Making Picture Frames with a Sliding Mitre Saw - A woodworkweb.com woodworking video

How to make a picture frames with a sliding mitre or chop saw is easy when you know the secrets of frame making and understand how to set up the saw to make perfect cuts.
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[@billsmith3042]

Contrary to the critics in the comments, as a total novice i find your videos to be perfect. I need things to be explained methodically and with a rationale, and you do this perfectly.

[@dublintoo]

Me too. I am a total novice and I like to see things step by step and explained so I understand what it is I should be doing. I appreciate it when someone takes the time to do this. Thank You for that!

[@bernadettekapocias842]

Same here! This was clear and understandable. It's intimidating being a novice, and I feel much more confident now! Thank you!

[@stephanieprice5780]

Same here, I love how you take the time to show us each step. You are one of my favorites!!

[@jonathanpalumbo5003]

While working on a frame in my shop, I became so frustrated that I put the piece down and came to my office. I searched for a video on making precision miters and found this video. After watching it I returned to my shop and followed this video step by step and VIOLA!!! I created a beautiful frame. Thank you so much for this invaluable information.

[@lrobinson1792]

Invaluable indeed!✏📏📐😊😎🇺🇸

[@jakizer]

At 63 yrs old, I’ve probably watched 500+ woodworking videos on KZbin. This is the first one I’ve ever been compelled to make a comment. What you have presented will enable me to perfect a technique that will open up many different projects to complete. Thank you so, so much. I simply love your channel. Have a Merry 2019 Christmas!

[@grady9752]

I have several miter saws, both compound sliding and conventional. I have made sacrificial fences for all of them. The keys to frame making are accuracy and consistency. Having a sacrificial fence is a way to achieve both. Being able to visually reference the kerf cut from the blade on the surface of the fence allows you to know exactly where the blade will enter the work piece. Along with either a movable stop block or pencil markings on the fence, you can control the cuts to have both precision and repeatability, the hallmarks of quality frame making. Ten minutes of making that fence will save you hours of frustration. Colin is spot on with this.

[@Brentlythomas13]

I spent all day creating frame pieces yesterday without a stop. Last night I said I’d never do it again. Thank you for this video! Now I can’t wait to do it again! Really enjoy your work!

[@MrAfroSheen]

Colin doesn't waste any time and plans what he's going to present. Some people don't realize that making something like this frame actually takes a few minutes longer than this but Colin smoothly edits out the repetitious parts. He strikes a great balance and gets the job done and shows the viewer how to get the job done with no bull.

[@kmwrites7456]

Colin, I love your teaching. I am a 73 yo woman just getting back into woodworking and have discovered your videos. Very helpful, thank you.

[@autumngrace8541]

50 and just learning.

[@roasty80]

I want to sincerely thank you for taking the time to make this video. no one has explained why the joins can be off and now after watching your video and building a similar jig im making perfect picture frames . I cant thank you enough

[@knecht105]

Hey Mich, thanks for taking the time to comment and for giving more detail. I read all of these and appreciate it when people can give some details of what they like. Great to have you with us Colin

[@krisinc3539]

You remind me of shop class back in high school, my wood working teacher was amazing and shared the same safety protocols as you. Love your video's, very comfortable and warm approach to teaching, well done and thank you for taking the tie to make these videos, thumbs UP! Chris

[@knecht105]

Hi Everett, Great to have you with us. Both the table saw or router work fine for 1/4" rabbet, although the router version is often a bit cleaner. The main difference is that the table saw works best if the project has not been assembled so you are working with long straight pieces of wood. If the project has been assembled and you have corners, the router can be a better choice. Thanks for commenting and for the good question Colin

[@knecht105]

Between the corners and getting the two opposing sides equal lenght, that's really the secret ... good luck with your frames and thanks for commenting Colin

[@knecht105]

Hey guys ... thanks for comments, it's very much appreciated when others know the work and time that goes into many of these vids. Many Thanks !! Colin

[@chrisgriffith1573]

As an artist and a woodworker, I make a spacer to lift the pieces off the fence, so that when the 45 is butted against the stop block, it is true to your measurement every time. This avoids the possibility of the sharp angle wedging into the crack between the fence and the stop block, possibly making your measurement short. The spacer just has to run the distance between your blade and stop short of the spacer block. It could be as simple as a 1/4 inch strip of plywood cut to length. I have made spacers to fit standard sizes of frames. This way you can be accurate and faster in producing standards. Anything in between will be covered by the standard bridges, because the spacers does not have to run the entire distance.

