How to Make a Picture Frame with Splines - Easy DIY Project

The video provides a step-by-step guide on making a picture frame with splines, sharing useful tips learned from multiple attempts to avoid common mistakes.

Key Tips and Steps:

• Materials & Dimensions:
  • Using Walnut wood, about 7 inches wide.
  • Frame sides are 1.5 inches wide.
  • Designed to hold an 8x10 picture.
  • Cut a 1/4 inch rabbet on the inside edge to hold the picture and glass.
  • Cut two pieces at 10.5 inches and two at 12.5 inches (final dimensions).
  • Start with longer boards (14 inches) for adjustment.
• Cutting and Preparing the Wood:
  • Use a Jointer jig to clean one edge and reference for Table saw cuts.
  • Rip boards down to 1.5 inches wide.
  • Use dado blades on the Table saw to cut the 1/4 inch rabbet (since no suitable router bit was available).
  • Cut 45-degree miters on each piece with a Miter saw.
  • Verify the 45-degree angle with a Speed square rather than relying on saw presets.
  • Use a zero-clearance insert on the Miter saw to reduce tear-out and improve accuracy.
  • Mark miters to avoid cutting in the wrong direction.
  • Check fit with clamps and test the glass fit, widening the rabbet groove if necessary.
• Assembly:
  • Apply glue and use tape along seams to control squeeze-out.
  • After clamping, rub sawdust into glue lines to fill gaps.
  • Let glue dry for 24 hours.
• Adding Splines:
  • Cut splines in the corners to reinforce joints and add decorative contrast.
  • Use Maple wood for splines, planed down to just above 1/4 inch thickness for a snug fit.
  • Avoid splines that are too loose or tight.
  • Clean up splines with a flush trim saw.
• Finishing:
  • Sand frame with 150 grit, spray water to raise grain, dry, then sand with 220 grit.
  • Finish with a mixture of equal parts mineral spirits, polyurethane, and boiled linseed oil.
  • Apply a heavy coat, let sit 30 minutes, then wipe off excess.

Notable Tools & Materials:

• Walnut wood for frame.
• Maple wood for splines.
• Jointer jig.
• Table saw with dado blades.
• Miter saw.
• Speed square.
• Flush trim saw.
• Finishing mixture: mineral spirits, polyurethane, boiled linseed oil.

Speaker:

• Tim Tucknaughty (DIY woodworker and presenter).