Tip #4
Using the Shopsmith Molder to Make Decorative Accents and Picture Frames
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Three Simple Picture Frame Moldings

A beautiful picture frame can go a long way toward enhancing the appearance f an “ordinary-looking” painting or photograph. The challenge is often to find the right frame - without having to pay a small fortune for it. This is yet another place where your Shopsmith MARK V and the right assortment of Molding Knives can “save the day”.

Here are three designs for some very attractive picture frames that you can make by using the Table Saw and your Molding Attachment. Use these designs as a starting point (plus the other four shown in the lead-off portion of this article) and add to them by using your own combination of cutters, table tilt angles, etc. Believe it or not, your choices can be virtually limitless.

Here's an important safety tip....Always start with stock that's as long as possible, while still being manageable - 6' is about right, but stock up to 8' can also be managed fairly easily. Be sure to use Featherboards, Push Sticks, Push Blocks and shop-made Rip Fence extensions for added convenience in guiding your stock precisely through the cut - and added safety, as well.

Narrow-Deep Frame
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First Cut: Use a Hollow Ground or Carbide-Tipped Blade to cut the long bevel on the outside edge of the frame molding.

Seond Cut: Use the 1/2" Nosing Cutter to create the radius on the top edge of your molding

Third Cut: Cut the rabbet on the back side of your frame last.

Note: When cutting the corner miters, use a spacer in the rabbet so the frame will rest flat against the Miter Gauge Face while making your cut.

Shadow-Box Frame
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First Cut: Lay your molding stock flat on the saw table and use the Bead & Quarter-Round Cutter to make your first cut.

Second Cut & Third Cuts: Tilt your saw table to 30-degrees and use your Ogee Cutter and 1/4" & 1/2" Combination Quarter-Round Cutter to make the two center cuts

Fourth Cut: Guide the back side of your frame molding against your Rip Fence and use your 1/4" & 1/2" Combination Quarter-Round Cutter again to round-over the outer edge of your frame molding.

Firth Cut: Tilt your saw table to 30-degrees and cut the rabbet in the back of the frame molding.

To Cut Your Shadow-Box Corner Miters, tilt your saw table to 21-degrees and your Miter Gauge Face to 49-degrees

Wide, Rounded Frame
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First Cut: Use your 1/4" & 1/2" Combination Quarter-Round Cutter to round-over the bottom outer edge of your frame molding.

Second Cut: Flip your molding stock over and use your 1/4" & 1/2" Combination Quarter-Round Cutter once again to round-over the top, inner edge of your frame molding.

Third Cut: Flip your molding stock over again and use your 1/4" & 1/2" Combination Quarter-Round Cutter to round-over the top, outer edge of your frame molding.

Fourth Cut: Use your table saw to cut the 5/16" x 5/16" rabbet in the back side of the frame.