[@winty2721]

Yesterday my mitres were an embarrassment. After watching this video today everything lined up perfectly. Totally understood exactly what I was doing wrong. Given me a lot more confidence. Thank you Colin 🙏

[@richarnaud7794]

So were mine.(mitres).even after watching the video. lol..but that was my fault..I did exactly what he said alot of people do..get 3 good sides and the 4th doesnt line up..I bet if you used Trig, you could cut the overall length dimension instead? (and still get your inside dimension..Wouldnt it be easier figuring out your overall dimensions?? Just asking..you would just need to know the width of your frame with what you want on inside? Its been awhile so i forget the math but i know you can do it. awesome video though..Thanks Colin..I would really like to know about if you can do it with the overall dimension. If not then why? I'm curious..no big deal.

[@sdouba]

As an artist, I frequently need to frame my artwork. The prospect of the challenges that I face was discouraging to say the least. I just finished applying your method and was pleasantly surprised how easy it is to implement your instructions. Thanks so much for generously sharing your knowledge and skills.

[@knecht105]

Yeah I know, same with me, I still prefer the table saw but so many people asked about doing it with sliders, we felt we needed to address their questions. I only wish I had one of those frame shop guillotines, that's real frame making. Thanks for taking the time to comment ... great to have with us Colin

[@knecht105]

Hi Keith, that's one of the great things about woodworking, often many different ways to do things. I agree with you about the table saw, I also find it works best for me for these kinds of projects. Thanks for taking the time to comment, nice to hear what others are doing :) Colin

[@bryanmaclean709]

This video appear to be made at least 5 years ago. Even so, it is still current in 2018. Over the years I have had need to make an occasional picture frame. Never could get it right. Close but not close enough. Your video was most helpful. Like many of the commenters, I made just about every mistake you covered. By reference I am echoing all those that comments on how helpful the video is. The few detractors have probably forgotten what it is like to be a beginner and the need for slow paced, clear, and easy to follow instructions. Keep up the great work. I have bookmarked this video so I can refer to it again in the future when needing another picture frame.

[@michaelnguyen3692]

Thank you for taking it step by step. It’s so nice to watch someone who teaches to complete beginners rather then to other experts. Loved it!

[@jeffmoyer1]

Thank you!!! So simple and something I’ve struggled with! Can’t wait to make my own frames now. Thanks, Colin.

[@Urbanmoon]

Thank you so much for this video. The tips you shared made a HUGE difference for me! My old chop saw is not properly calibrated so checking with a proper square, using the wood fence and that little block made all the difference! Thank you!

[@paulprs9703]

I've recently bought a sliding mitre saw and this video has helped so much in getting a frame to fit accurately thank you very much for taking the time to put this together another excellent tutorial.Paul

[@poepark5860]

First off thank you for all your hard work in making these how to videos. I do a lot of woodworking but have always had trouble with frames using a mitre sled for table saw, now using your technique I make many frames and they are perfect.

[@marie-helenegagnon732]

I was trying to make a floating frame for my own artwork. Thanks for the help. I was having difficulty repeating perfect angles. Now to set up! So excited!

[@stephanieray6587]

So incredibly helpful, Colin, and not just for picture frames. Thank you.

[@Enredandonogaraxe]

I edit my own videos for my channel and I know how much effort and time is needed, so I appreciate every minute of the video. When you find a channel like this or like thewoodwhisperer one, time is not that important because you know it is a masterclass.

[@juliepiper7058]

Totally agree! And the plug, well if I’d a Sliding saw, it’s good to always be thinking about unplugging it! A bit lengthy yes, but as a beginner, very necessary. I am just questioning a little bit about the “the pinning it togerher” I assume that is a nail gun Not a staple gun? And if we don’t have that tool, what else would be suggested? Thank you! 🙏🏻

[@richarnaud7794]

@@juliepiper7058 glue and a belt clamp..I mean as a woodworker there is always something you need or don't have..at first. I'm slowly building my tool arsenal. I ordered the belt clamp thing that supposed to work good with picture frames. I will try the dowel pins also. That is just kinda overkill..It's a picture frame..The precise location of putting the dowel pins in is a whole other step that can be skipped. I suppose if you have to do everything the old fashioned way then more power to you. Maybe if it falls off the wall it will stay in one piece with dowel pins, probably not with glue. .

