Picture frame BASICS. How to make a simple picture frame using a tablesaw.

[@jorgewiles]

Steve I'm so stoked to have been included in one of your videos, I've been watching and learning from your videos ever since I started working with wood. I hope you enjoy the art piece, the frame you made is beautiful! Funnily enough i have been looking for one of those spray can holders this week, so your tip came at a perfect time! Thank you so much. Jorge (I pronounce it George 😂)

[@NavyCopMA1]

Awesome art work!

[@jorgewiles]

@@NavyCopMA1 Thank you 😊

[@Damon_Barber]

I’m not a horror film fan, but I recognize great artistry when I see it. Great job, @Jorge! And now we have all been a part of that addition to @Steve’s wall! Steve must have thought very highly of it to frame it, make a video of it, and place it on his wall that will be seen in future videos. Not only this, he included the note within the artwork! I absolutely love how Steve stays connected to and gives recognition to his viewers!

[@SteveRamsey]

Your artwork is so awesome! Thanks again. I actually went back and forth on the pronunciation of your name! 😂

[@timothycreasy2161]

Very nice art work Jorge. Congratulations, you made the wall of Steve

[@TheEssexSpurs]

How many of the viewers live in England? I for one do and love these videos even if I am not that great at woodworking. If I make a seed tray I am down the pub for three days celebrating!!!! Keep up the good work Steve.

[@pilottej]

Number of "How to make a picture frame" watched: 56 (and counting) Number of picture frames made: 0

[@ncot_tech]

Number of pictures owned that are stored without frames: More than I can count. For me it's the glass. I'd put effort into making frames, but I can't easily get glass anywhere.

[@Not_TVs_Frank]

@@ncot_tech My local hardware stores have acrylic sheets. Not as fancy, but works fine for frames.

[@JolienBrebels]

hahahaha, I know the situation!

[@dsartain3404]

You reminded me and I feel ashamed. :-)

[@caseadkins2413]

I buy the cheap frames at Walmart for a few bucks and use the glass out of them

[@cd-r8419]

Anyone else heard the fly at 20:23? I like that you let your beard grow. It reminds me the old videos.

[@riuphane]

I thought I'd gotten another mosquito in the house...slapped my own head before I realized it was in the video...

[@jeison28]

Yeap, I wasn't sure, but it was awesome!

[@walth.9544]

Yea fly or a bee that was some sound effect added😆

[@jreitman2007]

yep. I heard it in a couple spots. kind of funny!

[@asafindy]

It was NOT a fly. It was the sound of this video generating a lot of buzz.

[@danmarshall5895]

Our friends just gave us a painting of our last dog who passed 2 years ago. My wife hung it as-is and literally last night I said "I think I'm going to learn how to make a frame. Perfect timing for this video.

[@fo22estgump57]

I love that you have a drill press but you use a cordless drill to show how much you can do with simple tools. Keep up the great work!

[@tonywalker8421]

"We're woodworkers. We love to try to over complicate things!" needs to be your next Tshirt!

[@JohnCran]

Makes you wonder about German woodworkers then? Given their reputation for accuracy and excellence.

[@as7river]

Generally, there's a point when I'm working in my garage shop and I tell myself "ok, I just need to do this and that, it's a simple procedure. I need to do something about that". And often I will add or change something to make the project fancier or more creative. More often than not that results in me finding out new ways not to do something. But generally I also learn how to do new stuff. It's truly a rewarding experience. Also my best source of scrap wood.

[@cynicgl7948]

The dowel trick was my biggest "ohhhhh" moment. Definitely going to incorporate that in my projects!

[@vinhkhoa5112]

Hi. Greeting from Vietnam. I've been watching every single videos of yours in quarantine time and they help me so much. I bought some power tools (from your 1000$ list), declutched the forbiden corner (in which we stored scrap over years and years) on 2nd floor, and then turned it into a DIY garden. Most based on your ideas making stuff from pallet wood. My favorites quote of yours (especially when i doubt my work is so normal) is : You create something from nothing, that makes you special. That quotes keep me on track to complete everything i ever start. After 4 months, the forbiden corner has turned into a lovely garden my dad and mom relax after work. Sincerely, i wanna say thank you so much. I'll keep watching and learning from your channel. BTW, i really want to show you about my garden but I don't know how to. if there is a way, plz tell me. I do appreciate. One more time, thank you so much.

