Frame bases

Led.. I've read about some builds where guys just built on the glass, but I cant imagine why you would want a 3/16" glass foundation for your work. If you lean on the thing at some point later in the build and crack it....well who knows. Take out the staples in the back (or just bend them up w/ a screwdriver) and take out the framing package(glass,backing, & whatever is inbetweeen) , and use this as a template to cut something more sturdy to put back in there( 1/4" plywood, gatorboard, or a few layers of foamcore can work fine. I used criss-crossed wood slats, glued & pin-nailed together in a big shadowbox frame I made, because I knew it might get heavy

I agree, the best bet is to remove teh glass and paper, etc. and replace it with something more sturdy such as wood or heavy foam board or teh likes.  I have left the glass in ine time, but that was in a water scene where I wanted the viewer to see below the surface and to replicate calm water. 

Can you fix a 3/8 inch wood piece in a light, 1/2 inch wood frame?  What could you use to make it stay in the wood frame?

Thanks!

Leddy

Of course you can. The best tool for the job is a pneumatic stapler

or even a manual heavy duty one, or failing that, some small nails, or as a last resort, glue (epoxy maybe)  The thing is--is that frame you have 1/2" wide moulding? Or 1/2" tall? If you have at least 3/8" under the lip inside the frame, it will hide the edge of your board.          Buddy ,I was custom picture framer for 12 years, I can tell you anything about this stuff, but it's still hard without seeing what your trying to fit. I can tell you that a 1/2" frame is ridiculously small for (any use)is it a cheap diploma frame ? What is are the dimensions of your board? Is it really the size you want? Can you maybe find/buy a better frame?  can you post images of what your working with?

Indy,

The frame is a perfect fit for the size of the diorama (17 L by 11 W).  The frame is 1/2 inch tall and there is 3/8 inch under ther lip inside the frame. I try not to let the frame determine the size of the diorama.   I will keep this frame but think staplers are a bit too powerful for this project.  I will go with small nails or epoxy.

Thanks!

Leddy