I have verbally committed to framing a lot of artwork for a client who has an infinite budget. I have no picture framing equipment or experience, just a lot of measuring, layout , and installation experience. What should I do? I was planning on winging it and buying a bunch of stuff that I will be able to use for the rest of my life, for friends and family, maybe even a client or two.

Any websites or company names? I would like to do some with picture frame stock and some larger ones with the domino and stock from my mill, with mitered corners, Eric

Nothing stands out more than a bad corner on a picture frame, whatever technique you choose, practice ... practice ... practice!

I've seen picture framing guillotines, but I've ignorant of their range of application. May be worth a search.

Frame clamps will be a necessity.

Backing boards? Glass? Borders? There's a lot to consider if you're going to take it on.

Maybe a little reading ... http://www.booktopia.com.au/books-online/crafts-handiwork/decorative-wood-metalwork/picture-framing/cWFLF-p1-l0.html

 also www.framingsupplies.com is an excellent company.

for some reason having problems trying to post messages , can not modify posting , several times would not post my message.

I've done several picture frames, and they are pretty straightforward. The two hardest parts of the process are moulding the profiles and clamping it all together. I didn't buy any special extra equipment, other than router bits for new profiles.

For the moulding, it is easier to run one or two pieces of timber over the router table before cutting it to length and mitering it. The MFT/3 with fence and guide rail excels at cutting mitres, because you can reverse the timber and get a perfect corner as the two angles will total 90 degrees even they are 47/43 not 45/45.

For the clamping, I made up corner clamping jigs that hold each corner square and make it easier to use basic clamps. I don't have a good photo of one but you can glimpse it in the background of this photo in the middle on the wall.

I have both the Nobex top-of-the-line miter box and the Kapex.
My experience is that the Kapex excels.
Because cutting at a 45 angle always produces some lateral stress, the advantage of the Kapex (properly calibrated) is that it cuts with very little lateral stress.

I have done picture framing with the Kapex and a Lion Miter Trimmer.  The Miter trimmer does a great job for accurate angles. Typically I will cut close with the Kapex and then final trim with the Lion unit.  I don't do enough volume to justify one of the v-nailers, but if I was doing it in volume, would definitely use one.  For now, I use a Grex pin nailer. 

While I have done dominoes on some of the larger frames, but more for mirrors than pictures, I think for most pictures, glue and the V-nailer would probably suffice.

I think trying to make jigs for the MFT and rails would be a lot of extra work, and would suggest the Kapex instead.

neil

Since you already have the Kapex, why not get some stock and try it out before buying the other types of frame cutting tools?

I find that I can trim miniscule amounts off with the Kapex when needed.

Seth

Ah, I just figured you had one.   I almost bought that Nobex to take to sites when I knew I would only need to make a  couple of cuts.

I have seen framing set ups that use two power miter saws locked into the left and right 45 positions. The idea being that once they are tuned in you simply do not move them.



Seth

pictureframes.com

They have all things related to pictures frames. Logan 750 is great for cutting mats and backing boards.

Mill your own molding and cut it with the Kapex.

Be sure to tell pictureframes.com that it is your first order...good discount.

It sounds like buying the Kapex and making no money on this job maybe the winning solution. I dont see why i would drop $250 or more on saws that I will primarily use for picture framing, when I could be using that money to go towards a Kapex, which remodeling business could desperately use.

Lee Valley offers http://www.leevalley.com/US/wood/page.aspx?p=52289&cat=1,43293 and http://www.leevalley.com/US/wood/page.aspx?p=31162&cat=1,43293

while The Best Things offers the last two items http://thebestthings.com/newtools/frameco.htm

Both appear that they will secure miter and press v nails for me. Some of the big frames I would like to use dominoes.

It looks like everyone sells this Logan Simplex model for mat cutting http://www.leevalley.com/US/wood/page.aspx?p=32123&cat=1,43293

Will 40" be a hindrance, seems to me it could. I was trying to make this a one time buy for all my needs.

What is the average 24" x 24" frame with single mat worth? Just ballpark, thanks Eric

Was there a problem here???  I just don't understand... 

 

Eric

I think you are on the right track - Kapex, miter clamps from Lee Valley, v-nailer from Lee Valley and some glue and a mat cutter and a nailer for inserting behind the picture, mat and backing.

For one cost comparison, Two weeks ago, I just framed a 24 x 20 frame with no mat at the local do-it-yourself frame shop.  I went there because of finish frame selection and a need to get it done for my daughter.  Nothing fancy, but with me doing the labor, it was 75.00 for the wood and the glass.  If you were to go to a custom shop, that price is probably 150-200 in the chicago area depending on the moulding.  Add more for the mat.

You should be able to quickly pay for a Kapex and get a lot of other work out of it.  I have a miter box called a joint maker that I got maybe 20 years ago that works with a L-N back saw.  Used to do frames with it and there is no comparison to that versus the Kapex.  Personally, I would whatever you might spend on the Nobex toward the Kapex. 

You asked about the Lion trimmer.  I have one and they are still in business because they just resharpened my blades earlier this year.  There are foreign knock-offs that you can get cheaper.  I have personally find the trimmer excellent for finely fitting moulding.  It's most useful on smaller frames where you want the precision.  You could start with the Kapex and determine if it is accurate enough for what you are doing. 

neil