[@garyfournier9419]

So I have trouble figuring our measuring for the miter cut. If I have a 16 x20 canvas painting and I want to allow for the rabbit what is the rabbit cut measurement. For the 16x20 do I add 1/4 to mark the point of the 45 degree cut on each piece? If not how is it measured?

[@alexanderrigby6917]

@@garyfournier9419 l think it would depend on the width of the frame. He was using a 2 inch frame so therefore he was adding 4 inches per side to allow for the mitres. 16 by 20 would extend to 20 by 24 inches.

[@Energyflash1979]

Complete novice woodworker from the UK here who loves the enthusiasm of all these US KZbin carpenters but who use really expensive equipment. I think it's great how you always offer up alternative solutions for those who don't have access to a lot of tools

[@michaelbedell6523]

I’ve just begun making frames for floating canvas. The back corner dowel reinforcements is just what I needed. Hats off to you for sharing great woodworking tips.

[@tomprusator9836]

I made my first picture frame last week. I had no idea how to go about it. I watched your vid here; followed your instruction and it came out really nice! Bought a strap clamp and used my table saw to make the groove for glass and photo as you instructed. I made the frame and my wife took it to hobby lobby for the glass and backing. Thanks much.

[@blaugrana-jw3dd]

The dowel trick is awesome🤩🤩🤩. I've never seen it before

[@gingeraleman7723]

I thought the same thing!! Before I'd been either adding splines or just hoping it holds 😆

[@The_man_himself_67]

I dunno if it adds much strength compared to a spline, it's still end grain.

[@gingeraleman7723]

@@The_man_himself_67 Definitely not as much as a spline, but still better than just leaving it as just the naked miter!

[@The_man_himself_67]

@@gingeraleman7723 hmm, not convinced. I think I'll have to make and test one lol!

[@eggsngritstn]

@@The_man_himself_67 It is significantly stronger just on the additional gluing surface alone. And, it's end grain to the side of the frame. If you want it to be side to side, glue in a plug cut across the grain.

[@bikeundbier4160]

Hey Steve, you only need to tape the top of the artwork, this way changes in humidity and temp don't cause your artwork to be wavy inside the frame. If you only tape the top, the artwork will always "hang" inside the frame and stay flat

[@Yakk36]

Came here to say this. Was also pleased that some still knows what rubylith is.

[@cornwallonline]

I'm only a year late to the party, but was also going to say the same! I like the table saw method for rebates - although I use a Morso for the mitres and an underpinner for joining the frames..the Morso is awesome for repeat, accurate cuts - they are not cheap, they are not light....but they are good! Mine is now 45 years old and still works brilliantly - those Danes know how to over-engineer 😊

[@richardcagle5475]

@@cornwallonline there is no such thing as "over engineered". I dare you to supply an example 😉

[@maxgilbert18]

@@richardcagle5475 Every Mercedes ever built. Great until something goes wrong then it's $1000 to replace an unnecessary sensor that won't allow your car to drive. Also most Volkswagen's. Haha.

[@richardcagle5475]

@@maxgilbert18 cheap sensor. Expensive labor. Just do it yourself an they 1k sensor is $50

[@1wirey]

Dowel slices for bolstering the corners is new to me and I found it very handy and easy to do. It comes out almost slick enough to do it on the front for accent. Thanks.

[@brucelangseth8566]

Thank you for the video. I was about to go out and make a frame, thank God I watched this first! Probably saved me from a frustrated "episode" and time and money too.

