Re-enforced miters on a picture frame

[oldhudson]

I’m a big fan of the Dowelmax, doweling jig. There are lots doweling jigs on the market but IMHO it is the best of the lot. I use it most because I find it much easier than making traditional mortise and tenon joints.   However, that’s not what this post is about. I used it this weekend to re-enforce the miter joints on a picture frame.

 

Miters on picture frames are inherently weak joints. Just those small end grain areas of glue. Using splines to re-enforce miters is a great method and with contrasting wood very attractive. They are not very difficult if you have a decent table saw. But the frame I was working on had a profile, with a concave surface, on the outer edge. While this doesn’t prevent using a spline it makes it more difficult.

 

I could and have stapled the back of the frame. That’s fast and cheap but it’s not a very professional looking project.

 

And there is the biscuit joint. I have a nice biscuit joiner but for some reason it doesn’t get used in my shop very often. So I don’t know how difficult it would be to set up to re-enforce mitered corners.

 

So on to the Dowelmax. In making mortise and tenon joints I use a 3/8†dowel but for the frame I need a ¼â€. So I changed the drilling sleeves and set up a test. Then moved to the project and drilled all 8 holes. The whole process took about 15 minutes. 

 

It's a great way to re-enforce miter joints.

 

(For the record I am not now nor have I ever been employed by Dowelmax and have no connection direct or indirectly to the company or it's staff.)

 

P.S. If you notice the wrinkled shiny surface on the last pic - I put Saran Wrap over the oil painting to protect it while it's in the shop. I kindof a klutz and afraid I'll destroy the painting.

Edited March 10, 2015 by oldhudson

[Scrolling Steve]

Thanks for sharing!.....That has got to be a strong union

[Kepy]

I have used my biscuit joiner very successfully on picture frames.

[Dan]

Nice frame. I don't have tools for re-enforcing miter joints. I have been pretty lucky with just glue and clamping. I have several hanging in the house that were made over 10 years ago. I figure if they haven't given up the ghost yet they should hang in there for several more years. 

[amazingkevin]

I'm always will to learn new tricks.I hate frames as I'm terrible on making boxes or anything square.This looks fool proof enough .Now i wish i hadn't let my biscuit machine go which i never knew how to use .But now the dowel sounds just like the ticket for fast and strong .Thanks!

[jamminjack]

Berry

 

I am very pleased to see your craftsmanship goes far beyond scroll sawing.  It is a pleasure to see someone going the extra mile to fix something as mere as a miter

joint, taking the time and expertise to do such a top notch job.   My hat is off to you sir....That is the sign of a true craftsman....  "YA Done good boy"

[oldhudson]

Nice frame. I don't have tools for re-enforcing miter joints. I have been pretty lucky with just glue and clamping. I have several hanging in the house that were made over 10 years ago. I figure if they haven't given up the ghost yet they should hang in there for several more years. 

Overall I've had good luck too but on this 21" x 24" frame with glass as well as the print it gave out some years ago. Of course the glass shattered and since then I've re-enforced frames with glass. I've been ask to make a frame for a large living room mirror so I'm working on ideas. The frame in question will have 2 or 3 dowels at each corner.

[Phantom Scroller]

Berry there are so many ways to make frames biscuits,v nails,glue and loads more but a dowel certainly makes for a good joint, always great to have the right kit. I like the framing did you buy it in lengths? Roly

[oldhudson]

Berry there are so many ways to make frames biscuits,v nails,glue and loads more but a dowel certainly makes for a good joint, always great to have the right kit. I like the framing did you buy it in lengths? Roly

I picked up a couple of 8' lengths or this "architectural molding" at a local big box store (Menards). It was pretty cheap too, although I don't remember the cost, something like $6 or $7 per section. It's quite soft. I think it's a wood composite of some sort. It even came with a rabbit.

[Dan]

. It even came with a rabbit.

Must be Easter molding. He he. (A little seasonal humor.)