How to make professional picture frames

I have had my Bosch Biscuit Joiner for quite some time, but only recently realised the true worth of this tool. At many DIY Divas workshops I have discussed ways of joining sections of timber or board together and based on the cost of the Bosch Biscuit Joiner, have looked at alternative ways that are more affordable - but not necessarily as easy - or as professional.

 

While the Bosch GFF 22A Biscuit Joiner isn't cheap, it is definitely a worthwhile investment if you are looking to start up an SME that focusess on making furniture or cabinet making and decor accessories.

 

One particular project that frequently comes up for discussion is how to make professional picture frames. Using a Biscuit Joiner is most definitely the way to go if you plan to manufacture and sell your own range of picture frames...

For this example I used 12mm SupaWood cut to length and mitred on the corners. On each mitred corner I used my Bosch Biscuit Joiner to cut the slot. This operation took about 10 seconds. When you consider how long it takes to drill and create dowel joints, there is definitely no comparison and the Biscuit Joiner wins hands down.

After cutting the slots it is simply a process of adding a small amount of glue inside the slots - too much glue and it will simply squish out and make a mess. Place a fibre biscuit in one of the slots and then join the two sections together to make a perfect 90-degree corner.

 

To hold the frame together until the glue dries I used a Tork Craft strap clamp. You can adjust the strap clamp to any size and it is perfect for clamping frames.

 

While the frame is clamped it's easy to carry on working. I added a back frame to allow a 5mm rebate or lip around the back of the frame for inserting glass, mounting mats and pictures. When having glass cut, make sure that you measure the inside dimension of the back frame. Have the glass cut about 3mm smaller than the actual dimension. To hold everything in place I used glass clips.

The front of the frame is where you can add your detail with moulding and trim. While the frame is clamped tightly you can measure and cut moulding and trim to fit exactly. You can add as little or as much detail as you want with pine moulding or trim, and with extruded polystyrene crown moulding.