[@txcwbyems]

I really love the back to basics style you have returned too, this is exactly what a Mere Mortal is looking for. I can't help but notice how that expensive beautiful super hero miter fence jumps out at me every time you use it. I would love to see you go back to using the simple crosscut sled and miter sled. I finally built one for myself and it drastically increased how much I enjoy my table saw. I rarely use my chop saw anymore. Now when I start a project, the first thing I use is something I built, what a wonderful way to start a project. Craig from Texas

[@rem45acp]

I feel like I've been reborn after seeing that point driver! The tools people create are so cool. But I'm a simple person who admires the traditional and classic.

[@grandolddrummer]

I picked up a signed poster from Mr. Bungle back in February when concerts were still a thing. I've been meaning to make a frame for it. Thanks for the reminder!

[@khemaichen]

I‘m from Switzerland. I don’t understand every word you‘re saying, but I allways know what you‘re talking about. Your tips and tricks are gold! Please keep your „style“ how you make your clips. Have a great new year my friend!

[@producersean]

Former custom framer, here. Just loop the wire through the d-ring twice, and use the excess to wrap it around the long part of the wire tightly to create a kind of coil pattern. Do that on each side.

[@OneTrueCat]

Came here to say this!

[@randomscandinavian6094]

I always double up on wire like that by twining it with a drill. Maybe not necessary for light frames but it’s a lot of fun to do. :)

[@dw4940]

Same, whats your favorite kinda wire?

[@producersean]

@@dw4940 coated stainless steel wire in a variety of sizes based on the weight of the framed work

[@PartialS]

So many long-term questions answered, thank you. The bit about raising the piece slightly within the template was a major lightbulb moment.

[@izznice6969]

Thank you I thoroughly enjoyed watching your video. I like to do puzzles and I glue them to a flexible cloth and I would like to build frames but always thought it was too complicated and you have made it look so easy

[@pogojp]

I like his method of picture framing. When wood working in general, I'll use the inside corner. I understand why he used this method and how it worked in this situation. I just have never in all my years of being an amateur woodworker, have had to use this method for a picture frame. That being said, this is very useful information. I enjoy his videos. They are extremely informative.

[@philparrish6914]

My dad was a master craftsman in the wood shop. Anything he needed made from wood, he made it and made it very well, whether using hand tools or power tools. Furniture, cabinets, farming equipment, buildings, room additions, etc. I inherited absolutely zero number of his craftsman genes, so I depend on watching videos such as yours to learn how to do things in the shop. Thanks for all you do to help us 'mere mortals'.

[@brianhawken]

Oh my god, that dowel reinforcement method just changed my life. I would never have thought of that, and it's so simple! Thank you!

[@nickmethven673]

steve is my favorite woodworker.......so thorough and he makes everything look so easy.......i wish

[@LonghornWorkshop]

Love it, the dowel reinforcement is great

[@davenaden8115]

I chickened out of doing the dowel reinforcements, being afraid I would have to force it in the hole and cause the two parts of the frame to split apart!

[@kennnva551]

Being that the pointed tip of a 45° cut is the weakest part of that end-cut, it is a better to use a stop-block that is also cut to 45°. Then your following pieces will be registered against a flat surface (albeit angled flat surface) versus a relatively soft point ... a point which may not provide consistent results. I found that advice when I did a little research before making my first picture frame ... and my first attempt came out perfect. I always look forward to seeing your videos, Steve.

[@melissajung16]

I am always grateful for how concise and easy to follow your videos are! Thank you!

[@BillCookmagic]

I have attempted and struggled to make picture frames so many times... Thinking to myself "picture frames should be easy!" Every time, I wind up hating it, hating the way the corners look, or just giving in and going to buy a pre-made frame. THANK YOU for breaking it down for me in a simple, and followable way. I appreciate it!

[@robt2151]

The secret to accurate frames is to make sure that opposing sides are EXACTLY the same length - without that no amount of 'subtle adjustments' will cure the problem. Also applies with hexagons, octagons, etc

[@woodwisdomnonsenseandcats4203]

Thanks Steve! Made one this weekend and it’s fool proof. Have only been woodworking for a year or so and a friend needed a frame for an odd sized picture. I think this is the first project I didn’t have to redo anything. And that’s because I followed your instructions to a tee. Your videos are the best I’ve found online. Thanks again.

