The Key to PERFECT Picture Frames Is a PERFECT Miter Sled

The way you get perfect 90 degree corners for a picture frame is by making perfect 45 degree cuts on all sides. This table saw miter sled will have you making repeatable, perfect, 45 degree cuts on any board! It can be used simply for cutting 45 degree angles, but where it really shines is as a picture frame jig! There's a few crucial steps to make this sled perfect, but I'll walk you through it in this video and set you up for success when you make your own!
So you want to make some perfect 45 degree cuts, right? You've thought about using the miter gauge that came with your table saw, but you know that it's got some slop in it and isn't real accurate. The miter saw itself is a solid option, but even so, getting dead accurate repeatable cuts with it would normally require a stop block system, plus it's one more tool you have to use in the process. This table saw sled is the perfect solution to increase your accuracy, repeatability, and efficiency when it comes to cutting boards or picture frame sides with a 45 degree angle the exact same length, every time!
Using a table saw miter sled or picture frame jig like this one can make the table saw the only power tool you need to make the perfect picture frames! You can rip all your boards to width, then cut all the sides with perfect 45 degree angles and to the perfect lengths all at the same tool. With the built in measuring system, there's no need to mark any boards - just set the stop block and start cutting!
There are plenty of videos on KZbin of very similar miter sled/picture frame jigs. I came up with my design after watching multiple different takes on it. I'm not sure where the original design came from, but most of my inspiration came from Fine Woodworking's and David Picciuto's (Make Something).
FEATURED PRODUCTS
- Polymer Slides: amzn.to/3hJxTCT
- Johnson Aluminum Ruler: amzn.to/3rRlGAt
- Toggle Clamp: amzn.to/3ngQBCG
- Delta 36-6023 Table Saw: amzn.to/3pPpQXT
Video Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
0:05 Making the Base for the Jig
0:56 CRUCIAL STEP 1: Aligning the Base (and Guides) with the Blade
1:28 Attaching Guides to Base
2:30 Cutting Into the Base
3:28 CRUCIAL STEP 2: HOW to Cut the Aluminum Ruler
4:01 Preparing and Attaching Ruler to the Base
5:45 CRUCIAL STEP 3: Making Fence 90 Degrees to Ruler
6:29 Making the Stop Block
7:25 Making A Perfect Picture Frame With It!
8:27 Obligatory Beauty Shots
Follow me on Instagram for behind the scenes looks at the projects I'm working on: / made.by.chance