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

[@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

[@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.

[@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! 👍

[@username14219]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!!

[@ADKJim3232]

That's a great design. RE: end grain gluing. If you brush some glue on the ends and leave it 2-3 minutes then add a bit more before clemping up the frame, the joint will be solid. End grain sucks up glue by capillary action and by doing a second round after the first layer tacks up you insure a good bond.

[@donnac1844]

I ordered the plans for this and built it. What a terrific tool!!! Thank you so much!!!😀

[@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.

[@EduardoBarrientosEddieB.]

Thank you for keeping it simple and using tools that are in everyone’s garage

[@Airn5475]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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).

[@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 .

[@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!

[@QNSwebmaster]

Fantastic. Building this weekend Without this jig it is impossible to have reproducible matching miters!

[@toddshanley]

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

[@rryder994]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@rockin5428]

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

[@GuitarSlinger2112]

I'm going to put some cleats/furring strips on the interior edge so I don't have to modify the lever clamps. Also going to just offset the rules by a 16th longer to eliminate any need to manually drift the stop. Thanks for sharing I could really use something like this. :cheers:

[@JANDLWOODWORKING]

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

[@MakeSomething]

Thank you!! Greatly appreciated!

[@nafitron]

Haven't made a frame yet. Asked by friend yesterday to make one. Thought of David!! I'll be building and using your jigs! You rock-- thanks for such quality products!!

[@MakeSomething]

Thank you Tim!

[@chrisoliver3851]

Wow found this video now I'm making one in my garage...thanks man.

[@JimSollows]

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

[@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

[@harveysburger]

Just finished mine. Tomorrow will try it out!

[@Mr2at]

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

[@Adventures_of_Marshmallow]

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

[@aaronakers3095]

Holy smokes! I built this last year around this time! I love my frame sled. It took all of my frustrations out of building frames. Now everyone wants to know my corners are so perfect! It’s our secret brother😉🤣. Thank you for this tutorial!!

[@MakeSomething]

This makes me happy! So glad it worked out!

[@jbb5470]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@AnthonyAnthony-tk4ye]

Great idea! I would just suggest precutting the sides long at the miter saw, then fine cutting them on the jig…. No need to be fighting a long board and it puts unnecessary stress on the end of the cut (it’s still a problem with the xtra hold-down

[@arcusmc]

You can trim the back L+R corners at an angle to drop the overall weight of the jig. Just a suggestion.

[@stevesiefken6432]

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

[@austinvickymoore3656]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@michaelbedell6523]

I’m back 😁 I’ll be adding a stop just beyond the square to stabilize any overextended stock, as I’m not a fan of reaching over the blade.

[@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!!

[@chrisboyd4535]

This is the first sled I have built and did it today using a cross between the original video and this video. The only part of the original video I used was the zero play slides. I already had them and didn't have 1/8" thick material to make T-slides. Yes, I could have shaved 1/8" strip of wood off of something but didn't think of it at the time. My table saw is a 10" Dewalt job site saw so there isn't a lot of table to it. The sled doesn't slide easily and tips off the back of the table as pointed out in this video. It seems like I need at least 4 hands to make the sled work as it is and that's with pushing the sled with my body; it's even harder to pull it back so I just turn the saw off and tip it up out of the tracks. I'm sure there are tweaks I can do but at this point, tweaking the slides will throw my angles off. First attempt on a frame, the angles were perfect, but the short sides ended up about 1/16" off and the long sides were about 1/8" off. I did not have adhesive sandpaper, but I do have the hold down clamps which should have held the wood in place. Thought about adding handles to help sliding the sled but would still need more than 2 hands. Now I'm thinking about splitting the sled in half and cutting away all the un-necessary plywood. Then I can load up the left side to make the first cut and switch to the right side for the second cut. I'm thinking 2 small single slide sleds should hold the angle and be easier to slide and handle with 2 hands. I'm sure if I split it into 2 sleds that over time the angle may become compromised quicker than a single sled. At some point I will build another sled using a minimalist approach on the plywood and using T-slides instead of zero play.

[@islandcharlie7132]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@philiptownsend4026]

Wow that was a good video. First time viewer here and an instant subscriber. Not only are you inventing cheap and simple tools but your videos are so entertaining, well presented too with beautiful camerawork and editing. Really professional. There's good stuff on KZbin these days and yours is one of the best. Looking forward to watching more of your shows. Greetings from an Englishman in Slovakia (next door to Ukraine!).

[@MakeSomething]

🇸🇰 Thanks!

[@smoleyhokes]

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

[@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:)

[@raven_storm1974]

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!

[@brentn3822]

Really good sled and excellent video, but the advice about not worrying about whether your blade is running at exactly 45 degrees because the two cuts will balance each other out is incorrect. I thought the reasoning and math was sound as well, but then after making it and doing a test frame I realized that by cutting one angle at 44deg and the other at 46deg, all the corner angles would indeed line up but the length of the joint on each piece will be different. The 44 degree cut will be effectively shorter than the 46 degree cut, which makes one piece hang off the end in all 4 corners. But if you take the time to square up the blade perfectly 45 degrees to each straightedge, then check the angle of the straightedges to each other to be 90 degrees, then it all works great.

