Fig 6 shows the corner of a wooden picture frame used to display a mounted photograph. The two pieces of moulding are cut at 45 degrees and joined together ...
Question 1 Report
Fig 6 shows the corner of a wooden picture frame used to display a mounted photograph. The two pieces of moulding are cut at 45 degrees and joined together to form the corner. A small triangular block is glued behind the joint for reinforcement.
(a) Name the type of joint used at the corner of the frame. [1]
(b) State two other methods that could be used to strengthen this type of corner joint on a picture frame. [2]
[Total: 3 marks]
Answer Details
(a) The joint used at the corner of the picture frame is a mitre joint. [1] A mitre joint is formed by cutting two pieces of material at 45 degrees so they meet at a 90-degree corner. The angled cuts create a clean, continuous line along the outer edge of the frame, hiding the end grain of the wood and giving a professional finish.
(b) Two methods to strengthen a mitre joint on a picture frame:
- Corrugated fasteners (wiggle nails) driven across the joint from the back. [1] These ridged metal strips are hammered into the wood across the joint line, gripping both pieces and resisting the joint from opening. They are quick to apply and are hidden on the back of the frame.
- A spline or loose tongue inserted into a slot cut across the mitre face. [1] A thin strip of plywood or hardwood is glued into matching grooves cut across the joint, providing a large gluing area and mechanical interlock that greatly increases the joint's resistance to opening. This is the strongest reinforcement method for a mitre.
(Other acceptable answers: veneer pins or panel pins driven through the joint; use a corner clamp or frame clamp while adhesive sets to ensure accurate alignment.)
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