Molding 1 – Introduction
Molding is a popular way to add a distinct aesthetic look to any room. Whether covering a wall, a corner, or making a customized picture frame, molding is the perfect way to finish the look of a room. Making your own custom-cut molding is easy to do and much more cost-effective than buying pre-made pieces. This guide will take you step-by-step through the basic process of creating molding and building picture frames, from initial planning to the finished product.
Before you begin any woodworking project, always remember basic safety precautions and ensure you have identified the appropriate tools and materials required for the job. For this project you’ll need a $saw, chisel, router, and hand drill with drill bits. You may wish to invest in other specialty tools to make your project easier such as a biscuit joiner, miter saw, and biscuit cutter. Always make sure you use wood that is properly dried, straight, and free of knots and defects. Look for “Class 1” or “Select Grade” lumber.
It will also be helpful to familiarize yourself with some fundamental woodworking terms. A miter is an angled cut, usually angled in 45 or 90-degree angles. A rabbet, sometimes also referred to as a rebate, is a cut into the wood that starts at one end and extends partway across the adjacent surface. When joined two pieces of wood in a miter, the joint is referred to as a miter joint.
Before you begin with the actual cutting to create your molding, you need do some careful planning. Measure the area where the molding will sit and decide the style and shape you want for the molding. Sketch your design on paper and then draw the individual parts on your piece of wood. If you are making an intricate molding, consider cutting a template and use that as a guide when you begin to cut individual parts.
The easiest way to make a molding is to use a router and a router table. To begin, use a straight bit and create a rabbet in one of the sides of the wood. That rabbet contributes a great deal to the overall look of the molding. The rabbet allows the molding to fit snugly against the wall. Be sure to use a backing strip to prevent chatter marks. This will also help you cut more accurately.
Once the rabbet is cut, you can begin shaping the molding. Using various bits and cutters, you can make the individual grooves and decorative pieces that will give your molding a unique look. Remember to mark all of your pieces so you know where they will fit in and which direction they should face.
To assemble the molding, you’ll need a skill saw and miter box. Cut the pieces according to your design and then test fit them to make sure they fit together properly. Small pieces of trim can be inserted to cover seams, then secured with wood glue and clamped until dry. If a piece appears wavy, place it on your flat surface and adjust the clamping pressure to straighten it out.
Once you’ve finished the molding and are satisfied with the results, you can use it to create an end compound miter picture frame. A picture frame molding uses the same skills and techniques to create the frame, from basic miters around the outside, to creating trim to cover the seams. By cutting intricate rabbets and varying the depth of the moulding, you can make your frame look truly unique.
Many people shy away from the challenges of making their own molding and building picture frames, but with some planning, the right tools and materials, and some patience, you can get excellent results with little effort. Creating custom pieces for your home is a great way to show off your woodworking talents and add a nice finishing touch to any room.
