This compact wall mirror will help you take one final check of your hair or makeup before leaving for work in the morning, and its two 5x7 photo frames can serve as a reminder of special people, places or pets in your life. Hopefully this project will provide a pleasant reflection that puts you in a good frame of mind as you head out into the world.
While mitered and regular half-lap joints can be made any number of ways, Rockler’s new Router Table Half Lap Jig (item 57578; $99.99) makes quick work of them with a spiral upcut bit. You’ll need to mill eight of these joints to build this mirror frame, so we’ll put this innovative jig to use here as a helpful introduction to its capabilities.
Preparing Narrow Frame Stock
Joint and plane a piece of 4/4 hardwood flat and square along its width and length, and reduce the board’s thickness to 3/4". I decided to use bird’s eye maple for the primary parts of this project, because its attractive “spotted” grain pattern is sure to capture attention! But you can select any hardwood that suits your preference and budget. A piece of 5" x 36" stock will be sufficient for making the frame’s top, bottom, sides, rail and stile. Because the components
