The Framers Forum

Hi Steven, I posted this topic on three forums and pretty much got the same consensus that photo framing is a bad road to go down, considering the whole sweatshop framing factories and all. I really appreciate your input though. The points you raised are important no matter what I end up doing. Than...

Hi Steven,

I'm glad you got it all sorted. Tell me how it cuts.

David

Hi guys, I’m considering starting a home-based picture framing business and need to find out whether there is a market for what I want to do. I really can’t afford to invest in machinery if it’s not going to work out. Initially I think I’ll probably be producing frames for photo shops etc, but I do...

Hi Steven While reading your last post, I just had this idea. It's definitely not ideal, but maybe it's something worth considering? Use a normal steel ruler cut down to 19mm if possible. Get a screen print of reversed numbers and attach over the top of the steel rule numbers. This way you can have ...

Ah right to left ruler. I also want one for building my own simple glass cutter...very hard to find. What do you need yours for?

David

Mark,

Here in New Zealand we measure in metric, I guess because we were colonized by the British?.

Standard size frames are stated in imperial. I think the numbers are just easier for customers to remember. If it weren't for this I would be using metric exclusively in a second.

David

Steven

I'm just wondering what amount of `natural' expansion and contraction of canvas you have experienced?.

Certainly the further out the frame is adjusted the more likely the canvas will tear, but isn't this true of the traditional mortise and tenon system?

David

Hi Steven, Thanks for your reply. The pieces you framed sound great. I bet you got high marks too! I think I get the idea that one should be prepared for anything the tester might mark you down for, be meticulous!. And if in doubt, go for the safer option. I was a little worried because I don't know...

Hi Steven, Thanks for your reply. In regards to the natural expansion of the canvas, the turnbuckle is just adjusted as required. In terms of weight, the one turnbuckle I weighed weighs in at around 35g, so 4 @ 35g = 140 grams. I can't see this dramatically affecting anything. The stretcher bars are...

Found this great idea posted by Wally Fay at The Picture Framers Grumble US. It basically allows framers to cut their own stretcher bars, without losing the ability of future stretching. Brilliant! http://img71.exs.cx/img71/413/TurnbuckleSystem.jpg The full discussion can be seen here at the Picture...

Thanks Mark and Steven, for your in-depth replies and words of wisdom. :) I have been in contact with the FATG NZ several times already, so I sort of know what's involved with the exam, but I just wanted to get an independant point of view on how others found it. I tend to think the worst about the...

Hello all, I'm fairly inexperienced in framing (about 4 months) and after my first picture framing job ended I've had trouble finding any further employment in the industry. I'm absolutely decided that this is what I want to do since I'm naturally a bit of a perfectionist, but there's just no jobs ...