[Marco]

Hello!
I have a router and about to DIY routing table. I am no more buying picture frames in 2023!
I appreciate if someone can mentor me... What would be the first bits set that I should own?

Whats next?!

Well making your own frames can be very rewarding and I know you will become very good at it. First and maybe the most important thing to picture frames is that the 45 degree angles on every corner fit tight meaning no gaps. There are many ways to cut the 45"s, a miter saw either hand tool or power tool or a table saw sled set at 45. All of those can be exacted by their self or can be trimmed up with a miter trimmer. I would first focus on getting your frames to fit tight and then move on to adding the design on the frame and the rabbet on the back inner side for the photo/glass and back.

Here's a link to some router bits for picture frames. There is one specifically for cutting the rabbets even though you can achieve the same with straight cut bits. Then there are many edge forming bits to choose from. Some people use 2 or more bits to create the look they want. It all depends on what you prefer.

MLCS does not sell the top of the line router bits but what ever brand you choose make sure the shaft is 1/2" not 1/4"

Good luck, keep us posted and most importantly be safe!

 

[Marco]

Thanks a lot for your quick reply.
Did you get a chance to look at the pdf i shared?
Any ideas for those questions?

I bought a nice dressed piece of pine... and ordered some pieces to make the fence for the router table... .Very excited for this weekend plan

First off great first frame! For what profile bits to buy? Like Tom I would buy quality bits one at a time. The best advice I would give about the oops in the profile you created and the rabbet oops as well as sanding is to have one piece of wood more than the total length needed for the frame. First add your profile to it followed by the rabbet on the back side. When that is complete sand as best you can before cutting your 45 degree angles. Visualize the frame before you start cutting. If you cut the top followed by the right side followed by the bottom and ending with the left side you have a good chance of having the grain pattern somewhat line up at each corner. That can create a nice visual flow for the frame.

Ask 10 different people how to do a certain thing and you are likely to get 10 different answers. All will likely work, some better than others even though each accomplish the task at hand. Find what works for you best and go with it. Be safe!