Picture Framing and Festool?

[ericbuggeln]

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

 

[Tinker]

>>>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.

 

[Sparktrician]

Of course, there is always the idea that whoever dies with the most tools wins  [poke] [dead horse]
Tinker

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

[big grin]

 

[RONWEN]

Of course, there is always the idea that whoever dies with the most tools wins  [poke] [dead horse]
Tinker

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

[big grin]

Seems a bit like saying "the sky is up"...  [wink]

 

[nclemmons]

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

 

[ericbuggeln]

Thanks Neil