Replies

1. 
   Glaucon | Apr 26, 2006 01:56pm | #1

   Had a similar issue with some birdseye maple frames. In some I used keys, in others I placed brass right angles on the back of the frame after mitering. Looks fairly high end.

   Glaucon

   If you don't think too good, then don't think too much...

2. 
   JohnWW | Apr 26, 2006 02:23pm | #2

   Jay,

   I've had excellent luck with epoxy, the thicker type that comes in tubes.  Mix it up, butter onto both faces of the joint, and clamp, no other hardware needed.

   John White, Shop Manager, Fine Woodworking Magazine

1. 
   JayS | Apr 27, 2006 01:13am | #5

   Thanks very much.  I have some of the two part epoxy that comes in what looks like a double barrel syringe, where you squeeze both plungers and mix the components.  I already mitered and glued this frame with brown colored wood glue, only then to discover that the "right angle nails" didn't push in.  I guess I could rout keys, but I honestly wasn't thinking of investing that much effort in it.  It was supposed to be a quickie project with scrap wood.  Since it is already glued I would have to crack it apart and re-epoxy it.  How about using epoxy to glue a 1/16 inch strip of wood across the back of the joint line sort of like an "applied" spline?

    

   Thanks

   Jay

1. 
   joinerswork | Apr 27, 2006 01:28am | #6

   Jay,

   Since the frame is already together, consider splining across the miter, from the corner in.  Either a pair of cuts with a small backsaw or dovetail saw, and fill the cuts with a slip of veneer, or make a cradle to pass the frame, held point down, across the tablesaw, then fill the kerf with an eighth inch thick slip.  If you aren't too rough handling the frame, it'll hold together til the splines are dry.

   Regards,

   Ray

2. 
   JohnWW | Apr 27, 2006 01:37am | #7

   If the joints are already holding you might just leave the frame alone, what's the worst that could happen if the frame broke in the future?

   Gluing a strip onto the back would work to reinforce the joint as would the suggestion in another posting to cut a slot in from the corner and then glue in a spline.

   John W.

3. 
   byhammerandhand | Apr 26, 2006 03:39pm | #3

   All the suggestions are common ways (nails, splines, keys, back pinning). I've also used "itty-bitty biscuits." They come with a slot cutting router bit and oval fiberboard "biscuits." There's also those hourglass-shaped keys that go in routed slots in the back.

4. 
   pzgren | Apr 26, 2006 07:04pm | #4

   You might try a pegged bridle joint type mitre, if it will fit in with your design.