Miter Corners for Picture Frames

[Andrew Pensavalle]

I have been making custom picture frames for years. When I recently became reaquainted with my Kreg Jig I realized that I could save some time in glue up time and supplemental splines with the strong joint of the Kreg application. However, when I tried it, I found that the Kreg Jig will not work on smaller frames.....at least I think that is what is happening.

My frame is made of 2" wide pieces that are dadoed on one side to accept the picture and backing making the allowable working area on the back of the frame ony 1 5/8. What width must a mitered corner be before one can use the Kreg Jig?

[Dan F.]

The smallest width you would be able to do will depend on how thick of material you will be using. This is due to the change in the height of your drill guide block. For 3/4" material the minimal thickness would be 2 7/8". The only thing is that in this situation you will want to drill one hole on each side of the angle to give you the strongest joint.

You can do narrower pieces. However, the pocket hole will be showing on the side of the frame since there will not be enough wood to cover up the hole. Hopefully this will help in doing picture frames in the future.

[Jeff Devlin- DIY Host/Carpenter]

I don't know if you have your heart set on the mitered corners but you could always treat it like a cabinet face frame with stiles and rails and then you would be able to use your Kreg Jig. While i recommend using the Kreg Jig first i have yet to find a work around in that area, My remedy when the trim pieces are small is a product called 2P-10 it is a two part glue system. It is expensive but has been worth every penny. ONe part is a Gel and you apply it to one piece then the other is an activator apply it too the other adjoining piece and it bonds almost instantly. I only recommend this if the frame is smaller and does not carry much weight. The glue works great!

[Andrew Pensavalle]

Thanks, Dan. I will check out the possibility of drilling one hole in each piece. At least I know I am not losing my mind.

[Andrew Pensavalle]

Thank, Jeff. This is going to be a pretty heavy frame. I guess I will just have to go back to my normal way of building them.

jeff devlin-HGTV Carpenter said:

I don't know if you have your heart set on the mitered corners but you could always treat it like a cabinet face frame with stiles and rails and then you would be able to use your Kreg Jig. While i recommend using the Kreg Jig first i have yet to find a work around in that area, My remedy when the trim pieces are small is a product called 2P-10 it is a two part glue system. It is expensive but has been worth every penny. ONe part is a Gel and you apply it to one piece then the other is an activator apply it too the other adjoining piece and it bonds almost instantly. I only recommend this if the frame is smaller and does not carry much weight. The glue works great!

[David J. Drahmann]

feels like there is an emerging product demand for a "thin-stock" kreg jig that uses smaller/shorter screws and will work using a smaller bit on thin stock.

couldn't be THAT hard to design - scale down the existing product?

[KregRep]

David, funny you should mention this. :)
http://www.kregtool.com/products/pht/product.php?PRODUCT_ID=113

We recently announced our all new Micro Pocket Drill Guide for just this purpose!

With a 25% smaller hole diameter, the Micro Pocket™ Drill Guide lets you create more compact, low-profile Pocket-Holes in the same joinery applications, but also tackle smaller projects, thinner stock, and tighter repair applications, where standard Pocket-Holes simply can’t go. Designed for use with the Kreg Jig® or Kreg Jig® Master System. Kit includes the Micro Pocket™ Drill Guide, Micro Pocket™ Drill Bit, Micro Pocket™ Depth Collar and Starter Screw Set.

David J. Drahmann said:

feels like there is an emerging product demand for a "thin-stock" kreg jig that uses smaller/shorter screws and will work using a smaller bit on thin stock.
couldn't be THAT hard to design - scale down the existing product?

[Andrew Pensavalle]

Thanks, David.

Per the response from Kreg, it looks like someone thought about this. I am going to look into it. I make a lot of picture frames and a Kreg Jig that would handle jobs on stock as little as 1 1/2" wide and 3/4 thick would be a God Sent.

David J. Drahmann said:

feels like there is an emerging product demand for a "thin-stock" kreg jig that uses smaller/shorter screws and will work using a smaller bit on thin stock.

couldn't be THAT hard to design - scale down the existing product?

[Andrew Pensavalle]

Looks like I better head for my local Lowe's or Rockler to view this item. This could be a God sent to me. I make a lot of custom picture frames.

Thanks



KregRep said:

David, funny you should mention this. :)
http://www.kregtool.com/products/pht/product.php?PRODUCT_ID=113

We recently announced our all new Micro Pocket Drill Guide for just this purpose!

With a 25% smaller hole diameter, the Micro Pocket™ Drill Guide lets you create more compact, low-profile Pocket-Holes in the same joinery applications, but also tackle smaller projects, thinner stock, and tighter repair applications, where standard Pocket-Holes simply can’t go. Designed for use with the Kreg Jig® or Kreg Jig® Master System. Kit includes the Micro Pocket™ Drill Guide, Micro Pocket™ Drill Bit, Micro Pocket™ Depth Collar and Starter Screw Set.

David J. Drahmann said:

feels like there is an emerging product demand for a "thin-stock" kreg jig that uses smaller/shorter screws and will work using a smaller bit on thin stock.
couldn't be THAT hard to design - scale down the existing product?

[KregRep]

Click to Enlarge:

[Angel Portice]

You are God Sent, thank you so much for your help. This will help me immensly. I loved the info on the micro tool, I had been looking and knew there was something out there like it that would work for frames, but hadn't seen it. I will do some hunting now. I think Lowe's had it last I was there, I will look in more detail this time around.

I am finding as an artist that I need to make my own frames. I do diamond tip mirror etchings. I am starting to add some thin wood inlay over top and the mirror behind for a 3-d effect and some dimension. In order to do that I need a big strong frame and a deep rabbit that can accomidate mirror and wood depth. So making my own seems the easiest way to do this. My Kregg Jig came to mind immediately.

I really appreciate this. It should help me a ton.

Attached is an etching that I did of a fawn that I plan to frame with my Kregg Jig's help this week.

[Andrew Pensavalle]

Nice work, Angel

Angel Portice said:

You are God Sent, thank you so much for your help. This will help me immensly. I loved the info on the micro tool, I had been looking and knew there was something out there like it that would work for frames, but hadn't seen it. I will do some hunting now. I think Lowe's had it last I was there, I will look in more detail this time around.

I am finding as an artist that I need to make my own frames. I do diamond tip mirror etchings. I am starting to add some thin wood inlay over top and the mirror behind for a 3-d effect and some dimension. In order to do that I need a big strong frame and a deep rabbit that can accomidate mirror and wood depth. So making my own seems the easiest way to do this. My Kregg Jig came to mind immediately.

I really appreciate this. It should help me a ton.

Attached is an etching that I did of a fawn that I plan to frame with my Kregg Jig's help this week.

[Andrew Pensavalle]

Thanks, James. That was sent to me in an earlier post. I have not purchased it yet but probably will when the need next arises.

James Waller said:

There is a newer Kreg jig called the "Micro Pocket Drill Guide" for use in small applications like maybe your frame.

Below is a link to information about it at the Kreg's homesite...

http://www.kregtool.com/products/pht/product.php?PRODUCT_ID=113

Have a nice day!