Abstract: A hand operated cutting apparatus and method of cutting mat board, glass, and other related sheet-like framing material. The apparatus has a cutting head assembly which includes a plurality of interchangeable and adjustable blade holding units. Each blade holding unit provides a different type of cut, such as a beveled, straight edge, or V-groove cut. Most of the blade holding units are intended for use with mat board, but some can be used to cut and trim sheet-like glass or plastic framing material. Each blade holding unit is also capable of vertical adjustment relative to the workpiece so that various depths of cut can be provided. The method of cutting a mat board permits the mat board to be positioned face up on the base board of the cutting apparatus and does not require flipping or taping of the mat board during V-groove cutting operations.

Abstract: A machine for routing end portions of frame pieces produces a channel that extends with increasing spacing from the bevelled face of the frame piece. Structure on the machine supports the frame piece in a plane that converges toward the plane in which the router bit lies, and cutting is carried out by effecting either curvilinear or rectilinear relative movement of the router and the frame piece or pieces.

Abstract: A frame for pictures and the like is assembled from pieces that are routed to have divergent channels in mutual communication. The divergent paths produce increasing levels of force upon the parallel engagement portions of the fastening peg as it is inserted more deeply into the common recess, and thereby generate increasing levels of compressive force across the joint between the frame pieces.

Abstract: A frame for pictures and the like is assembled from pieces that are routed to have divergent channels in mutual communication. The divergent paths produce increasing levels of force upon the parallel engagement portions of the fastening peg as it is inserted more deeply into the common recess, and thereby generate increasing levels of compressive force across the joint between the frame pieces.

Abstract: A machine for routing end portions of frame pieces produces a channel that extends with increasing spacing from the bevelled face of the frame piece. Structure on the machine supports the frame piece in a plane that converges toward the plane in which the router bit lies, and cutting is carried out by effecting either curvilinear or rectilinear relative movement of the router and the frame piece or pieces.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for positioning matting for picture frames and the like under an oval cutter so that ovals or other configurations can be cut in the matting about the perimeter of circles of varying diameter. The positioning template comprises a first plate which slides on the base of the oval cutter and a second plate which rotates on the first plate. Holes in the first and second plates align so that an indexing peg stops rotation of the second plate at various preselected equiangular positions.