[@ginakuchera6593]

Please tell what kind of wood you used…does it have a grove on the back?

[@woodwisdomnonsenseandcats4203]

I just used pine from Home Depot. No grooves on the back, I just used picture backing from craft store and small nails to hold the picture in place.

[@RickInMaryland]

Great video. I love the idea of the dowels to secure the frames. I've never thought of that! When mounting the artwork to the back of the mat, I use wide paper surgical tape. It's acid-free and it pulls off easily if you need to reposition it. Also, I only apply the tape to the top of the artwork. This allows the artwork to float behind the mat. If you tape all four corners, the artwork cannot expand or contract and can result in ripples.

[@pecosimplu7070]

I'm a beginner amateur in wood working and i heave learned a lot from your videos. manny thanks, God bless you Respect maximum 👍👏👏👏

[@don.kowalski]

I made 2 of these this weekend, only deeper for a shadow box type affect, used cedar, soft I know, but they are going to be outside with live plants. All, this and more, comes from your videos. The workbench, which i love!!! was built off of your design. Thanks for all you do.

[@andrea.rivers]

I really like the way you added the dowels. Definitely prettier and neater than corrugated staples. I've cut my share of mats, mounted and frame. Neat video.

[@davidlevally4141]

Steve you are the KIng of the jig saw. I never could master that skill.

[@Drmathprof1]

Thank you! Nicely done and easy to follow. One small suggestion regarding mounting the print onto the mat board. It looks as if you used painters tape, which is acidic and can discolor the print over time. An excellent alternative is Lineco acid-free linen hanging tape.

[@graphiteart2020]

Gearing up to start making picture frames for my artwork and stumbled across this video. I like the ‘keep it simple’ approach and will take on board a lot from this presentation. Thank you so much from 🇬🇧

[@Skizze37]

I used this as a guide, this morning. Took notes, headed out to the shop, and built my first frame! :) Thanks, Steve!

[@cedaroakfarm8596]

Followed your instructions, it works, it works, it really works. Acquired some new tools and accessories per your suggestions and all worked very well. My scrap lumber first try to get the process down, came out so good, finished it and it hangs in the office. Really helpful videos, well done Steve.

[@captdan7876]

Soooooo I’ve made A few frames... and of course I’ve watched almost every video you’ve posted, multiple times... and I STILL learned something new!! Awesome!! I love the simplicity...!! those bevels and that dowel!! Love it!

[@mattgrosse943]

Looks great! My favorite part was when you hung it next to an autographed poster that was just tacked to the wall 😂.

[@pthelynese]

That looks like Jason is peering into your window at night!! That looks amazing!

[@tripledstickers]

The tool used to hold all the inserted parts in place was great. I'm just getting into this and will need to pick one of those up. The entire video had all the info I was looking for, thanks.

[@MrAmps]

Made most of my picture frames. Need one of those point staplers.

[@erikrustad5200]

Great video! I´m gonna try to make a frame myself later. Quick tip: For a zero clearance inlay, you can just tape the gap using ducked tape. Just make sure the tape runs the length of the table. There you have a zero clearance inlay in 7 seconds.

[@thomasmelanson5852]

Before I had a point driving stapler like your. I used the window glazing push points. Worked great

[@davidpinchbeck2134]

Hey Steve, Thank u very much for the great tips on making picture frames today - very useful. Thank u also for my WWMM stickers (2) that arrived today. It was very kind of you to pay the postage to England. They will look great but quite lonely on my workshop wall as they are the only ones I have. I hope you aren't too badly affected by the wildfires in your part of California right now. Pls stay safe! Dave.

[@gregscarcella519]

inspiring video. I can see myself doing this. You made the frame in a simple yet professional way.

[@ianstroet7843]

This is by far the best and most user friendly tutorial on how to make frames. I'm an aspiring photographer and woodworker so this is amazing!! Especially with frames being harder and harder to find without paying an arm and a leg for. 👍😃👍

[@mletchworth1]

Thank you SO MUCH for sharing your technique. I have been so aggravated trying to get my corners to line up correctly. I ordered some angle clamps, but complicated to use. I will be getting the strap clamp ASAP!!! Thanks again and beautiful work!

