Introduction: How to Make a Picture Frame Table Saw Sled

By Make Something TV
About: I am a full-time online content creator, designing, creating and teaching the art of woodworking. I have an art background that I incorporate into my projects and focus on originality and design.

This is the first video in a multi-part series on picture frame making. This video gives you an overview on how to make the ultimate picture frame sled. In order to make perfect picture frames you need two things... One, the two corner pieces must add up to 90deg and the short sides as well as the long sides must be the exact same length. This sled covers both of those issues as well as it allows for larger picture frames than a traditional miter sled stop system. Picture frames are not measured by the inside or outside length but by the rabbit so if your artwork or matte is 5x7 we can set the stop to create a frame for that exact size. To make sure there is no play in our sled we're using the MicroJig Zero Play Guide bar system that adjusts to fit any table saw. Free SketchUp plans available on my website. DrunkenWoodworker.com

Step 1: Step 1: Cut Base

First up is we’ll cut the base to size.

Step 2: Step 2: Kerf Cut Line

Next we’ll draw the 45° line where our kerf cut will be, as reference.

Step 3: Step 3: Mark Miter Slots

Knowing my fence is parallel to the blade, I’ll use a speed square up against it to register the sled at 45°. And then mark where the miter slot is located.

Step 4: Step 4: Set Up Zero Play Guide Bar

Next I’ll assemble the Micro Jig Zero Play Guide Bar System. There are two pieces that slide along angled grooves. This allows the Zero Play Guide Bar to match the width of any miter slot.

Step 5: Step 5: Mark the Zero Play Guide Bar Holes

Next I’ll place it on top of the base and use an ice pick to mark where the the holes need to be drilled.

Step 6: Step 6: Drill Oversized Holes

Then I’ll drill oversized holes, this will allow for calibration. And counter sink them so the screw head will sit below the surface.

Step 7: Step 7: Attach Zero Play Guide Bar

And now it’s just a matter of placing in the washers and screws and loosely attaching the Zero Play underneath the base.

Step 8: Step 8: Calibrate and Tighten

Because the holes are oversized we can then calibrate the sled to be exactly 45° to the fence and tighten down the bolts.

Step 9: Step 9: Cut the Kerf

Now we’ll cut the kerf to about 10 inches deep.

Step 10: Step 10: Cut Aluminum Ruler

Using an aluminum ruler I cut a 45° angle at the front end and then cut it to length. Using the cut off of the ruler for the short side I repeat the process.

Step 11: Step 11: Create Ruler Overhang

Since I want my ruler to be elevated and have an overhang, I’ll cut some masonite to about half the width of the ruler.

Step 12: Step 12: Epoxy the Back on Ruler

Now I’ll epoxy it on the back of the ruler. On the short side I won’t need the measurements so I have the numbers facing down.

Step 13: Step 13: Attach Ruler to Base

Now it’s time to attach the ruler to the base. It’s important to have it perfectly parallel to the edge so I’ll screw in one side, position it and then add a couple more screws.

Step 14: Step 14: Short Side Guide

Here is the most important part of the build. You want the short side to be a perfect 90° so I encourage you to check, recheck and then check again.

Step 15: Step 15: Reattach With Glue

I'll then take them off and reattach it with glue and screws.

Step 16: Step 16: Add Sandpaper Grip

Here I’m using adhesive backed sandpaper as grip to prevent slipping of my frame pieces when making cuts.

Step 17: Step 17: Cut Stop Block

Now it’s time to cut the stop block. On one edge I’ll cut a grove that’ll slip over the ruler. And then cut a 45° angle on one face.

Step 18: Step 18: Add Hold Down Toggle

Then I’ll attach a hold-down toggle clamp to the stop block.

Step 19: Step 19: Make Your Frame!

Start by making your first cut on the left side. Then on the right side butt up your piece against the stop block. Repeat so you have two equal length pieces. Move the stop block to the next length and cut two more pieces the same way. There is a full video and detailed photos on my website along with free SketchUp plans. DrunkenWoodworker.com