Picture Framing

[kmealy]

I've made a few hundred picture frames from 4"x5" to 4'x6'.  Here is a decent article
https://www.woodmagazine.com/woodworking-how-to/layout-measuring-marking/the-art-of-picture-framing

I get tools and supplies from United Manufacturers Supply  https://www.unitedmfrs.com/, a few from Dick Blick https://www.dickblick.com/ and the onsie-twosies from a couple of local art supply stores.  I have bought some stuff from the stores like Michaels and Hobby Lobby, but find they are not the most cost-effective (they once tried to charge me $100 for a $12 mat board because that's what they would have charged to have a mat cut that size). 

 

I usually make my own framing stock, cutting the profiles with a router and the rabbet on the table saw.  Assemble, sand, optionally stain, and apply a finish.

 

You certainly don't need all the tools, but it makes things faster and easier.  And for the price of having 2 or 3 things professionally framed, you can buy all the tools you need.  I'd get them in this order :  Mat cutter, ATG dispenser, point driver (that you can also use to mount glass in frames or cabinet doors with shorter points).

 

There's another good and more indepth article here.  The guy that wrote it did a good job.



 

DIY-Picture-Framing - Copy.pdf

[lew]

Thanks for the links! Know what you mean by the overpriced “hobby” stores 

[Cal]

Thanks for the articles, always looking to up my game in this area.