What is the best way to measure boards to cut for frames
by
Carol Wilson
I like to make picture frames using left over wood, I use my Mitre Saw to cut them at either a 30° or 45° angle. But, I have trouble figuring out how to measure for the cut! Either they are too short, or too long! Thank you, Carol
Suggested Project Book
Hi Carol. If you want to make a 9" X 12" frame, it doesn't matter the width of the wood (or chops as my frame shop owning friend said) it it the width of the inside measurement that counts. so you need four "chops" two that measure 9" wide inside and two that measure 12" wide inside. Now you do have to account for the width of the chops, so I would suggest getting some plain paper that is wide and long. Draw the inside measurement of the frame on the paper, measure the width of the wood, and then draw that outside the first measurement, that will tell you how long you should cut the first cut of your "chops" then cut the 45" angle on each board and assemble
Carol, the size of your photo is the measurement.
If it is 8x10, you first cut one end of the board to the correct angle (think, cut "up); then measure from the inside edge (the one away from the point) 8" and make a mark...this is the place where you cut the wood.
Put it in your mind that there are 2 edges on your board...one edge is shorter than the other. The short edge is your inside and the longer edge (the one with the point) is your outside edge.
I hope this drawing helps
P.S. The only measurements you need are the "inside" measurements!!!