I am somewhat new to framing but I need to construct a frame for a large mirror (approx. 3' x 5') and the primary question I have is what is the best way to hold the four corners together while waiting for the glue to dry ? I know "biscuits" would help but I don't want to spend over $200 to buy the necessary tool and our local rental store does not have one.
Mirror Frame
- Thread starter peanut
- Start date
dougj
SGF, Supreme Grumble Framer
A Picture Framer!!!! 
A little info about yourself might help.
A little info about yourself might help.
Have your local frame shop join the frame.
Kev@Frames
CGF II, Certified Grumble Framer Level 2
a simple dodge if you have no mitre clamp or underpinning tools: you could "strap" it around the outside, lying it flat on your bench, using webbing or cord (protecting the corners with some board to prevent the cord cutting in if the timber or finish is soft) and tighten it up like a tourniquet. Also consider nailing the corners and filling the holes.
hope this is some help too....
on very large frames we often nail them too, with an air nailer (nailgun). Make up an "L" shape piece of timber from scrap or offcuts fixed to your bench and this will hold the corners secure while you nail with nailgun or by hand.
Think about drilling a slim pilot hole as well if you are nailing, and if it is very heavyweight moulding, consider reinforcing the corners with l brackets or right angle triange peces of mdf on the back of the frame at the corners which you can glue and staple/screw/pin on.
welcome to the Grumble
kev
hope this is some help too....
on very large frames we often nail them too, with an air nailer (nailgun). Make up an "L" shape piece of timber from scrap or offcuts fixed to your bench and this will hold the corners secure while you nail with nailgun or by hand.
Think about drilling a slim pilot hole as well if you are nailing, and if it is very heavyweight moulding, consider reinforcing the corners with l brackets or right angle triange peces of mdf on the back of the frame at the corners which you can glue and staple/screw/pin on.
welcome to the Grumble
kev
Get yourself a proper miter clamp.
AND, as important, construct a work table large enought for future needs and where the top edge of the clamp legs is level with the work surface........both indispensibles. you sound as tho you are a 1-new kid, &/or 2-hobby framing----you need proper equipment(pinner, saw, clamps) and sturdy work area (5'x5'-ish with something covering it that you can put wet glue pieces on that will not adhere to it)
AND, as important, construct a work table large enought for future needs and where the top edge of the clamp legs is level with the work surface........both indispensibles. you sound as tho you are a 1-new kid, &/or 2-hobby framing----you need proper equipment(pinner, saw, clamps) and sturdy work area (5'x5'-ish with something covering it that you can put wet glue pieces on that will not adhere to it)