Never did a fillet before....help?

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Steven6095

Steven6095

SGF, Supreme Grumble Framer
Joined
Feb 14, 2004
Posts
1,352
Location
Nicholasville, KY
hi. Seriously never used a fillet with a frame before.I do know not to cut the mat until I get the fillet chop in.

Anything I need to know?
Any kind of barrier tape to put behind it to seal it off some?

It will be sandwiched between two Bainbridge fabric mats.

Sorry to be so vauge - just throwing out something to the educated masses

Thanks
 
There is no short way to explain this so here goes:

Start with a reverse bevel cut for the mat opening.

Always measure all four sides, one side at the time and cut the fillet piece slightly longer. Shave small slivers of fillet until you get a good fit. Cut the long sides first so if you "mess up" you can use that piece on one of the short sides.

I cut and lightly sand the points of each end and polish the edges with markers. Number the back of the mat and the fillet until all sides are cut.

Attach each fillet piece individually to the mat using ATG tape. Place it around all four sides of the mat opening on the back. Press the fillet piece into position. Repeat on all sides.

Next, measure and cut foamboard strips (4)equal in width from the outer edge of the fillet to the edge of the mat less 1/16". These are used to level off the back of the mat. The strips can be attached with ATG tape. Leave a 1/16" gap between the strip and the side of the fillet. Pinwheel the strips around the mat and trim edges. Run a small amount of glue in the space left between the fillet and the foamboard. The glue will keep the fillet from bowing in away from the mat opening. Cover the glued space with tape.

Cut another reverse bevel mat for the back to complete a neat package.

I know there has to be something I left out, and there are other methods and tips from other framers. Keep reading. Fillets take practice but it does get easier.
 
The only thing that I would add is when cutting the mat - to make sure to increase the size of the opening to accomodate the width of the fillet.

For example, if the picture is 8x10, instead of cutting your opening at 7.75 x 9.75, you need to cut it to 8x10 or maybe even 8.25 x 10.25 if you have a wider fillet.

Also, there is fillet tape available which is much stickier than ATG, and only 1/4" wide. Of course, if you don't use fillets on a regular basis, it would probably make more sense to use the ATG that you have instead of getting a whole roll of fillet tape for this one piece.



Kym
 
Hi Steven,
Sounds like you order the fillet chopped, and then try to cut the mat to fit it. That's tough and takes a long time. If you have a floor model chopper of a single or double miter saw, check out the Fillet Master. Fletcher markets it. I invented it. You will be able to cut your mat opening, and then, in under two minutes measure and cut a perfectly fitting fillet. It is still a rather new product so you may not have heard of it yet. It's not just a gadget. It will make you money.
Jerry
 
Welcome to the G Fillet Man!
Tell us about yourself, how long have you been framing? How did you find the G? (and where in Tejas are you?)
 
Sister summed it up.

My only advice is to go slow when trimming the fillet, nothing worse than a fillet with a little gap.

Good luck and welcome.
 
I'll echo Jb's comment about going slow in trimming the fillet. I usually chop the fillet on my Morso about 1/8" longer than my measured inside opening. Then I sand the fillet with my hand disc sander in very minute increments until I get a perfect fit.

It is EXTREMELY easy to over sand or trim as there is so little wood in a fillet compared to a frame and the fit needs to be exact. There is much more tolerance in making a frame than in fitting a fillet. Don't count on any ruler as a measuring device...fit by feel.

When you order fillets chopped, the vendor will usually ship them slightly oversize so that you can trim them to fit the mat. I can't imagine why anyone would order them chopped if you have to trim them anyway unless you are using something like an expensive water guilded fillet and only need a foot or two and don't wish to have exstra in stock.

One thing I do different is that I join the fillet with wood glue and put the assembled fillet into the mat. Cutting another reverse bevel mat for the back is a nice touch, but not really needed if you put the proper thickness of panels in and bumps the cost also.

I am interested in trying the Fillet Master. I have my system down pretty good, but anything to speed production is a plus.
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Congratulations on your first fillet! I'm sure you'll do fine. A fillet really can complete a package and set your work off from other "custom framers" and the BB's. You'll find that your work will begin advertising your shop when you do higher end work too.

Now...fabric wrapped mats and fillets...mmm-mmm. :cool:

Dave Makielski
 
Thanks for all the ideas. I pretty much had the process down, just some pointers that may help


Yes, I am planning on ordering it chopped. I order everything chopped - NOTE: Side business here. Not a hobby but a side business

All four sides of the mat will be the same size so no need to move cutter's guide once perfect spot is found.
I thought about assembling the fillet with glue and using the assembled fillet as a guide to mark and cut the mat.
I am thinking that I can keep trying on scrap board until I get the cutter locked down to the perfect size!..then get the expensive mat out. Educated trial and error but I think it will work fine.

Note: This is for my girlfriend's degree....so time involved does not really matter.
I love her and she does not know too much about framing but knows enough to want ROMA frame and fillet, fabric mats and museum glass...Hey the girl has good taste. Why she picked me I will never know

I am honestly afraid to add up my wholesale cost on this project.....................

Thanks again.
 
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