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Using Splined Miters in Frame-and-Panel Construction |
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My miter-cutting jig (see photo on page 1) slides on tracks in the table saw's
miter-gauge slots and has an adjustable stop that allows
for accurate, repeatable cuts. Tight-fitting miters require
the opposite pieces of the frame to be precisely the same
length. The jig sets up on my saw quickly and doesn't
require calibrating the angle of the cut. I highly recommend
investing the time to make a miter-cutting jig; however, you
don't necessarily need it to produce accurate miters.
Instead, you can use a chop saw, a miter gauge on your
table saw or a radial arm saw—whatever allows you to
make the cuts accurately.
Begin by cutting the miter on the right-hand side of
the jig. Then, measure and mark the length and set the
stop. Without moving the stop, cut both stiles. Repeat
the process for the rails. If you are installing a panel,
cut it to length and width. Check the fit; it should
be slightly shorter—in both length and width—than the
bottom of the groove in which it sits, in order to allow
for movement caused by changes in humidity.
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Setting the stop. |
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Checking the fit. |
Next, glue and clamp. I use band clamps and shop-made
corner blocks, which I painted with urethane and then
sprayed with Teflon® to keep them from getting glued to
the frame. Trial fit the frame and panel by slotting the
panel into one stile and then the opposite stile. Fit
the rails next. I use masking tape around the corners
to hold everything in place until I get the band clamp
on. With the corner blocks in place, do a trial clamp.
You shouldn't need a lot of pressure to bring the joints
together. If all is well, remove the clamp, spread the
pieces out and apply the glue (I use yellow carpenter's
glue) to each face of the miters. Gluing up needs to be
done quickly. If you're installing a plywood panel, apply
glue to the inside of the groove. If you are installing
a solid-wood panel, do not glue it—it must be free to
float in the frame in order to prevent cracking caused
by seasonal dimensional changes. Add a small dab of glue
or a pin in the center of the groove in the rails. This
will keep it centered, but still allow the panel to expand
and contract.
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