I really like frame handles. They offer endless file work and embellishment opportunities and I think they just look classy. I recently put together a series of photos of my process and thought I might share it with the forum. I am a big fan of using templates for most of my work, and frame handles are no exception. This is something Hancock taught me.Here are a few of my frame templates.

I will be using the second one down from the top. This is my coffin handle template. Like all my symmetrical templates, only one half or side of the template is used. This is to ensure the closest symmetry from the start. Note there are two alignment pinholes on the center line of the template.

The first step is to blacken the frame stock with a Sharpie pen (or apply layout fluid) to cover the perimeter of the frame, lay the template inside the blackened border, and drill the alignment holes.

Put the alignment pins in place (drill bits work great for this) and scribe the side you want to keep. Drill the pin holes for the handle pins on that side only!

Remove the template, flip it over, put the alignment pins in place, and repeat for the outline and pin holes on the other side.

You should now have a pretty symmetrical frame outline that you can cut out. Grind down to the line. The frame will be used to create the scales.