I was asked to make 2 frames for some very respectable martial artist, I was given the certificate dimensions and the rest was left to me. Here is my design. (SketchUP for iPad)

I milled this walnut a few weeks back, while in my shop in Tappahannock.

I used the chop saw for crosscuts and table saw for ripping. The final dimensions needed is 1x 1 3/4 then by 16 3/4 or 13 3/4. Since the board was a tad over 1 1/2 thick, I ended up with some spare half inch thick sections for my scrap.

Attaching a sacrificial board to the chop saw adds accuracy and repeatable cuts.

3 frames? Yes insurance, and it’s easier to make in batches.

Lay the backer on the frame, I’m using a strap clamp to hold it steady. Line the corners to the miter line then score the frame.

Cut on the score line to make the rabbet (this is where the art, glass and backer will get seated)

Test, the fit.

Got my dust extractor set up and I’m ready to make the cut.

Flip it over and admire the results.

Cut the maple to size; I used my thin rip jig – set to the same width as the dado.

Glue the maple inlays into the dado.

Cut off the excess maple for a flush finish. I used a feather board to keep the stock tight to the rip fence.

A close up after the cut.

I love the maple walnut combination. However the flatness of the frame is not what I want. In the next video watch how I use my router table, to add decorative curved dado’s.

Using a Round Nose router bit and a fence (this bit does not have a guide bearing) to cut the decorative cove.

The belt sander makes this easy.

Unfortunately the coves in the stock required hand sanding.

Using my spline jig to cut a dado in the corner of the frame.

This adds a functional decorative touch. The spline adds strength to the corner.

Cut down with pull saw

Love how this turned out.