[@knecht105]

Always have to work safely, especially when so many people are watching. Thanks for the comment on the sliders, my experience is not as positive, have always found them great for basic construction but a bit lacking for making accurate picture frames, sounds like I need to upgrade my level of quality in sliders. Thanks for the comment, we listen to all of them. Great to have you with us Colin

[@knecht105]

I know my videos are too long .. but many thanks for the positive response. I am working at making them shorter :) ... Great to have you with us Colin

[@stevechandler2630]

Thank you so much, your way of making 45d angles is fool proof.. Im new to woodworking and I have really learnt something here, you have made a real soul distroying joint which I keep struggling with seem so easy, the Penny has now dropped lol.. Fantasic video, and once again. THANK YOU .... Steve

[@brianwilliams8033]

Colin, I used this set up tonight to make a mock-up box (per my wife)for my son’s graduation in May, it worked perfect. Thanks for the video!

[@christinek3122]

Frick you made that look easy!!!! Thank you! I've been making frames with a hand saw and miter box. The plug in one I just bought will make this so much easier!!!!!! Thank you for the set up walkthrough! ♥️

[@johnrodebaugh7120]

Excellent, I’m setting up for a 45” X 37” picture frame that will have glass as well. Thank You for the simple way to set up and get accurate corners.

[@ArmyMum4]

Thank you so much. This was my first time and you made it look easy. I appreciate it. I also love how my first frame came out!

[@anthonyseelbach6591]

THANKS!!! YOU ANSWERED A LONG TIME PROBLEM I HAD MAKING FRAMES> THANKS !!Tony Seelbach

[@knecht105]

+Anthony Seelbach Glad this was helpful, thanks for commenting

[@scottlouis7785]

Years ago all of that hit me & I got it figured that out & has saved a lot of time The sharp blade sure helps

[@anadoolin]

This was the best video for me, of many that I have watched, to get my miter cuts straight. My miter cuts are always tricky, and even though I have become much better at it, and occasionally get some perfect, it always takes me way too too long. I wanted to know a trick to getting the sides perfectly equal. This is exactly what I needed. and that backer board does the trick for me. Thank you for the video.

[@jericurtis4873]

Thanks!! I took "frame making" class a cupla years ago. ...learned more with this video.

[@eternalfizzer]

Thanks for the primer - that was enlightening (I just tried to true up a frame I made and had exactly the problem you show at the start.) Now I know how to set my mitre saw for better corners.

[@knecht105]

Thanks for the comments, we ALWAY love to hear ideas from others, we will put these done for future considerations. Thanks for taking the time Colin

[@gregoriovii8746]

YOU ARE STILL THE BEST OF THE BEST. LONG LIFE TO THE KING!!!!!!!

[@knecht105]

Yes, the stop block is used basically as a measuring device, and yup, depending on the wood, if you press too hard you could feather the end, but in our experience we really didn't encounter any problems with that, but thanks for mentioning it, it could be an issue with some. Great to have you with us and thanks for taking the time. Colin

[@oxcart19]

Colin, I don't know if you still read comments from videos you posted 8 years ago, but I find all your videos so helpful. Thanks for showing us all the step by step details -- we beginners need someone to show us how that sliding stop block was made, that we should cut the backer board to 45 before we start cutting the picture frame to 45, etc. All the little things that add up to make the process run smoothly. I really appreciate your teaching style.

[@knecht105]

Hi Andy .... thank YOU for taking the time to comment, we appreciate the thought Colin

[@teretrigo24]

oooh my god!! Where were you during my entire life!!! you are so clear, you teach so good!! thankyou for everything!!

[@knecht105]

lol ... thanks Emanuelle, appreciate your comments Colin

[@vkess1]

Thank you Great Wizard. I just spent 2 hours doing what you said not to ( after the fourth corner didn’t line up). Tomorrow I’m going to start over after watching this (and replacing the blade my miter saw came with :). Thanks again.

[@SutchiroPete]

Thank you for such a clear and helpful video. The only thing more frustrating than not getting my angles right is not being able to do the dry fit to see if things fit properly. That right angle frame set up you have to push against is a great idea. Thank you for being so generous with your time, sir.

