Introduction: Pallet Wood Picture Frame

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Here is how I made this picture frame from pallet wood and some hardwood that I had laying around the shop.

Step 1: Getting the Wood

First thing that you need to do is acquire a pallet. I prefer a pallet that has weathered so that it has some character.

Once you get the pallet you have to take it apart.

You can either try to pull the nails with a catspaw or crowbar but I found that the easiest way for me to do it was to use a reciprocating saw to cut the nails and then using a hammer and punch I drove the remaining portion of the nail out of the wood.

Step 2: Cutting the Pieces

Next thing I did was to cut the pallet and hardwood pieces down to manageable sizes so that the glue up would be easier.

Making sure that each piece is long enough for it's side of the frame.

Step 3: Trim the Hardwood

Next I ripped the hardwood down to the sizes that I needed.

Step 4: Glue Up!

Now with all of the sides rough cut to the approximate size it is time to glue them together.

I used to large pipe clamps but other types of clamps will do.

Start by placing the outer edge hardwood piece up against the clamp. Place sufficient glue to adhere the pallet wood to the hardwood, then add glue to the inner hardwood piece.

After that I continued the process with each side, putting all the pieces in the same set of clamps without any glue between the individual side components

Clamp it tight and let it dry.

Step 5: Cut the Miters

There are a number of ways to cut the miters. I used a miter saw but you could just as easily use a miter sled on a table saw.

Make sure that the saw is accurately adjusted and cut the pairs of sides to equal length.

Step 6: Assemble

Now lay the frame face down and I used pocket screws and glue to fasten the corners. You can use nails through the corners if you like just make sure to use enough glue to hold it together.

Step 7: Cut the Recess for the Glass

With the frame laying face down on my work bench I used a router with a rabbeting bit to cut in the recess for the glass, matt, picture and backing.

Step 8: Finish

After the rabbet has been cut, place the glass in the recess followed by the matte, the picture and the backing and secure using finish nails driven in sideways or glazing points.

For a real professional job at tape over the joint to keep dust out.

Step 9: That's It!

That is all there is too it. You can now add whatever type of hanger you wish to the back. It does make a fairly heavy frame so make sure that you use the appropriate fixtures to accommodate the weight.

Thanks for look at my instructable.