Opinions Wanted Joining Curved Back Moulding

Create a Post
Artistic Framer

Artistic Framer

CGF II, Certified Grumble Framer Level 2
Joined
Feb 22, 2007
Posts
425
Loc
Philadelphia, PA
I've been framing for a long time, but every once in awhile I run into a tricky situation. Here's my latest:

http://www.romamoulding.com/?s=260059#!/260059

It's usually a Roma (big Tab, Lavo etc) that has a strange back. I'll usually sand corners, carefully (loosely) vise, let the glue cure, and vnail without the front clamp. The profile linked above went together OK, but I was wondering...are there are any tricks/suggestions out there? I've been thinking of a band clamp...ordering "odd" profiles routed for thumbnail...or...whacha got?
 
Yep... easiest is to order it chopped and with wedges for a moulding like this.

If you forget to order it like that I'd band clamp it with glue, let it set up and then underpin it.
 
If you can cut it OK, then joining shouldn't be a problem. The high back is a bit vulnerable to the top clamp of a v-nailer so I would maybe make a mitered piece of square timber (padded at the bottom) that you could drop onto the flat middle so that it takes all the hold-down pressure nice and evenly. Should be able to pin right across using this.

Why v-nail after gluing? I know lots of framers do this, but always seems a bit backwards-way-on to me. :shrug:
 
This type of frame design with a rounded back can be difficult to v-nail and get good alignment. If you glue it first and let it set up then you can pop a few v-nails for additional physical support without having to worry about alignment.

I'll often do this with floater mouldings too to get a tight top edge.
 
Band clamping with biscuits. I also have a pretty complete woodworking shop, so I can quickly build a jig for mitering or clamping. Alternative is to use the Hoffmann dovetailer.
 
I guess it depends on which joiner you have - I've joined that moulding lots of times on my Cassese 299M with never a problem

I position it in the joiner, lock the clamp, let the glue set up for maybe 30 secs, then shoot the v-nails

The back edge of that moulding is a little fragile so I avoid clamping on top of it, positioning the v-nails under the flat portion.
 
We screw a flat piece of moulding into the underside of the moulding and have the vise grip that instead. Little extra step but works like a charm. Then v-nail as usual.
 
wpfay said:
Band clamping with biscuits.
Click to expand...

EUREKA! I forgot I bought a detail biscuit joiner a while back. Next time I'll give it a try...Thanks!
 
Create a Post
Back
Top