Picture frames

[Luckbox]

I am making a set of picture frames for my father. I have them glued up and they seem pretty strong but since all I did was glue them together I was wonder if they would be strong enough. I was thinking strengthen them with a spline since I glued end grain to end grain. Is this the best way to go?

[jl]

... strengthen them with a spline ...

That is the method I use. It is strong; is fairly easy to make and looks good if using contrasting wood.

[just4funsies]

From the back side, you can insert a couple of "V" nails across the miter seam. They are available from Woodcraft, or from pretty much any framing store or art store. If you wish, pin nails can be used from the edges, or small brads. You just putty the holes up (they're small). I am happy using small biscuit joiners (FF size) when the framing has the bulk to accept them. With a good glue, they are quite strong.

[Pappy]

I've done some with glue only and haven't had a problem. Prefer to add splines.

[WayneJ]

[QUOTE=Luckbox]I am making a set of picture frames for my father. I have them glued up and they seem pretty strong but since all I did was glue them together I was wonder if they would be strong enough. I was thinking strengthen them with a spline since I glued end grain to end grain. Is this the best way to go?[/QUO

The latest issue of Shop Notes shows how to do splines.They have a sled that holds the frame for cutting the spline slot. I want to build one as soon as the weather warms up.

[Luckbox]

Thanks for all the input. One more question. WHat is the best method to hold the picture in, are there frame clips or something of that nature?

[scorrpio]

Glue-only should work fine as long as done properly. End grain should generally be sanded to a finer grit (up to 320 as opposed to 220 for edge or face grain). Also, since it is more absorbent, it is a common practice to 'wet' the end grain with glue, wait a bit, apply more glue and then clamp - clamping right after initial glue application may cause end grain to absorb the glue and starve the joint.

The strongest way I know of to join frames and make it look like a regular miter is to use mitered mortise&tenon.

To hold the picture in, there are many ways. If the backing of the picture is inset into frame, you can tap in brads from inside around the perimeter, or nail in strips of thin moulding. If picture is likely to stay in frame for a long time, you can glue the moulding in - or just run a bead of silicone. It the backer is flush, you can use cleats, tape it up, and so on. If it sits proud - rabbeted cleats, figure-8 fasteners, many other options.

[John Hunter]

Thanks for all the input. One more question. WHat is the best method to hold the picture in, are there frame clips or something of that nature?

This may sound strange but use Fender Washers! I made a bunch of frames for Christmas presents and they worked great! Here is a link on how they work http://www.rd.com/americanwoodworker...&contentId=309

[just4funsies]

For holding the picture in, I use framing points. They are similar to glazing points, but longer and thinner. Two or three along each side should do. You just push them into the frame (there's a tool if you're gonna do a bunch of them). You can pull them out with pliers, or just bend them at 90 degrees if you want to get the picture out later.