[@eriksmith6873]

Wow, great idea. In making picture frames with a power miter saw, I've been able to figure out how to make good 45 degree cuts, but not how to get the sides exactly of even length. Now I see how to do it!

[@knecht105]

Hi Steve, thanks for the note. You could use either a table saw or a router with a dado bit to cut our that rabbet on the frame. My experience with both is that sometimes, depending on the wood and the grain, the router choice tends to fray the wood, the table saw is my first choice. Great to have you with us and thanks again for the question. Colin

[@sylviafuller2737]

Thank you so much! I am an artist and have been frustrated making so many mistakes when framing. Now they are correct with your help!

[@jameskerrdesigns]

Excellent, clear simple instruction using a chop saw and a few inexpensive tools. Worth watching the entire video. As an artist, I need to be able to make as much of my frames and stretchers as I can to save $$. thank you!

[@alanpayne1442]

I've made a few picture and notice board frames in my time but I've learned a couple of valuable tips with this video - thanks again.

[@lydialas8756]

@Hello Alan how are you doing dear

[@knecht105]

Glad you liked it, thanks for commenting Great to have you with us Colin

[@RazorRedPresa]

I've watched a few videos for frames and this is by far the best, absolutely perfect technique for perfect frames done so easily and exact!

[@ranmac54]

You described exactly the problem I was dealing with. Your solution worked. Thank you so much.

[@123bobbob111]

You are an excellent teacher. Thank you. I have a cheap saw and now I understand why my joints were always out. Dodgy angle settings on my cheap saw.

[@knecht105]

Thanks for taking the time to comment :) Great to have you with us Colin

[@debjordan4399]

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and experience. I have quite a few frames to make as I have been painting since 1970. Your video is the best I have watched for setting up a miter saw to cut the frame pieces. I don't have access to a table saw but I do have a miter saw.

[@knecht105]

Yeah I know, but sometimes I get stuck for the proper names, and intend on reshooting but this one slipped by ... but you guys with those sharp ears always catch me out :) Great to have you with us Colin

[@mikeeldridge637]

I am in process of making mirror for my bathroom using crown molding. I am glad I saw this before I started .Thanks so much.

[@katiel557]

Thank you so much for this video! You have a great way of explaining things, best woodworking channel I’ve found on KZbin!

[@wolfgang9378]

Man I wish my high school offered classes like this

[@johnwhitley2898]

Kudos!!! "Ding" and the light came on when you said "parallel sides = length..". I'm glad this popped up in my list search....I have to crank out three or four simple frames, may as well refresh/relearn my memory skills and I am happy I did!! Thanks for showing me how!!

[@stevendoornbos3083]

Looks like it is time to go out and finally purchase my good-quality chop saw. Have wanted to make picture frames for my gallery prints I make for a long time. Now I have the confidence to do it. Thank you very much for your excellent teaching on this video.

[@knecht105]

Steven Doornbos Picture framing can be very expensive and picture framing is fun when it all comes together

[@lydialas8756]

@Hello Steven how are you doing

[@tomwest1478]

Excellent video instruction! The only thing I would have added would be the vertical alignment of the blade. Your instructions are clear and to the point. Thanks a bunch!!

[@lydialas8756]

@Hello Tom how are you doing

[@martawagner3687]

Thank you for your videos, I love the way you take your time to explain step by step what you’re making. I’m so grateful to have found your channel. God Bless you.

[@mathewsjenkins]

Thank you, you explained what I was doing wrong and then clearly showed me how to do it right. Excellent work.

[@knecht105]

Thanks for taking the time to comment Matt

[@raulsanchez4493]

I need to dress up the access to our attic & I never realized it’s just a picture frame. Thanks for your informative videos!

[@knecht105]

Hope it helps! Thanks for watching!

[@knecht105]

Thanks for the note Dave, great to have you with us. We would love to see some of your projects some time on woodworkweb. Thanks again for posting Colin

[@skymasterson01]

Some very helpful advice clearly put. I'll definitely be using the plastic set square and backer board from now on, many thanks

[@lorenzodelgado685]

Thanks to your video I probably not get frustrated making picture frames. You where a great help. Again thank. All your videos are very educational

[@knecht105]

Nope :) all good here Phil. I have no problem with viewers trying to help me out, and most people are pretty good about things ... like yourself. Great to have you with us Colin

[@thelegacyofjack]

this was SUPER helpful. Thank you. I would avoid making 45 joints because I'd mess them up. Very excited to try this.

