Crafting picture frames often demands achieving flawlessly smooth mitre joints, especially when working with delicate mouldings. Traditional methods, while functional, can sometimes fall short, leading to frustration with chipped edges and time-consuming rework. Many woodworkers and picture framing enthusiasts seek efficient and precise solutions to overcome these challenges. This article explores a practical DIY approach to mitre cutting for picture moulding, highlighting the importance of selecting the best fine mitre blade to achieve professional results in 2024.
The journey to perfect mitres often begins with recognizing the limitations of existing tools. For wider mouldings or those with intricate profiles, standard mitre saws or even specialized cutters can present difficulties. One common issue is tear-out or chipping on the back side of the moulding as the blade exits the cut. While tools like the Morso cutter are effective for many tasks, they can sometimes struggle with certain types of picture moulding, leading to detached chunks and the need for extensive filling and finishing.
To address these challenges, a resourceful approach involves creating a dedicated double mitre saw setup. This innovative solution utilizes two chop saws mounted in a fixed position, eliminating the need to swing the saw head for each cut. The original author of this method opted for Makita chop saws, specifically Japanese-made models, noting the importance of avoiding potentially less precise Chinese versions. While DeWalt saws were considered, the preference leaned towards non-compound slide models to minimize moving parts and maximize accuracy. This twin-saw configuration streamlines the workflow, ensuring consistent angles and reducing wear and tear on the machinery.
A crucial element in achieving clean, chip-free mitre cuts is the selection of the appropriate blade. The standard blades often supplied with chop saws, typically around 24 teeth, are not optimized for fine woodworking or delicate mouldings. Upgrading to a high-tooth-count blade is essential. The author’s experience highlights the effectiveness of switching to 80-tooth blades. While not specifying a high-end brand, the use of these finer blades, even on a budget, dramatically improved cut quality. These blades have proven durable, lasting through extensive use without requiring sharpening, further emphasizing the value of investing in the right blade for picture moulding.
While specialized double mitre saws exist as ideal solutions, their cost and space requirements can be prohibitive for many hobbyists and smaller workshops. This DIY double mitre saw rig offers a cost-effective alternative, often assembled for under 500 GBP. It provides a practical balance between professional-grade results and budget-conscious construction. Although primarily tested on plain wood and gesso-only mouldings, the system demonstrates significant improvements over single saw methods, minimizing gaps and producing clean mitres that require minimal finishing.
For picture framing projects in 2024, selecting the best fine mitre blade remains paramount. When choosing a blade for picture moulding, prioritize high tooth counts (80 teeth or more) designed for fine cuts in wood and delicate materials. Look for blades specifically marketed for trim work or fine finish cuts. While brand names can indicate quality, focusing on tooth count, blade geometry, and user reviews will guide you towards the optimal blade for achieving professional-level mitre joints in your picture framing endeavors.
