Framing a mirror?

[Randy Rizzo]

I've got the frame done. Approx 50"X40". It'll sit on top of a dresser, not wall mounted. 1/4" plate. I've got the back framing rabbeted to take the mirror. The question is how to secure it in the frame. I don't want to use adhesive in case I have to replace it at some point. I'm thinking a 1/4" tempered hardboard screwed to the frame. Or? Anything else might work better?

[Bob Cooper]

I've always just let the glass shop mount mine. I don't recall how they attached it. If silicone I would think you could later remove if you wanted to

[Michael Moscicki]

Videos courtesy of Marc Spagnuolo, Woodworking with The Wood Whisperer. Altogether the videos are about 36 minutes long, but they will answer your questions better than I could. He also has two short articles if you don't want to watch the whole thing.

Mirror Frame Pt. 1: Design, Half-Laps, Assembly, & Curves
http://www.thewoodwhisperer.com/videos/mirror-frame-pt-1-design-half-laps-assembly-curves/

Mirror Frame Pt. 2: Rabbets, Clips, & Finish
http://www.thewoodwhisperer.com/videos/mirror-frame-pt-2-rabbets-clips-finish/

[Lee Schierer]

I secure the mirrors I make with 1\4" luan plywood secured with #4 flat head screws.

[Randy Rizzo]

Mike, thanks for the links. Lee, thanks, that's kind of the direction I'm headed, either 1/4" ply or hardboard.

[Jim Finn]

I've always just let the glass shop mount mine. I don't recall how they attached it. If silicone I would think you could later remove if you wanted to
I did this same thing with a three foot square mirror frame I made. Glass guy secured it with silicone. I have moved this mirror across the country twice in the past thirty years and it still hangs in my hallway, as good as new.

[Jim Dwight]

There are also little plastic L shaped clips for this. It would project more than with the plywood, however.

[Jamie Buxton]

Double rabbet. One rabbet holds the mirror. The second rabbet holds the backer panel -- usually quarter inch ply. Flathead screws go through the backer panel into the frame. I cut the rabbets with a router after the frame is glued up.

[Paul Wunder]

Randy,

An alternative to making your own clips (Wood Whisperer) is to use purchased "turn buttons" These are metal clips which are attached with screws to the back of the frame, They are available in packages of 25-100 with screws in various sizes. They are simple and hold well. I bought my last pack from Amazon

[Jim Becker]

I use wood stock and fasten with a 23 gage pin nailer...secure, but removable.

[Grant Wilkinson]

I use these

http://www.leevalley.com/en/Hardware/page.aspx?p=41859&cat=3,40914,50427&ap=1