How to Make a Picture Frame Sled. Perfect Miters Every Time.

How to make a picture frame sled for perfect miters every time! This genius sled eliminates math when trying to determine the length because it measures from inside the rabbet. In order to make perfect picture frames you need two things… One the two corner pieces must add up to 90° and the short sides as well as the long sides must be the exact same length. Picture frames are not measured by the inside or outside length but by the rabbit so we can set the stop to create a frame for the exact size of your artwork.
Get the plans for this picture frame sled here:
bit.ly/3471zmN
★ More Picture Framing Videos in this Series ★
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Dead Simple Picture Frames: • Dead Simple Picture Fr...
10 Ways to Reinforce Mitered Corners in Picture Frames: • 10 Ways to Reinforce M...
How to make a picture frame clamping jig: • How to make a picture ...
★ TOOLS / SUPPLIES ★
Table Saw: amzn.to/2E89suw
Speed Square: amzn.to/3jgTWk5
Framing Square: amzn.to/2S6CPFK
CA Glue: amzn.to/3cSKgtX
Drill: amzn.to/30l53RD
Palm Sander: amzn.to/3n3BBJK
Paste Wax: amzn.to/3kYK7ro
Digital Angle Gauge: amzn.to/30gx9NQ
Adhesive Backed Sandpaper: amzn.to/346vdZz
Toggle Clamps: amzn.to/349Vc27
Squeeze Clamp: amzn.to/3mZ5ril
Epoxy: amzn.to/3jfjzSt
Drill & Countersink Bit: amzn.to/3cFnohn
Rubber Feet: thd.co/3MkBlmh

[@MakeSomething]

Get the plans for this picture frame sled: bit.ly/3471zmN Frame Glue-up Jig Video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Zl6qqH5nr71jibM Spline Jig Video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGfGY62Jg8meic0 How to Make Picture Frames: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pImWZqyVhqukoK8

[@graysonhill]

I think I figured it out. When you are standing where he is and looking at the saw blade, the right side of the kerf is exactly at the corner of the aluminum square. That's why the sides of the frames are not off by half the kerf of the blade. By first cutting on the jig's left side, you take that half kerf width out of the equation, because you measure the piece from the rabbet AFTER the first cut.

[@MathKJW]

Yes! I made that mistake with my first frame sled and had to add 1/16th of an inch every time. With the second sled, I took into account the kerf … total rookie mistake. Keep the corner to the right of the kerf (from his perspective, facing the camera).

[@Browniejb2009]

I like the contrast that the red square has. Nice improvement from the last one. I appreciate creators who recognize opportunities in their projects/designs and don't hide it but rather share their experiences so we all benefit. Definitely going to build one of these.

[@dinacusic7829]

I'm a professional picture framer and this jig is incredibly impressive! Rule of thumb, make your frame 1/8" bigger than your artwork/matting to allow for expansion

[@burgbuilds]

Huge thanks to you brother. I’ve made a ton of picture frames and I made the first version of this sled. These videos have been a huge help for me. Appreciate you.

[@PhilipMoonTunes]

Holy cow!! I’ve been a woodworker for over 40 years and I must say, this sled is the best idea I’ve ever seen! THANK YOU!!! Definitely on my to-do list! 👍

[@harveysburger]

Just finished mine. Tomorrow will try it out!

[@carbonfe]

Made your original a few months ago and it's been a wonderful addition to my shop. Asked my wife for a mat board cutter for my birthday, which she thought was really dorky. But now, thanks you you Sir, I've made all kinds of frames for my home. Thanks for the updates on this very handy jig!

[@jondunsmore2121]

I've loved the sled I made off your original plans, and experienced every single one of the issues you talked about in this video and can't wait to make my next version along with you to fix them!

[@toddshanley]

This and your crosscut sled are two of the best videos youve made over the years!!!

[@lawrencelewkow152]

I made the stripped down version of this sled and the miters were perfect on a 18x14 inch frame. Thanks so much. The entire idea of matching the left side cut with the right side for a perfect 90 degree angle is brilliant.

[@PeachTreeCrafting]

Fantastic, watched the old one a couple of years ago and now the new one. So useful, thank you!

[@usrzero]

Thanks David - this was on my list of projects and it is great to have your vid on this. Perfect timing!

[@williamreinhard]

Yes! I've been waiting for this video. Can't wait to build it!

[@Mr2at]

Brilliant. one of the best woodworking ideas ive seen for a long time.

[@robmills4709]

Great, informative video. Thanks Dave. As always your passion for your work shows.

