First Frame

I have decided to learn how to make my own frames. After seeing how nice Darren's turn out, and really liking that simple style, I went ahead and bought some tools. I bought: Ryobi miter saw, Ryobi table saw, two 200-tooth blades, Pony band-clamp, glue, brads, tung oil, etc...

I'm into it about $350 so far.

I bought some Birch, had it planed to 3/4 inch, the boards were rough cut, so I had them planed down and had one straight edge cut. It was about $2.50 per board/foot (which is an area 1 inch thick, 12 inches by 12 inches square). I bought 12 board feet, and they threw in a nice piece of Mohagany too.

I wanted to 'learn' on some inexpensive wood, so I bought some finished fir that measured 3/4 x 1 1/2 inches. Pretty nice wood actually, and after doing my first frame with it, I'm very happy with how it looks.

I have a show in October which I am going to try to hang 40 pieces from my lake project (perhaps more if my budget holds...). My goal is to have it done by mid-September so I can go to Moab to the National Land Rover Rally. I figure I can bang out these frames pretty quick now that I have the tools, figured out my measurements, and enlist the kids to sand and treat the frames with some oil. The other major expense will be glass and matt board.

Here's the finished project with a new image from the lake I made last weekend. No glass, not held in with brads (oh yeah, a point tool is also on the list to buy...), and just balanced on the table. I'm pretty excited.