I have a print that needs matting and framing. Have you gone to a matte and frame place lately? Like eveything else it's pretty expensive.

So I decided to make a frame. Pine was okay for this. I'm going to paint it afterwards but I wanted to make my own profile.

After sketching up the profile I liked and getting the SWMBO to sign off on it, I began to create the profile.

I started with the first edge bead.

I scratch stocked back and forth with various cutter blades and finally finished it to match my sketch.

Here's the result:

On one side as shown, you will see a little notch. This will be opened up with a rabbet plane that I my made to firm the step for the matte and glass.

Thanks for looking!

Cheers!!

MrRick

I make my own frames and cut my own mats. But, the prices they are charging are outrageous- just for a blank mat board!

Ain't that the truth! For years I was a professional artist and used to get my stuff matted and framed. Even back then I quickly learned to do my own cuz I thought it was pricey.

Even more so now! Prices are out of sight.

Nice work Rick. That's quite a "vintage" plane you're using.

Thanks @Grandpadave52 It's a Lee Valley Scratch Stock and then I will use this (below) for the rabbeted notch.

Edited March 7Mar 7 by MrRick

Based on the number of sawtooth hangers and D-rings I've gone through, I estimate I've done about 200+ picture frames. Almost all of them I've done my own frame material and all of them mat and glass cutting. Many years ago, at a woodworking show, I took a 2 hr or so class in framing. I ended up buying the mat cutting equipment, ATG, point driver, and other products, most of which from United Manufacturers Supply . They have very good products and good prices. Lately, I have had to buy a few mat boards from a local art supply, and yes, they are expensive these days. I've also nearly exhausted my supply of single strength glass and art glass. I've found that the commercial suppliers locally won't sell to you unless you have a storefront and buy $25K or more a year. It's a very closed door environment. UMS doesn't care.

I've expected people to say buying the specialized equipment (mat cutter and point driver) is expensive, but I figure by the time I've done 3 or 4 frames myself instead of paying to have it done, I've paid for them. I've also had to repair some frames and mirrors on moving claims and at retail stores. Used my tools and experience on them.DIY-Picture-Framing article only.pdf

I have all the equipment too. Very useful to have.

One I made a couple of weeks ago for a grandson getting married this year. The needlework was done by my mother, who passed away about 3 years before he was born.