[@knecht105]

Thats a great idea, thanks for sharing. Great to have you with us Colin

[@JamesThompson-se9ov]

Absolutely fantastic. I am a novice and really appreciate your attention to detail. Lots of YouTUbe videos lose me because I don't have an understanding of what they consider basic knowledge. For everyone that thinks he went too slow - change the playback speed to 1.5 or even 2. I do this for subjects I am comfortable with.

[@DiannaAtherton]

I first watched your video many years ago. It is my go to refresher course LOL. I think you are an excellent instructor.

[@cobra4246]

Colin thank you for posting this it was a great help to me make frames for my wifes crafts

[@dougreed6248]

Very educational solved a lot of problems I was having getting perfect mitres.Thanks!!

[@shadow5710]

Thanks for all your hard work. If not for people like yourself posting videos I probably would have never done a lot of the home renovations I completed

[@knecht105]

Thanks for the note ... congrats on the new tool, should make your woodworking life even more enjoyable, Thanks for posting, great to have you with us. Colin

[@rodneytorres5538]

Thanks for the tips. Incredibly easy and functional. Now to get these frames done, thanks again.

[@MichaelSmith-nk4yq]

Thanks for the info on the Mitre Saw setup. That will make a big difference on my framing joints. Always enjoy your teachings 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[@jumpinghoops]

You're a very good teacher. Thanks for taking the time to help others with your knowledge and experience.

[@leonardcantrell5662]

Thank you, now I know how a picture frame is made with a sliding mitre saw and I like Slow. Keep up the good work.

[@knecht105]

You are welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@arya1033]

@@knecht105 great wark sir my self Dharmendra Kumar from India i am Big fan u

[@lydialas8756]

@Hello Lamar how are you doing

[@gregrobinson87804Apple]

From a beginner....thank you.

[@knecht105]

Thanks for commenting ... always great to have visitors from Puerto Rico :)

[@simonzero3815]

How refreshing to be able to watch instruction at a gentle pace. Perfect. Thank you.

[@carlschultz4131]

Thank you very much. I was a picture framer for 30ish years and this is very informative. I still would like to order frames length and unfinished but I did not want to invest in some expensive mitre saw, which appear to be a vanishing breed.

[@knecht105]

You're welcome Carl!

[@lydialas8756]

@Hello Carl how are you doing

[@knecht105]

Thanks for taking the time to comment ... great to have you with us Colin

[@edwardhowell6800]

I have been trying to fix my corners by re-cutting and you made everything easier to follow, I found that my carpenters square was not true 45 . Thanks for the help. Ed

[@n8sot]

I love re-visiting these older videos!!!!!! Still a great video Collin!!!

[@user-zc2es4go2t]

Very clean lesson thank you,

[@knecht105]

Hmmm, you could try this method but I haven't had much look with it. I generally have to go back to the table saw for box making. Thanks for taking the time to comment ... great to have you with us Colin

[@knecht105]

I agree with you ... there are time we have so much going on that little details slip by us and it's not good. We thank viewers who call us on this, we need to make sure we are always following and showing best safety practices. Great to have you with us Colin

[@knecht105]

Thanks for the comment, I am always worried that my videos are too long, and perhaps for some they are but there have been very few complaints. We always appreciate it when people comment about the videos, this way we can work at making them better. Thanks again for taking the time Colin

[@tonyedwards9405]

Thank you for this and all of your awesome videos. You have helped me so much and I appreciate it!

[@DEG1985]

Best teacher on the internet at this time, thank you for sharing your great knowledge with others, we appreciate the calm and detailed way of your videos. The other videos are very fast and you cannot retain what they are trying to teach.

[@whitneym2049]

This is the most useful video I've seen on this subject. Thank you!

[@knecht105]

Whitney W Thanks, glad this was of help, thanks for the comment

[@jimholden2738]

I found this video extremely helpful. I do some stained glass panels and the end result are glass panels where the size may differ. Framing using mitered corners and measurement have been my Achilles heel. This has cleared the problem up for me. Thank you.

[@lydialas8756]

@Hello Jim how are you doing

[@Brandon-jc9um]

Lol! This is exactly how I messed up my frame. The compound error resulted in a huge gap on the last corner. He is correct, the recut made matters worse. Thanks for helping me figure out what I did wrong here.