Join a Frame

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Frames are joined by inserting V Nails from underneath with an underpinner - watch our video to see how it works. This video shows the Alfamacchine U200 which is foot operated and ideal for lower volume bespoke work.

For harder mouldings and busier workshops air operated underpinners like the U200P, U300P or U400S are ideal. For high volume production the memory programmable U500 or U600 deliver fast, accurate joining. Watch our videos to learn more.

If you work with a lot of hard bare woods or profiles that are hard to join, try the Hoffmann Frame Joiner. Instead of inserting a V Nail which has to displace the timber fibres, it routs a slot for a dovetail key. The key is tapped into place and pulls the corner tightly together. Hoffmann can replace the laborious process of side-pinning taller profiles. Watch our video to learn more.

For advice on choosing the best equipment for your workshop, contact our Technical Sales Team techserv@lionpic.co.uk

 

How to join a picture frame on an Alfamacchine U200 Underpinner

  • Step one

    Before starting ensure you have the right size V Nail block in your Alfamacchine underpinner. Changing the block allows for the firing of the correct V Nail.

  • Step two

    With the adhesive side up, load the V Nails into the channel by pulling the cord to pull the pin back.

  • Step three

    Bring a piece of mitred moulding against the back fence and position where you want V Nails inserted. Tighten the knob to hold the fence in place.

  • Step four

    Set the top clamp to be around 20mm above the moulding. This will hold the moulding in place while V Nails are inserted.

  • Step five

    Apply PVA wood glue to each face of the mitred moulding corner.

  • Step six

    Hold two mitred moulding pieces in place and push down on the foot pedal to fire the V Nail. Slide the fence to the next position to insert the second V Nail.

  • Step seven

    Join the remaining corners to complete the frame. 

How to join a hard wood frame on a Hoffmann Frame Joiner

How to use the Hoffmann Frame Joiner to join dense hard woods which can be tricky to join even with the best quality underpinners.

  • Step one

    Place one mitred piece against the fence face upwards. Then bring the handle of the Hoffmann down to bring the router bit up from underneath.

  • Step two

    Repeat the process on all mitred lengths of moulding.

  • Step three

    Apply a small amount of PVA wood to the mitred corners. The BabeBot glue bottle makes for precise application.

  • Step four

    Position two corners together, lay them face down and tap the Hoffmann Dovetail Key in with a soft faced hammer.

  • Step five

    Repeat the process on the remaining three corners to complete the frame.