The Framers Forum

At the moment I have my framing setup split in two: I cut and pin my frames in my workshop, and I do all mounting and mount cutting up in the studio in the attic. I did this to minimise dust when assembling, and to keep artwork away from harm in the workshop where I do general wood and metalworking.

I've been offered an old plan chest which would be ideal for storing mountboard and mounted artwork when drying, but there is no way I can get it up the narrow stairs to the attic. In truth some larger work has been tricky to get up there. This has made me consider moving my mount cutter out to the workshop. I do have a shop vac for all the tools out there along with passive air cycling.

Is this lunacy? The attic is a nice, bright space to work, but the workshop isn't that bad either. I have compressed air out there, which I don't currently in the attic. Do any of you have similar setups, with any views/thoughts on dust and safety of artworks?

It's Ok to have a "clean" room, but you can also have a clean area in a combined workshop and the plan chest will certainly help in that area as well as giving another worktop maybe.

A place for mounted artwork when drying?

I like the user name, is you Welsh?

I take it you know the song?

I have a worship approx 5m x 6m and I use a circular saw and a Hoffmann and sanders in the same room as a mount cutter and assembly area.

First of all, it is not ideal, but it can be done. My approach is as follows

1) I have invested in top quality (M class) vacuum extraction.
2) I do have a plan chest and ensure that all artwork and cut mounts are kept safely in there.
3) when not in use my mount cutter, and assembly bench are covered in dust sheets.
4) I separate my working days to make frames on some days, and assembly and mount cutting etc on other days.
5) On change over from dust making to clean working environment I vacuum carefully at the end of the day, and the start assembly the next morning

That's more or less the setup I had....
Eventually I moved the upstairs 'clean' area downstairs into my front shop area. I carefully chaperone visitors in it.
The front door is shut - no one just walks in.
For ten years I have done most of the frame cutting in a converted caravan across my yard. It gets very dusty.
I have another workshop for frame joining/finishing which can be shut off from the clean area.
As you go along you evolve to suit your work practices.