Thread: Photo Frames - What tools are best?

Hey Paul,

The saw doesn't make that much Difference, I have a handsaw in a box and also a Mitre Trimmer, Carbatec sell them as do some of the framing suppliers. I even use the trimmer on small boxes it will do up to about 90mm, I'd attach a picture but I'm at work and don't have any here. (don't tell the Boss)

The metal band clamp is the only way to go as you get better joint pressure, Have a look at the Frameco site, there are some great tips there. I did a course with them and it was the best money I ever spent.


HazzaB

Try here;
Framing & Mitring : CARBA-TEC

Originally Posted by HazzaB

Hey Paul,
The saw doesn't make that much Difference, I have a handsaw in a box and also a Mitre Trimmer, Carbatec sell them as do some of the framing suppliers. I even use the trimmer on small boxes it will do up to about 90mm, I'd attach a picture but I'm at work and don't have any here. (don't tell the Boss)

The metal band clamp is the only way to go as you get better joint pressure, Have a look at the Frameco site, there are some great tips there. I did a course with them and it was the best money I ever spent.
HazzaB

Thanks for the quick reply HazzaB.
So this would be what I need and provide accurate joints? Carba-Tec Large Mitre Saw : CARBA-TEC

I did see a mitresaw on the frameco site for $188 but if the carbatec one will do the same job I'll go that way.

Originally Posted by yowie

Try here;
Framing & Mitring : CARBA-TEC

Cheers for the link yowie, I was actually just looking at that page!


I have another question if you don't mind? When joining do you glue and use dowel or biscuits?

I have one of the frameco tools that push in the v-nails but have struggled with these on hardwoods in the past.

Thanks again for your help guys.

An easy way to improve the fit of imperfect miters is to clamp the pieces in corner clamps with a gap along the miter line. Saw through the miter with a hand saw, so that the kerf engages both pieces. If the miters were very imperfect, it may take two or more cycles. The corner clamps assure 90-degree corners, and the final kerf has parallel sides for a perfect fit.

If you anticipate the need for correction, make the pieces slightly oversize to compensate.

Cheers,
Joe

I have also tried mitre joints but found that I am not getting the best fits. What I have been thinking is to cut by hand or saw and use a shooting board to clean up the edge.

Frustrating hey Christos! I think I'll keep practising on cheap timber till I get it right.

Like HazzaB, I use the Mitre Trimmer.



It is the easiest way to do perfect mitres. Cut slightly oversize with your cheap saw and then shave the mitre to size.

Give me a PM if you want to try a few joints and you can visit Margate.

You can design around the problem and not use mitres, things like corner blocks or arts and crafts style even Japanese.

There are lots of ways of getting accurate mitres, you just have to find one that works for you and the tools you have.

If you have a table saw or bandsaw, there are good jigs you can make for your mitres. Youtube is a good resource, as well as this site.

I use a very good SCMS (tried the $60 job, not so hot) and have no problems. You need to get the angle and the length right for all pieces.

For assembly, I use a folding wedges jig. I posted about it on the forums recently

I glue and v-nail.

HTH

depending on how wide you timber is I mostly use a biscuit joiner to put frames together with a little glue. Works a treat once you have the mitre's sorted, glue it then put a small brad in the corner and sit it on a nice flat surface without using clamps. I've done lots this way at work and the customers are always happy with the end result

Originally Posted by digitalgiraffe

and have failed dismally with my cheap $60 sliding compound saw. It doesn't cut accurate 45degree joins. You get what you pay for right?

The old trick is to cut both pieces together, then it doesn't matter if the angle is out; it's out on both of them and so they still line up.

Originally Posted by KevM

Like HazzaB, I use the Mitre Trimmer.



It is the easiest way to do perfect mitres. Cut slightly oversize with your cheap saw and then shave the mitre to size.

Give me a PM if you want to try a few joints and you can visit Margate.

Thanks for all the responses guys, the advice is really appreciated!

KevM, I'm ordering in a Nobex Champion 180 mitre saw and if I don't have any luck with this I might just take you up on your generous offer. Cheers!