[@bkofford]

I'm used to cutting out the inside of the matte at a 45 degree angle.

[@BobWhiteCanada]

As always: clear, practical, and effective tips and techniques. Thanks, Steve!

[@sandromor2007]

Man, amazing and straight to the point video. Never complicated.

[@jimp7015]

Your best vid in quite a while. That dowel trick is the simplest, most sensible way I've seen to reinforce a frame. Now I think I'm going to make that frame I've been thinking about for months.

[@catchercoach4918]

Now I feel prepared to frame my deceased Dad's puzzle of The Last Supper. Thank you for a really great instructional video.⚓🇺🇲

[@anthonystrother9117]

WOW! You are the man. I have been struggling with how to do this with a simple design, but give it a little flair. Thank you so much!

[@whacknquack]

Thanks for this video! I made a water color from our Florida condo lanai overlooking the pool and bay. I was going to try to find a commercial framer but your video has inspired me to fire up my table saw and hone my carpentry skills AND make my own frame! Wish me luck.

[@drewmobley3924]

Thank you Steve! It’s good to see project videos again. I just signed up for the weekend woodworker course and I am having a blast and never thought I’d be able to build things like this until I found your channel. I was one of the ones saying that’d be nice to build but I don’t have fancy tools, but guess what you don’t need fancy tools!

[@ronreynolds690]

Thank you for this video (a year late). I have been intimidated by the multiple steps and various ways to make a frame look...well, like I made it! Your video walked through the steps in a way that made frame making something I will give a shot!

[@johndevilbiss6607]

You kept the process simple, except when and at the point that a special tool is critical. Excellent. "The proof is in the pudding." :)

[@billlybob8691]

Steve, of all the vids I’ve watched as of yet, I haven’t seen one that emphasizes the need for accurate measurement and how to achieve it. If there is one, please link me. You are my go to guy for removing the mystery of whatever woodworking. .

[@rutt-ro5648]

Haha you and George are my new hero's! "Camp Crystal Lake" - my very first scarey movie as a teen! That's just kool now!✌️🤟

[@LabAce2]

This is definitely going into my saved videos list. I've been wanting to make picture frames for a long time.

[@matthewsteed6822]

Thank you sir. Planning to give it a try this Fall and start framing my family pictures. mgs

[@raymitchell9736]

I thought that dowel reinforcement looks like it could be a nice decorative element on the frame itself using the contrasting color woods, maybe use a couple of smaller 1/4" brass rods per corner, not to mention splines, router profiles, exotic woods, texturing, gloss finishes... you know... over complicate things! 😁 And BTW: not just woodworkers... engineers too... that's kind of in our job description! 🤪 - see you next time.

[@graemenawn]

Agreed. Im gonna knock this frame up and pop the dowel locks on the front

[@gregghernandez2714]

Great tutorial. I am only now (that I am retired) getting into woodworking, but I have my degrees in Fine Art with an emphasis on painting. I spent years working in frame shops and record stores during my college years, and the way you attach the wire to the picture frame is exactly correct. Of course I hope people should realize that if you are hanging a large painting or poster under glass, the weight would be pretty heavy, so you definitely would want to use a heavier gauge wire. Make sure that the wire is rated for the weight of the piece. Very nice finished product.

[@andrewwcoyle]

Great stuff Steve, very practical info with no ego or awful sound track

[@brynscott2997]

Hi, I am an amateur photographer and I am put of framing my images by the cost of frames and getting someone else to frame them. So this is great I will have a go at making my own as I have just started woodworking again. Thanks, great video.

[@OPSteel97]

Thank you, Steve, you give me confidence to try new things!

[@glg3945]

Thank you! I was just looking in my stash for a picture frame and didn't have one. Now I can make one confidently. 😃 Peace and good fortune and good health to you and your family.

[@ernestrosenkranz7642]

Very good thanks. Ive done a lot of wood working and always had problems with frames, Thanks for the video.

