Circular Picture Frame

On this the last meeting of 2002, as well as the duties of the Chair, Joe also took on the role of demonstrator. He had brought along his Record DML 300 lathe, and after dressing in a protective smock and Dust-be-gone mask, a circular blank of oak, 10ins. by 1in. deep approx. was mounted via a screwchuck with the head rotated at 90 deg. The back and edge were trued up using a spindle gouge with a lathe speed of 920 r.p.m. When trued up, the rebate for back and glass was marked, (Joe left the frame approx. 11/2ins.wide; if frame was for existing glass that naturally would determine recess position) then using a round bar scraper the recess was cut 3/8in. wide and deep enough for glass, (2mm. normally for pictures) and ply backing Next .the opening for picture (at inner side of recess) was cut very carefully about ˝ way with a very fine and sharp parting tool. The back was then cleaned up, sanded and finished., removed and reversed carefully on to screwchuck. ready for parting off frame. Tip! open up edge of screwchuck hole slightly before removing from chuck.

Joe warned that careful checking and measurement is essential before marking for cutting through .Masking tape was applied to the back to prevent frame breaking away on completion of parting off, which, with the same thin parting tool, was started slightly inside the marked line initially, and then on the line, slowly, until the frame parted from the centre, being restrained by the masking tape.

Next a jam chuck for holding the frame for finishing was required. A piece of MDF was mounted on the screw chuck, and turned to accept and snugly hold the frame via the back recess. When running perfectly true the spindle gouge was used to produce a moulded front on the frame, the moulding, which showed off the wood grain to advantage was sharpened and made crisper by using a diamond point tool.

Sanding then done at low speed, with abrasive folded 3 times and constantly moving, 120, 240, and 320 grades. After dusting off Joe dyed the frame with Indian Rosewood for effect; a dye available in small cans, ready to use,and available in hardwares, paintshops etc. Two coats of sanding sealer were then applied, toilet paper used to shine each coat after application.

The back then made from plywood, Joe attached a thin ply section to the jam chuck with double backed tape and after trimming to size, completed the sanding /sealing ready for fitment to frame. Joe’s dedication to turning and tool skills shone through this very informative demo., entertaining all the way, and a very sincere thanks to him.
Michael Forde