How to Make Wood Frame Joints
Wood frames are used to make many projects, such as mirrors, picture frames, molding for cabinet doors or as faux raised panels on walls. There are many ways to make and join frames but for someone who is new to woodworking an easier choice is using glue and plugs. A joint is where two parts of the frame connect, typically at corners.
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Things You'll Need
- Miter saw
- Sanding block
- Find grit sandpaper
- Carpenter's glue
- Miter clamp
- Picture frame clamp (optional)
- Rag
- 1-inch drill bit
- Painter's tape
- Drill
- 1-inch dowel rod
Instructions
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1
Determine the finished size of the frame you wish to create and cut your wood on a miter saw with the corners at 45 degrees.
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2
Lightly sand the ends of your frames to remove any roughness or splinters.
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3
Apply carpenter's glue to the mitered cuts and place the two corners together. Be careful to align the wood exactly.
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4
Clamp the corner using a miter corner clamp or a picture frame clamp. Wipe off any excess glue immediately with a slightly damp rag. Allow the carpenter's glue to dry for 24 hours before removing the clamps. Repeat for all four corners of the frame.
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5
Measure 1/4-inch from the teeth of a 1-inch hole saw bit. Wrap painter's tape around the circumference of the bit at the 1/4-inch mark. This will give you a depth guide when drilling your holes.
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6
Turn your frame face-side down on your work surface (your clamps have been removed). Drill a 1-inch hole, 1/4-inch deep across the center of the miter on each corner. Your hole should be centered on the corner and should not be deep enough to disturb the profile (face) of the frame.
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7
Cut 1/4-inch dowel slices using your miter saw and 1-inch dowel rod stock.
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8
Apply carpenter's glue to each hole and insert the dowel plugs into the drilled holes. Wipe off any excess glue with a moist rag. Allow the frame to dry for 24 hours before sanding and finishing.
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Tips & Warnings
Plugs can be made slightly smaller if the profile of your stock is very thin.