[@Harinair72]

Bloody genius... A thing of beauty!

[@jbb5470]

Outstanding upgrade. I made the first one and will be upgrading to your new one! Thanks for posting

[@Maetti1286]

I don´t know what it is about this video, but out of all of your videos this is one of my favorites. I think it is, because it is well explanied and calm.

[@krishields2]

I like this approach for frames. Using the aluminum square for this was brilliant. I must add to my collection.

[@JimSollows]

I’ve looked at many frame jig videos. This is so perfect! I’m making this! Thank you!

[@BrianArsenault]

Very timely update! I’m just about to make a picture frame jig for myself, and will build this version. Thanks!

[@karl_alan]

I love the aluminum square idea. Never seen that before, but it is a perfect solution.

[@dagorithe]

Ditto that. That being said, I would still try to ensure accuracy so that the stop is accurate / same angle as the cut line.

[@robertdemarco7989]

Just built this sled . What a time saver its going to come in real handy I have a ton of frames in my future .

[@barefootbandit1]

Love it David. Pure genius

[@smoleyhokes]

The best I've seen. And I've seen a bunch. You did a great job of explaining everything. Thanks for your time.

[@wookieefaced1595]

Hi David, thank you for this. I've seen other videos on how to make a picture framing jig, but didn't grasp the fit-up until you explained it. Now I'm gonna make myself a picture framing jig! Thanks again!

[@fhpdesign87]

Fantastic tutorial. Im half way through making this sled now and ill most likely make the rest of the items from this series.

[@matthewfarrer5778]

Thanks for the updated 'how-to"!

[@alexreid4131]

Whoop whoop! Been waiting for this. Thanks so much brother.

[@GetHandsDirty]

This video is excellent and I'm definitely going to make one of these. Love the improvements and the step by step instructions. Keep rocking, David!

[@MakeSomething]

Thanks Cristiana!

[@SOKPUPPY]

@@MakeSomething So i just bought a table saw and realized it only has one miter slot instead of two. Can you tell me if this is going to be a problem for stability if I don't have 2 slots to guide the sled? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!!

[@sweetpotatoes1749]

@@SOKPUPPY Check out Michael Alm's picture frame jig. His is very similar but only uses a single track. Short answer: you should be fine... Here it is: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6OToWV6gbWHqtU

[@boooshes]

Thanks for the video. One important comment. If the jig is not set up accurately for a 45 degree cut for both ends, the corners WILL make a 90 angle - however the lengths along the cut edge will be DIFFERENT for the cuts. The result will be that if the inside corners are matched up, the outside will be slightly off. On the other hand if you clamp using the outside corners, the inside won't match up precisely. For small angular errors, and narrow framing stock, it will be much less noticable. If you might use wide frames, you will want to get the 90 deg angle between the left and right cut accurate AND you want both left and right cut to be 45 degrees.

[@larams2813]

Your the only one who realizes the jig is flawed if it's not set at exactly 45 degrees. If either side is off as you said the length of each angle cut will be different and not match up correctly.

[@BigJonHose]

You're a genius! Love your videos! Keep it up! Thank you for sharing! This will be probably next on my list of things to make! And your picture frame clamping jig as well!

[@TheMichaelGrace]

Exactly what I needed!!! THANK YOU!!!!

[@tracybrislin]

The best ever ! Covers everything ! Thank you!

[@countrymagic61]

I like this version over your old one. Good idea on using a framing square and using a speed square to align the framing square. This is defiantly and must do jig for one build picture frames. AWESOME!!

[@stevesiefken6432]

This is the best miter jig I’ve seen! Genius!👍🏻

[@deejaymobile]

Love your videos man! Love the way you give actual other options to us instead of just saying “you can use other ways and means to do this” and then just breeze past. Lovw our work and love your music too! “Stay safe and teach us something” :oD

[@patrcrnn]

Being a Plumber, I totally ignored your advice and did it on the miter saw. After many failed attempts, i now see the wisdom of the jig. Thanks for trying to lead the Horse to water!

[@diegoarmijo1426]

One of my Favs!!! I love the improvement

[@77nikkel90]

Finally got to use this jig yesterday , make it several months back. It worked out perfect , cuts were dialed in & this jig made it sooooo easy . Now to make your jig to glue up the frames.CHEERS!

[@MCsCreations]

Fantastic work, Dave! Thanks a lot! 😃 As soon as I can I'm going to make one of those!!! Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@johnvodopija1743]

A great upgraded jig. I agree the aluminium square rule is a good option. Thank you for sharing 👍😎🇦🇺

[@megangoudey360]

Another great video. Definitely need to make one for myself. Also, that notorious RBG sticker. Love it.

