Rustic Frame
This is how I make frames
Cutting Out the Wood for the Frame
I took a old cedar 4x4 and cut it into 3/4 thick. I raise the blade up about 2 1/2 inches and cut one pass. Then turn the piece from front to back and make your second cut. Do that for both sides. Then raise your blade for a final cut. I then ran the cut side through the plainer.
Cutting the Angle
I got my measurements for the size of frame I wanted to make. Don't forget to subtract the for the rabbit you will need for the back.
Rabbit
I used 3/8 of a inch for this one because the photo had a large matting on it. The photo is 14x11
Biscuits
I put the frame back side up. Then mark a straight line across the mitered cut. That way your biscuit cuts will line up. I used a #10 biscuits.
Glued Up
I use Tightbond glue. I run glue down the face of the mitered cut. Add a little more in the biscuited cut. Place in the biscuit in the slot. Put a little glue on the top of the biscuit that is for the other side. I spread the glue out with my finger.
Clamp Up
I started with two pipe clamps. Get your spread close before you need it so you're not messing around with a wet frame. Set your frame into the clamps. I then tighten them slightly, then use two going the other way to hold it for a nice tight corner. Then I use a paper towel and water to wipe up any glue that seeps up. Let dry.
Plexi Glass
I buy larger sheets of plexiglass and cut my own to size. I use a sharpie & straight edge to trace out the size. I cut it with my jigsaw. I use a 10 tpi reverse cut blade. I use about a medium speed. You can sand with a belt sander if you warbble a little.
Back Plate
This is just like the the plexiglass
Finnish the Back
I use the same thing that you would use for holding in a window screen. I like to use the braided wire to hang the frame. I place the D rings down about 1/3 of down. I have the hanger that I'm going to use their so I get the right amount of wire. That way you won't see the top of the hanger when its hanging on the wall
Finnished Frame
I really like the rustic look. So I just took a stiff brush to clean the face of the frames. I'm not going to use any poly on these two. Using a 4x4 I got three frames out of the wood. If you want to see my other things I make go to Todd's S.O.D. Woodworking on FB.