Looking to enhance your photography with a beautiful custom frame? This project, created by Gunflint Designs, is a perfect blend of craftsmanship and aesthetics.
Materials and Tools
- Black Walnut Lumber
- Cherry Lumber
- Wood Glue
- Two-Part Epoxy
- Tung Oil Finish
- Plexiglass (anti-glare and UV resistant)
- Brass Hangers and Picture Wire
- Router Table with a Half-Inch Bit
- Table Saw
- Drum Sander
- Radial Arm Saw
- Joiner and Planer
- Band Saw
- Spring-Loaded Corner Clamps
- Drill
Step 1: Preparing the Walnut Lumber
Start by cutting the black walnut to rough lengths using a radial arm saw. Next, head over to the jointer to flatten one face and one edge, ensuring they are at 90 degrees to each other. After that, run the pieces through the planer to obtain two parallel and flat faces.
Once you have three sides perfect and at 90 degrees, it’s time to rip the wood to its final width on the table saw. You should end up with a perfectly square flat board.
Step 2: Creating the Cherry Inlay
With the walnut squared and planed down, you can begin to add some decorative flair. Using a half-inch router bit in your router table, route out a groove for the cherry inlay. This will elevate the look of your frame.
Now, adjust the router fence to cut a rabbet for the glass and picture backing. Use some cherry scraps from a previous project; they don’t need to be perfect since they’ll just add color.
Step 3: Fitting the Inlay
After ripping the cherry to the width of the rabbet, test fit it. If it’s not quite right, resize it as needed. Use the band saw to cut thin strips of cherry that will sit proud of the rabbet. Apply a small amount of glue to the rabbet and press the cherry strips into place, clamping them down.
Since the cherry pieces may not be long enough to cover the entire length, you can butt two pieces together to make them long enough. Once the glue is dry, take the frame to the drum sander to flush the inlay with the frame surface.
Step 4: Mitering the Corners
Next, prepare to miter the corners of the frame. Start by cutting one corner of each piece on the right side of your sled; the length doesn’t matter at this point. For the second 45-degree cut, it’s crucial to get the dimensions right so the artwork fits perfectly.
Carefully line up your marks with the blade and make the cut. After cutting, check the length. If it’s slightly off, skim a bit more off to ensure a perfect fit.
Step 5: Assembling the Frame
When everything is cut, mark the corners that need to be glued together. Flip the frame over to do the gluing from the back side, ensuring the front remains flat. Using two separate glue-ups can help keep the corners aligned.
For added stability, use spring-loaded corner clamps to hold the corners tightly while the glue dries. After the first glue-up is dry, repeat the process for the remaining corners.
Step 6: Filling Cracks
Even with careful work, cracks can occur. Mix a two-part epoxy with fine black walnut sawdust to create a paste. Apply it to any cracks and let it harden. Once dry, sand the area flat.
After sanding, you won’t even notice the crack anymore.
Step 7: Finishing Touches
Now, it’s time to apply a finish. I prefer using tung oil for its durability and natural look. Wipe on the oil, let it sit for about 10 minutes, and then buff it off. Allow it to dry for a day before applying additional coats; typically, three coats work well.
Next, mark the locations for the hardware on the back, drilling pilot holes as needed.
Step 8: Installing the Backing
Use a piece of anti-glare and UV-resistant Plexiglass for the front. After peeling off the protective paper, place the mat and frame in position. Install brass hangers, bending them slightly for better pressure against the frame.
Finally, thread the picture wire through the hangers, twist it into place, and cut it to the correct length. This frame is now ready to hold a cherished photo securely.
Step 9: Final Display
Now, you can enjoy your completed walnut picture frame with cherry inlay, showcasing your beautiful print. Here’s a lovely sunrise photo displayed in the frame, ready to hang on the wall.
With this guide, you can create your own stunning frames that not only protect your prints but also enhance them with beautiful craftsmanship.