I’ve been searching online for do-it-yourself and hardware sites but haven’t been able to find anything that doesn’t involve expensive machinery (miter saws, etc.), and technical instructions that I don’t understand. I have a limited edition print that I won in a silent auction; I’m anxious to hang it but reluctant to pay $100 or more for framing when I figure I can do it myself. But can I?
I thought I might be able to make a frame using molding from the hardware store. The print came with a 1/4" foam board. I’d like to have at least one mat and a simple, light wood frame. Seems to me that the main problem is the mitered corners. If I bought a machine that can do that, I might as well get it done professionally. Tools on hand, only the basics: a small hand saw, pliers, various types nails, hammer, drill with various kinds of bits, staple gun, various kinds of glue including glue gun, and industrial strength velcro. I wouldn’t mind buying more tools if I thought I’d have more uses for them. The print measures about 26" x 15." Measurements are a bit flexible, as the print has a very large white border.
You can get a plastic miter box that might be accurate enough, but why not just go tho the local art shop and pick out a DIY frame of the correct size? The glass is going to cost as much as the frame anyway.
beowulff is right about the miter box: you’ve got to make perfect 45 degree cuts (or two complementary angles…there are ways to correct it if you are a little bit off - you have a block plane, right?). Now that you’ve got your workpieces cut to the proper lengths, how are you going to clamp them for the glue-up? Are your staples long enough? Pneumatic? Use a good wood glue like Titebond II. You may need to buy or make a clamping jig to keep your corners square. You also need a router to make a rabbet for the glass, matte, and print w/foam. Is your molding thick enough? It better be about 3/4" thick (1/2" rabbet, 1/4" meat left over). Were you planning on staining or finishing it?
Are there any “You Frame It Yourself” type stores in your area? That might be cheaper than having it done professionally and you’ll probably get a better end product than if you did it yourself at home. If you can find a stock frame with the correct dimensions, as beowullf suggested, just get that. I don’t want to discourage you; making something yourself is almost always more rewarding.
Okay, you’ve lost me. I thought this could be a simple project but apparently not. I’m talking real basics here. No I don’t have a block plane and don’t even know what that is. I’ll try to find a ready-made frame. Thanks for the ideas.
At craft stores, you can buy frame sides to make your own frame at whatever size you need. (If your print is some goofy size like 17 x 8, you get a pair of 17’s and a pair of 8’s and snap 'em together.) You may need backing of some sort, but you can get foam board and easily cut it to size with a utility knife.
If you need glass, it starts getting a little more complicated.
Okay, that helps. There’s a store near me that may be able to help with this. Thanks.
If it’s a standard size, you’ll have more options. Often, Target has sales on frames (they have a nice wood “Gallery” line, in black or cherry). Or Michael’s (Arts and Crafts) will have a 40% Off One Item coupon – check their web site.
I’ve made my own canvasses and frames, and that’s why I buy them when I can. I’d rather make art than spend days framing it…
Block plane
It’s like a lathe which means if you fuck up your mitered corners, you can use the block plane to shave one down to the correct angle. I, however, am lazy and not very good at carpentry so I usually just clamp the wood to the table and use a palm sander on it til it fits. I agree with roman numerals dude, the gluing would be difficult. Well, i guess, what I might do is cut a board just a titch wider than the frame and then clamp the pieces to the board. It wouldn’t be as tight as if you had been able to clamp the pieces to each other, but… As for staples, if I were building a frame, I’d probably biscuit join it, rather than staple anyway. It doesn’t negate the need for clamping, though so not real helpful.
Why not go to Value Village, find a frame that is the desired size and re-use it? You can cut a mat to fit with an X-acto knife and a straight edge.
Any plans on visiting the Atlanta area? I can fix you up (family business), but trying to ship a frame that big presents challenges (particularly the glass).
Yes, doing it yourself without woodworking tools is going to be difficult – it’s surprisingly difficult to cut an accurate 45 degree angle.
The ready-made-frame idea is the best. But you’re still going to be spending some money – probably $20+ for the frame and $5-20 for the glass depending on whether your print is standard-sized or not. You may also need an additional mat.
Ready made frames come in various levels of quality – I like the ones that connect with a metal angle bracket that you tighten with screws. This makes assembly and disassembly easy.
Note that most of the hobby/art stores that carry these frames (Michaels and AC Moore in these parts) are somewhat overpriced but will frequently run 20% or 50% off one item coupons every week, and you can usually find the coupons on line. So if you’re feeling really strapped for cash, do a Google search for a coupon before you go.