picture frames from hardwood

Goll Mac Morna

I was wondering if anyone could give tips on the best way to make picture frames.
I have just removed 11 harrdwood windows (fairly thick and heavy) and need new picture frames for a load of pictures I have stored in the house.

I have see before where frames were simple mitred at 45 degrees and then joined on the back with a kind of metal fastener like this WWWWW but I don't think this would work for hardwood

Funny enough some of the panes/frames are a perfect size for a particularly awkward picture we have.

On a separate issue does anyone know where to get a starter lathe and chisels (is there and point getting a lathe powered by an electric drill?)

kadman

Hi Goll,

Joining the pic frames really depends on the tools available. If a drill is your only power tool, then mitreing and dowelling is probably the simplest and quickest.

If you have a small router, then a slot in each face of the mitre, and insert and glue a wooden buiscet is also good.

There is no point in getting a drill, as small starter lathes are relatively cheap.
Try and buy at least a decent roughing out gouge, and a 3/8 spindle gouge. The turning chisels for sale in low quality shops, and boot sales are rubbish, and a waste of good money. The cheaper small lathes, are good enough to have a go.

Try the tool suppliers sticky on this forum. Hopkins machinery is worth a look

kadman