frame. Position the glass frame onto the face frame, lining up the countersink holes. Use wood screws to attach the glass frame to the face frame. Make sure the screws are tight and secure.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

Once the two frames are joined together, you can finish the frame by sanding it smooth and applying paint, stain, or leaving it natural. You can also add a piece of cardboard or backing material inside the glass frame to give it a more polished look and protect your artwork.

Now your custom picture frame is complete and ready to display your favourite photos or artwork! You can also add picture wire or a hanging mechanism to the back of the frame to hang it on your wall.

Finish the frame with paint or stain

Finishing the Frame with Paint or Stain

Now that your frame is built, it's time to finish it with paint or stain to protect the wood and give it a polished look. Here are the steps you need to follow:

Step 1: Sand the Frame

Use fine sandpaper (80-grit) or 220-grit to sand the frame and create a smooth, quality finish. This step is crucial as it prepares the surface for the paint or stain. Take your time and be thorough, as stain and finish will reveal any sanding flaws instead of covering them up.

Step 2: Fill Imperfections (Optional)

If there are any small defects in the wood, such as splinters, cracks, knots, or holes, use a wood filler paste to fill them in. Allow the filler to dry completely, and then sand it smooth. This step will help you achieve a flawless finish.

Step 3: Apply a Coat of Plaster (Optional)

For an even smoother finish, especially if you plan to use a glossy paint, apply a coat of plaster (such as ULIROC) with a knife over the entire surface. Avoid cheap, greasy plasters, as they can affect the final finish. Let the plaster dry completely.

Step 4: Choose Your Paint or Stain

You can choose to paint your frame with acrylic paint, which is easy to apply and offers a wide variety of colours. Alternatively, you can use a wood stain, such as an oil-based or water-based stain, to enhance the natural beauty of the wood. If you choose to stain your frame, make sure to select a product that is suitable for the type of wood you are using. Hardwoods like walnut, oak, and mahogany stain well, while softwoods like pine and cedar can be more challenging and may require more patience.

Step 5: Apply the Paint or Stain

If painting, apply a thin coat of primer first to help the paint adhere better. Then, use a brush or roller to apply your chosen paint colour, following the direction of the wood grains. Allow the paint to dry completely, and then lightly sand it with very fine sandpaper. Finally, apply a second coat of paint and let it dry.

If staining, use a foam brush or a clean rag to apply the stain evenly, following the direction of the wood grains. With oil-based stains, you can adjust the shade by wiping away any excess after application. The sooner you wipe away the excess, the lighter the shade will be. Allow the stain to dry for at least 24 hours, and then apply a second coat if desired.

Step 6: Protect Your Finish

Once you are happy with the paint or stain, protect your work by applying a finishing coat, such as a clear aerosol lacquer or furniture wax. This will add an extra layer of protection and give your frame a beautiful shine.

Frequently asked questions