[@philhatfield2282]

Absolutely appropriate for what I am considering. I have several pieces I need frames for and they are so non-standard sized. This will help me immensely when I start to make my first frames. Thanks Steve!

[@martingsilva]

Thank you! I have been following you for 2 years. Learned with your projects. Thanks

[@k75000]

seriously thank you, you made that well organized and easy to understand, thank you!

[@TheSkcookie]

Thanks for this video. I made a pair of small 4x6 frames with this technique and the wife thought I had bought them. That’s a first!

[@keithfaulkner6319]

I'm a simple guy. I really like sanding sponges. They go around curves and edges perfectly.

[@elsenorinmobiliario]

The best tutorial I've seen so far, thanks

[@Damon_Barber]

That looks great!! I’m not a horror movie guy, but the frame really accents Jorge’s artwork!

[@coolerman_13]

Definitely using this video to make a frame for a print I just bought. Thanks Steve!

[@charliecampbell3014]

Great demonstration, guess what my next woodwork project will be! Thank you for taking the time to upload this.

[@ChapmanWW]

Ive tried and failed to make picture frames that look good since i started woodworking. I just modified my stock mitre gauge as you suggest in this video and after realising that 44 was closer to 45 (cheap plastic)on my gauge, ive just cut my first decent frame. Its good to go back to basics from time to time. 👍

[@gallerycarnell4974]

Thank you . the corners were amazing, I have spent lots of time thinking about corners supports, thanks

[@nastiboost]

Simple, elegant, genius. Thanks again, Steve!

[@kimmetzger279]

Thank you very much for that, Steve. I also like to seal the end grain with watered down glue before applying the full-strength glue. This makes for a stronger joint.

[@kevinjgay]

Thanks for this !w/out having all the redonk tools, I can tackle a frame thanks to you.

[@kashel83]

That dowel method is genious! I've never seen that before and it blew my mind. Thanks for sharing

[@jimpike3489]

Thanks Steve, you make framing look so easy. Downloaded a copy of your workshop for under $1000

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

Steve, you're the master of explaining things. I need to improve that on my channel. So many great tips in this one!!

[@Ryan-td3td]

rarely do you see a video with this many views where no one has found a reason to hit the dislike button. Thanks for the great vid. Just for fun, I'm going to use that dowel method on my next frame.

[@kkwoodscapes]

Thank you Steve. Made my wife her Xmas present.

[@ironwood1621]

Great video on frames. I especially like the dowel trick in the corners. Another tip for cutting mats, especially dark colored ones, is to hold the exacto knife at a 45 degree angle. This way it creates a thin white line around the front of the opening. Most hand-held mat cutters have the blade at an angle to do this.

[@blessedchildofgod235]

my, , 9nj

[@navret1707]

Never do something simple and straightforward when you can make it grand and glorious. Engineer’s mantra certainly applies to woodworking.

[@b2bogster]

Thank you! I'm sending this to my Apprentice.

[@Excel510]

Hi Steve, enjoyed this very much, thanks for taking the time out to show us all.🙂

[@darinnetherland3466]

Great video, and glad to see the wildfires haven’t gotten you! When I saw it was a picture frame video I thought you were going to break out your miter sled again to get the miners tight without having to rely on getting the angle of the fence exact. That sled is the kind of simple brilliance that made me a dedicated watcher.

[@jddeefo1022]

Nice video Steve, I'm just waiting for my clamp to arrive to glue up my first frame.

[@olderendirt]

Great artwork and really nice video. I remember my grandpa using a leather belt on things like this. He'd have liked a clamp like that. Good advice about the mat board and plexiglass, too. There's an antistatic non-aerosol spray that's used for blinds that would be good for the plexiglass. I got it at Home Depot a few years ago, but any place selling curtains should have it. Thanks for the inspired video.

[@gilcd85]

Steve, I love your videos! Would you be able to do a video on choosing lumber for projects? I see many projects requiring 2x6 or 2x8 whereas home depot and lowes don't stock Pine in these sizes but do stock green Douglas Fir. Should we use Douglas Fir instead of pine? Should be laminate smaller pine boards instead? Thank you!