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Gilded Frame: Spline Corners From "Wood Works" episode WWK-601

	This gilded frame is strengthened by reinforcing the miters with spline joinery.
	The spline-cutting jig.

In this episode of DIY Wood Works, host David Marks builds a hardwood picture frame with spline-mitered joinery and a raised decorative bead. He then finishes the frame with gilding of silver leaf and a chemically produced patina. With the frame structure built, work can now begin on strengthening the frame with spline joinery at the mitered corners.

Materials:

Table saw
Spline-cutting jig
Band saw
Hand scraper
Sandpaper
Straight-edge
Carpenter's pencil
Slow-setting resin glue
Clamps
Safety glasses or goggles

Safety Alert: Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses, and follow proper safety precautions, when working with wood, power-tools, saws, drills, routers, etc.

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Spline Corners for the Frame

The splines installed in kerfs at the corners of the frame (figure A) will help strengthen the frame but, once the frame is gilded, will not be visible. The kerf cuts are made in the corners of the frame using a spline-cutting jig. The frame is supported in a cradle that holds the frame in proper position with respect to the blade of the table saw (figure B). The blade is set for a wide cut, 2-1/4 inches deep and 7/16 inch from the bead. Once the first set of cuts are made on all the corners, the blade is repositioned to make a smaller series of cuts, 1-1/4 inches deep and 1/2 inch from the back edge. The second spline will accommodate the rabbet cut at the back of the frame.

Figure A

Figure B

Figure C

• With the frame held securely against the jig with spring clamps, cut the first slot using a square-tooth blade. Repeat the step on all four corners of the frame. Then adjust the fence to cut the smaller slot on each corner of the frame (figure C).
  

  
  

• At the band saw, cut the two sizes of alder spline, each about 1/8" thick (figure D).

• Once all the splines have been cut, they can be glued in the slots. Using a putty knife, work the resin glue into each slot and onto each spline, then carefully slide the splines into the frame(figure E).

  Figure D

  Figure E

  
  

  
  

• Wipe away the excess glue, then use spring clamps to get good bonding pressure (figures F and G). Let the glue set for 12 hours.

  Figure F

  Figure G

  
  

  
  

• Once the glue has dried completely, trim off the excess wood using the band saw (figure H).
  
  
• Use a block plane to level the splines to the surface of the frame.

• Use a sanding block to smooth the splines at the corners (figure I).

  Once the frame is complete, sand it to 120-grit over the entire surface. The goal of this sanding is to create a mechanical tooth so that the primer paint used in the gilding process will adhere well.

  Figure H

  Figure I

  
  

  
  

  
  

  RESOURCES :
  

  
  Woodworking Techniques: Best Methods for Building Furniture from Fine Woodworking
  Author: Editors of Fine Woodworking magazine
  Publisher: Taunton Press
  ISBN: 1561583456
  

  Fine Woodworking: Making Picture Frames
  Author: Stuart Altshuler
  # 014032
  The Taunton Press Inc.
  Website: www.taunton.com

  David Marks Website
  David Marks, DIY's Wood Works host, is a master woodworker. For more information on cut sizes and project details, please contact him via his Website at www.djmarks.com
  

  Fine Woodworking
  A magazine devoted to high-quality craftsmanship in woodworking.
  The Taunton Press Inc.
  Website: www.taunton.com

  ALSO IN THIS EPISODE:
  	Gilded Frame: Preparing the Stock
  	Gilded Frame: Spline Corners
  	Gilded Frame: Gilding Process
  	Gilded Frame: Finishing Touches
  	WEB EXTRA: Gilded Frame -- Materials List & Cut Sizes