[@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!

[@jackdotzman2908]

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

[@ksross08]

Awesome idea using the square!!!

[@joeyboeller7734]

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

[@JRDay99]

These updates are fresh. Like a pair of pants, right out of the dryer!

[@bullfrogpondshop3179]

Great idea working from the rabbet instead of the outside of the frame. I just happen to have an aluminum framing square. #Winning!

[@johnvodopija]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@johnbrender7635]

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

[@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.

[@giofredi]

Cercavo questa formula da anni :D Grazie!!!!!

[@osocarpinterocruz6519]

Hey David! Great jig! I saw you struggling pushing and pulling the jig on the table saw, maybe a push stick on it somewhere it does not interfere with the wood strip may help, don’t you think?😬 Greetings from Guadalajara, Mexico. Love your videos!

[@aslvstr]

Yes, a handle near the miter cut, behind the blade, would be good thing.

[@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.

[@77nikkel90]

Sweet , was going to make you jig from years back ... this is even better ... ty

[@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

[@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!

[@curtisdriver8686]

I love the improved jig!

[@BMOORE344]

Awesome, that will save me a lot of headaches. thanks

[@Jeppe.P.Bjerget]

As always a video with great ideas, and tips of how to do things. I really enjoy your videos. Wish you a great week. best wishes from Jan in Norway

[@MakeSomething]

Thanks Jan!

[@JK-jl1bf]

Splines are divine!

[@rubensahak9178]

This is great if your are making frames that are not box style if you do want box style which most galleries like specially framing paintings then that thin surface of ruler may net support thicker stock.

[@brucehudson8105]

Great idea for mitered frames, though I used a T slot instead of a toggle clamp. Cheaper and easier.

[@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!!

[@aslvstr]

Suggestion: Cut off the long-side back corner (The right hand side... It doesn't do anything) Why does the board have to be a rectangle? Make the cut parallel to the edge of the table saw about where the cut starts. It may make the board more manageable.

[@matthewfarrer5778]

Thanks for the updated 'how-to"!

[@inouveaution]

Down the road in BG. The Fall weather is blowing in, can feel adjusting to breathing the cool air. Hope I don't get the typical cold or as we all know this year something much worse. Stay well!

[@TheDalejr881]

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

[@joemassanova7184]

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

[@BrianArsenault]

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

[@Harinair72]

Bloody genius... A thing of beauty!

[@JohnMadeit]

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

[@springbokmarine]

Love this jig! So my stop block space was about 1/8” and the force of the toggle clamp cracked the tiny sliver of wood underneath the ruler. Next time I make it I’ll probably use 1/4” ply. Took me an entire day fiddling with this but definitely worth the pain.

[@rockyling2000]

I've been having this issue also. My first block was Pine and cracked, so for my second, I used a piece of scrap piece of super hard Ipe and made a shallower cut, but it still cracked!

[@rockyling2000]

I'll probably use a scrap piece of plastic cutting board next. Should be more forgiving.

[@megangoudey360]

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

[@ObsessiveAboutCats]

I made this. It works well. Thank you!

[@MakeSomething]

Right on! Thank you!

[@mortensentim511]

Really nice and simple to use. You might want to square off the end of your stop so it lines up with the ruler marks to make reading the measurements easier as you're not blocking the scale.

[@johnshamp6110]

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

[@PeachTreeCrafting]

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

[@fhpdesign87]

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

[@devinredlich7011]

Great stuff. One thought - you could have saved some hassle by drilling countersunk holes in the runners then affixing them to the plywood from the bottom up. Then there'd be no expansion and you wouldn't have to try to sand them back to proper width.

[@Nheeb]

Nice sled/demo. I'd like to see you use it to make a frame with continuous grain. Since it would involve some flipping and flopping and resawing, I think it'd be a good video for you make. For science.

[@BenNawrath]

Hey David, great video as usual! I made a version of your (old) sled a couple of years ago. I made a couple of changes, first is I used a framing square! Just like you did here. Second, is instead of shim strips under the square, I epoxied it to a rectangle of thin hard board. This way I can theoretically adjust the fence to a perfect 45 to the blade, but maintain the 90 degree integrity of the square. I also have issues with the stop staying put with the toggle clamp, so I may add some T track instead. I also may switch to 3/4 ply for the exact same reason as you.

[@BenNawrath]

Also meant to say the sled is WAY better than a miter saw! I cut pieces for nine frames in about 5 minutes and they all fit perfectly.

[@steveferguson1232]

First time watching one of your videos and I love the detail in your explanation of your steps. I’m hooked and yes I subscribed. Now to go watch some more of your videos