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Picture frame miter clamp

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24K views 21 replies 10 participants last post by  davesblokkz 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
I have 4 corner clamps for gluing up picture frames. I bought them in my youth when cheap was the right price. Today I spent over an hour trying to get a frame squared up. I am in need of a new set of corner clamps.

What clamps are others using to hold their miters for gluing? I know there are a lot of choices out there from individual corner clamps to self centering all in one clamps as well as nailers that are a clamp.

I am not married to one system over another I am just looking for a good clamp that I will not feel I wasted my money on.

Any suggestions would be great.

Thanks
Rob
 
#6 · (Edited by Moderator)
#10 · (Edited by Moderator)
#12 ·
There is a cast iron frame holder by the same company that makes that guillotine that shaves paper thin slices of frames to match them up, I've seen them used in professional frame shops. I am not sure who carries them now but I think Rockler did carry them both and they weren't that spendy. I have some of the above clamps and also use a home made jig of 2×4's attached to 3/4" sheet stock that are aligned in an accurate 90 degree configuration with a space between the boards to allow pinning, . You can then rotate the frame and add another side until you are done. You have to be sure your pieces are cut accurately and check diagonally for accuracy. I've used this jig for picture frames, doors, boxes, cabinets and special table tops. Works well.
 
#15 ·
Here is another easy way using parallel clamps and corners blocks. My corner blocks are made from ¾" plywood. I use Bessey K-blocks to support the corner blocks but any shopmade riser blocks will do.



Niki - I like the dowels at both ends of your measuring sticks. Clever !

Best,

Serge

www.atelierdubricoleur.spaces.live.com
 
#19 · (Edited by Moderator)
I go with Greg's device, which is easy enough to fabricate in the shop. It pulls all four corners together evenly.

An easier way is the good ol' Jorgensen band clamp.

I can't understand why a clamp (like several shown in posts here) that just holds the miter joint together is of any value. They must be pulled together. Those corner things are a gizmo.

Efficiency dicatates that all four joints should be clamped at once.

I have 8 of these band clamps (they can be daisychained together to get around very large objects) and they are very effective. If your miter cuts are even close to good, the even pressure will pull them together in a compromise way and you'll be surprisingly close to square.

They are small and nest nicely in a drawer.
 
#22 ·
I have a solution that is pretty much universal and will accomodate the clamping of frames, miters, finger joints, scarf joints and more.
You may find that it addresses many of your clamping needs and saves money at the same time in that you may not have to buy the many specialized clamps available.

Wood Tool Bicycle part Hardwood Plywood


Please check out my website for more information and ideas on clamping solutioins:

http://www.blokkz.com/
 

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