Walnut picture frames

[Tim Sproul]

I was 'commissioned' to make some picture frames for LOML.  I think I'm safe to post this here since the frames are Domino'd together.  Here's a pictorial essay on the goings about of making them:

Design:

Wood selection:

Here's piece that didn't make the cut:

Rough milled:

The aftermath of my poorly shod workbench following rough milling:

Final milling and getting ready for joinery:

Assembly:

Finished:

 

[Qwas]

Those frames really look great. Nice job! Where did you get the walnut?

 

[regneethling]

Great Job! What did you use to finish the frame? Many Thanks!

 

[neoshed]

Very nice work mate.....looks like you were thirsty too 

I don't think I've ever seen so many hand planes before.

 

[Dave Rudy]

Tim,

Do I deduce correctly that more beer is required in the design phase than assembly -- or did you clear the bench at some point?  LOL

Anyway, excellent work and great pics -- it really helps to understand the process.  Beautiful work, thanks for sharing.

 

[Eli]

Guys, guys. Tim just has the brown bottles there to show scale. Very nice work, beautiful frames and beautiful pictures of beautiful ladies.

 

[AHoman]

Very nice looking frames!
And a cool collection of wooden planes -- it looks like some Steve Knight planes... and who made the wider, larger planes on the right under the bench?
-Andy

 

[Tim Sproul]

Tim,

Do I deduce correctly that more beer is required in the design phase than assembly

Actually, I need more AFTER assembly than any other time!  Those domino's fit tightly and don't give a lot of wiggle room during assembly.

looks like some Steve Knight planes... and who made the wider, larger planes on the right under the bench?
-Andy

Yes, Knight planes for most of the woodies.  The large ones are also Knight planes - 3 inch wide irons for edge jointing thick stuff.

 

[tvgordon]

Those look great Tim!  What size photos are they designed to hold?

Tom.

 

[ejfud]

Beautiful frames Tim. Those will look great on any wall.

 

[Steveo48]

Are your parallel clamps Bessy's?  I just bought my first set of Jet parallells after seeing them on the Wood Whisperer.  So nice, they compliment my old iron bar clamps really well.

My favorite fuel for this type of work is Leinenkugels Sunset Wheat or Dogfish Head Indian Brown Ale.  Yum! ;D

Steve

 

[Tim Sproul]

Are your parallel clamps Bessy's? 

Both.  The orange heads are cabinetmasters and the red heads are bessey.  I recently acquired some Jet parallel clamps - but only in really long lengths.

My favorite fuel for this type of work is Leinenkugels Sunset Wheat or Dogfish Head Indian Brown Ale.  Yum! ;D

I love good beer too but drink mainstream stuff - sure do wish a good mainstream brewer would serve up some tasty IPA.  I spend too much time between family, work, hobbies - woodworking, golf and skiing, and home to have enough time to get to know good brews that aren't mainstream.  On the other hand, my location allows me to get good wines that aren't mainstream  .

 

[Matthew Schenker]

Tim,
Excellent work!  I'm about to build a large mirror for my foyer and I will use the Dominio to join the parts, as you did with your picture frame.
Are you planning to hang this frame, or will it rest on a surface?  Also, what size Dominoes did you use for the joinery?
Thanks for posting,
Matthew

 

[Tim Sproul]

Are you planning to hang this frame, or will it rest on a surface? 

I made 3 of the frames and they are currently hanging on walls in offices.

Also, what size Dominoes did you use for the joinery?

8mm Dominos.  I cut the mortises at the medium width setting and made my own Domino stock to just fit.  I find the standard width Dominos direct from Festool are too narrow for a secure, twist-free joint.  The walnut stock came out are 7/8 thickness after final milling and surface prep.