[@chrisunrath8343]

will be making this! looking forward to the picture framing videos

[@knotanotherworkshop1102]

I've been looking for a new jig to make on my table thanks David 😊

[@rockin5428]

You da Man David, I'll be making the jig right after I complete my outfeed table! Thanks!

[@WiredWorkshop]

Another awesome jig! I also really like the little side notes you do like talking about the CA glue, I will definitely remember that the next time I go to buy some.

[@michaelkay9442]

Just discovered this video a few days ago. I got the plans and built one yesterday. I finished it up this morning and just buzzed out an 11 x 14 frame from some southern yellow pine I had in my cutoff bin. The miters are air tight and the inside measurements were dead on. Thank you David for one hell of a jig. I have been making picture frames for a long time and thought I had a good system but this one is so much easier! No math just set it where you want it and go!

[@MakeSomething]

Right on, thank you!!

[@anthonyato6342]

Awesome!! I made your latest jig and it came out nice! I made my first two frames, however the miters weren’t perfect, I quickly found out why... my rabbit (sp) was not set to the exact height of the ruler, so that play was likely messing with my cuts. I think to make it easier I’m going to make my rabbit standard and exactly the height of the rule to make it “smoove”!! Thanks for being you and inspiring others!

[@AlaskaWorkshop]

Brilliant, really like how you present projects. Well done.

[@thetiggr78]

Awesome series of videos! Loving it.

[@jackdotzman2908]

Fantastic mitre sled, fantastic video. Thank you. From Missouri

[@BruceAUlrich]

I like the new additions to the jig!

[@ksross08]

Awesome idea using the square!!!

[@domoreofwhatyoulove1752]

One of the best woodworking videos I have ever seen. Amazing technique and very well explained. Thank you so much

[@MakeSomething]

Right on, thanks!!

[@joeyboeller7734]

My favorite part of this video is when you slap the glass into the frame! You are hilarious. Keep up the good work.

[@ragcell]

GREAT video. Finally someone uses some science math to do woodwoking. Love the idea of using ruled aluminum guides to help insure precision. This is a quick and dirty Dubby sled alternative to square picture frames that accounts for the rabbet that throws most picture frames out of wack and causes them to not look right.

[@johnbrender7635]

This video was super helpful, making mine this weekend. Thank You!

[@joemassanova7184]

Great job. This is perfect, making my sled this weekend. Thanks

[@austinvickymoore3656]

Made the spline jig yesterday this jig and the glue up jig are next on my list! Great job!!!!

[@inouveaution]

Excellent jig! I love the "because it's red" reasoning, I'm like that too. I gotta make this one day. 👍

[@MakeSomething]

hehe! Thanks!

[@AdamKirbyMusic]

Awesome build. I'm trying to make picture frames now and it seems like there are a lot of "ok" ways to make them, but very few really great ways that are no frustration.

[@andrewbrown8148]

Great video, Dave~! Your projects are surely shop improvements~! Thanks for sharing~!

[@heyimamaker]

Suddenly I want to frame everything!

[@lindrake8315]

Made the original and love it. I love the idea of the extra toggle clamp. I use to have the same issues. Tyvm. And I did make something:)

[@Ch1oeW]

This is great! So I had some trouble finding an aluminum framing square in my area and it forced me to think of alternatives. I ended up with a very simple solution of using 1/2 ply as the sled and a smaller rectangle of 1/2ply glued on top of it with the factory edges as the fences. I’ll eventually glue aluminum rulers to them. I routered a T track into the one side to secure the 45 angled pierce with a knob. Cheap and easy. Can’t wait to make my first frame

[@JK-jl1bf]

Splines are divine!

[@golfaddict5276]

Just found your site and love it. Very clear and easy to understand your instructions. Now I'm a subscriber, and looking forward to watching all your videos. Thank you.

[@Airn5475]

It almost seems like you need a handle or something to push on. Love the design! Good tip on the square

[@sapelesteve]

Nicely done & executed David! I definitely have to make me one of those picture frame sleds! Thanks....👍👍😉😉

[@jonwills1957]

I still use your old design all the time. I did shorten it because I’m not making super large frames. I really like the second toggle clamp.

[@rryder994]

I was going to mention adding a second clamp.. but then you updated.......nice.

