SEPTEMBER 2017 Project of the Month - The Quick-Change Picture Frame!

[mtylerfl]

Hello,

Despite its appearance, this project isn’t your ordinary picture frame. It’s a Quick-Change Picture Frame!

Many of us leave the same old photos in a frame “forever” because it’s a hassle to change/update them. No more! The concept integrated into this project is a quick-n-easy solution. It features a wooden “mat” insert that is held in place by hidden magnets in both the frame and the insert. Swap a photo in seconds by simply pulling off the mat insert, swap photos and replace the insert.

The project uses just the 1/16" Carving Bit and the 1/8" Cutting Bit. No other bits are required. The dimensions of the finished Quick-Change Picture Frame are approximately 8" x 10" x 1.2" D. The frame is sized for standard 5" x 7" photos.

The hanging method is a little different, as well. Hidden inside the frame are slot-holes for insertion of a T-Pin to mount the frame flush to the wall with no visible hanger. Can hang vertically (portrait) or horizontally (landscape). Once you've run and observed how the “quick-change” concept was incorporated into this project, I hope it inspires you to create frame designs of your own! Here’s some ideas:

• Carve the components from contrasting wood or stain or paint with contrasting colors
• Make a lithophane box using the quick-change concept to swap out holiday-themed lithos for different seasons of the year
• Design unique frames in different shapes. Stars, circles, ovals, your state outline, animal or dinosaur silhouettes for kid’s rooms, etc.

Main items you will need:
1) The Project Files (included):
• Quick_Change_Frame.mpc

2) Board(s) with the following dimensions: 0.75" x 11" x 26.5"

NOTE: Do not use boards that are smaller than specified above unless using an appropriate jig. Larger boards are fine.

3) Eight 6mm x3mm neodymium magnets (.25" dia. x .125" thick ), 0.007 clear plastic sheet, a 5" x 7" photo, one T-Pin (Size: #28 - 1.75" long)

4) Epoxy, sandpaper, wood stain and/or paint and clear finish

5) A Dremel-type rotary tool with assorted sanding wheels and bits to sand small details. A small belt sander is also handy to speed up preparation for finishing.

Apply your choice of finish. Here’s what I used on my Quick-Change Frame sample made from Select Pine:
• Applied Rust-Oleum Ultimate Stain - Wheat
• Several coats of gloss Krylon Clear Acrylic spray