Replies

1. 
   Jamie_Buxton | Jul 11, 2003 08:26am | #1

   That's one of the good uses for biscuits.  They're fast and accurate.  You can even get double splines if the frame is thick.

2. 
   NormInFujino | Jul 11, 2003 10:10am | #2

   First off, don't forget that mitered corners aren't the only way possible; you can also use lap joints and m&t, for a couple. For mitered corners, though, I use a homemade jig for cutting spline kerfs in the corners, then glue in an appropriately sized piece of wood.

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   ". . .and only the stump or fishy part of him remained."

   Green Gables: A Contemplative Companion to Fujino Township

1. 
   rodknee | Jul 12, 2003 05:25am | #3

   Is there a good router bit made especially for biscuit joints?  If so what is it called?  Do you need different sized router bits for different sized biscuits?

   And another thing if I wanted some sort of raised design like you see on the fancier frames, is there a router bit that does that well? 

   Yes I am a newbie and will be for a long while :-)  Thanks for the responses by the way. 

1. 
   JDorn | Jul 12, 2003 03:54pm | #4

   Here's a link to a Biscuit Cutting router bit

   http://www.rockler.com/ecom7/findprod.cfm?&DID=6&sku=10329

   You can cut #20, #10 and #0 slots with it simply by chaning the bearing.  I've had one for quite a while and its been pretty useful, though i did recently get a real biscuit joiner cause i needed the ability to do a bunch of angled slots quickly.

   JD

2. 
   SparrowHawk | Jul 13, 2003 01:35pm | #5

   Hi Rodknee,

   To get some of the molding patterns you can pass the frame stile through several router bits. It's hard to explain but each bit leaves it's own mark and if you practice a little you can create various shapes with combinations of bits. Some more intricate designs require building up a rail with several pieces and certain designs have to be done by hand in a small shop. If you are going to be removing a lot of wood with the router bit I would suggest using a table and making a series of passes. I recently got a book called "Making Picture Frames in Wood" by Manly Banister which has a lot of good ideas. He includes a section on matting and glass cutting as well.

   Ken

3. 
   alanplanesaw | Jul 13, 2003 11:57pm | #6

   Having put together thousands of frames, both by hand and machine, there are many ways for it to be done.  It all depends on whether you are looking for an artistic way to do it or a functional way to do it -- and of course the third being an artistic way that is functional.

   One of the most basic ways, if you are talking mitered corners, is glue and nails.  You put glue on the two "sticks," put them in a mitre corner clamp, and then drive small finish nails in predrilled holes. 

   45 years ago I put together many custom made frames this way in my dad's custom frame shop after school.  The nails were set and then the hole filled with a "hole filler" that was the same color as the frame.

   These days I use a machine.  It is called a V-nailer or under-pinner.  Yesterday, in about two hours, I made about 60 frames for my wife's business.  Unless you have money to burn, the cost of this sort of equipment is beyond someone's need to make a few frames.

   Lap joints, mortise and tenon, etc., are all artistic and very functional.  You just need the saws and hand-tool skills to do a good job.

   As long as you can cut true 45 degree corners, the glue and nail method is very traditional and functional.  I have frames hanging in my house today that I made this way 35 to 40plus years ago.  And they have made coast to coast moves.  Very solid.

   Alan - planesaw