[@raybeis]

Your videos are great - really enjoy the content. One idea for this jig: what about cutting off the little triangle on top of the stop block where it crosses the ruler so you can see the measure more easily? Or at least scribing a line on it and filling with sharpie marker. Great job again!

[@DavidBishopinc]

Great job on the project and video David. 👍🏼👍🏼

[@JANDLWOODWORKING]

Just ordered the plans for the Sled and the Picture Frame clamps Awesome Videos!!

[@MakeSomething]

Thank you!! Greatly appreciated!

[@seanpatterson1609]

Great jig and presentation. Thank you.

[@normanlay]

After many frustrating attempts to build a picture frame with my miter saw I watched Davids super instructional and entertaining video. His presentation was clever and insightful, lots of good tips. I built his sled and it work perfectly, first time. Thanks man.

[@MakeSomething]

Thank you!

[@mikegilchrist6983]

This is an awesome sled, definitely need to make one. Thanks 👍

[@tuddsmithers7101]

Very generous, thank you!

[@dennisdownes9319]

I've made one sled, my first sled. It needs these upgrades and fine tuning. My first sled does have some "inaccuracies," (it is a Bosch Contractor Saw), but a few good things as well. The "Zero Play" runners are great. I wound up putting another clamp on the "B /Second Cut/right side. I found the blade would sometimes lift the piece and cause problems. This was probably compounded because my hands were not always gripping in the best places because they were busy holding down the sled from falling off the edge of the saw. Love the red!! DD

[@KevinLitman]

I've been needing to make a few frames for some historical document replicas I have that are very non standard sizes. This will help immensely.

[@sgsax]

Awesome upgrades to this sled! Best way to figure out improvements is through practical use. I love how this takes the math out of making these cuts. Always good to remove or reduce the chance for human error. Thanks for sharing!

[@geraldscrooby9404]

Hi David love your vids. Also noticed the South African flag next to the left of the German flag. Watching your vids from South Africa. Cheers from SA

[@MakeSomething]

Cheers!

[@islandcharlie7132]

A lot of people are going to make this jig. Thanks David.

[@johnkarapita437]

Got the plans. I have been waiting for this one. Thanks, David for this updated design. Looking forward to making something - from across the border in Canada 🇨🇦! Also, I can't emphasize enough the point David makes at 18:15 - check your blade! I ran into some trouble since my blade was just slightly out of 90 degrees (it looked fine, or so I thought). I had gaps in the miters and couldn't figure out why at first.

[@JohnMadeit]

It nice to see how you got on with the jig and making improvements

[@SethMesser]

bravo. well done sir. appreciate the amazing explanations too.

[@Dumpasaurus42]

Dude this is exactly what I needed!

[@arineey4538]

Just made this. Awesome jig! Be careful make sure you line up the left edge of the square up to the right side of the blade slot.

[@TheDalejr881]

Awesome improvements!!! Need to make this!!! I have several picture frames to make coming up.

[@stephencushing730]

I just made one based on your idea and it works great !!!

[@philmininni5981]

5 stars. This one is a keeper for me to save. I have made a jig and it is a pain using formula and outside measurements. I am going to try to attempt your jig. Thanks for a great video and your positive attitude and encouragement.

[@itfnt]

I learn, I laugh, I love you, man!

[@tommyammo6135]

We got a video for this, we got a video for that yeah sure fuggettaboutit!! Love what you do man.

[@MrJamesw1958]

Just wanted to say thanks for the great ideas, I'm in the process of making the miter sled now, using a piece of 3/4" oak plywood, I had some 3/16 scrap to use under the square which I figured it will just allow me to make a little stronger stop block which is out of solid oak. Thanks again for the great idea. Second note I have a small shop in the corner of the garage and space is limited so I attached a interior door I had laying around covered both sides with pegboard and two hinges attached to a heavy metal shelf unit. So I can close it up to the back of my bench I also put two casters under it. So it swings open and makes my space bigger then I just close it up and pull the car in.

[@jb413]

Been waiting years for this video! Thanks!

[@RoseWoodWork]

I don't have a table saw yet but I'll consider this for the future. Great video!!!

[@johnshamp6110]

I made one after watching your video and love it already. Keep up the great vidio info.

[@montanabarnwood8985]

I've always wanted to know how to make a high quality frame. Found you by watching the frame miter jig. And kept watching. I am going to use this technique for some picture frame style drawer fronts. Will make the miter jig....clamp jig....and spline jig based on your design. And since I have a pile of barn wood do some frames out of that. Subscribed. Thank you for inspiring me. And whoa!!!!! You have a bunch more videos on other things!! Love it!