The Framers Forum

Fabulous work Richard. Thank-you for sharing the process in such detail.

And it never rains in Dublin does it!

Been there done it Prospero! In the late 1980s I had a high top 308D Mercedes van, with all the kit in, and went round County Shows doing 'instant framing' we also used to take it to customers premises, and frame there and then. Hard way to make a living though, and as we had shops as well, graduall...

Hi Mary Thanks for taking the time to post some clarification. And thank-you for calling in to see me in Derby yesterday, it was very interesting to talk to you. I am particularly pleased to see clarification of the permanent status of the GCF qualification as far as the individual is concerned. Con...

Hi Adam

Rather than rushing out and buying either, or both, I really think you need to invest some time and possibly money in doing a proper business plan. A coherent plan would make your question redundant.

Yeah, if I'm honest the paper system does the business, and the iPad system helps to justify investment in toys!

Hi Gareth. Welcome. If you carry on framing for long enough, you will end up with a Morso! Question is whether you spend money on mitre trimmers, sanders and the like and then get a Morso, or just go straight for the Morso. I made one frame in 1985 with a Nobex mitre saw, and was so disgusted with t...

I am just experimenting with using a programme called Omnifocus on my iPad for this, but all I am trying to do is to replicate the tried and tested system that I have used for years. The paper based system goes like this; 1) every job has its own docket (prints out of Estlite) or hand-written onto A...

There's no quick and easy way, but here's a few ideas; I agree with Prospero - I never pay for adverts, as I rarely see a response. 1) Networking. get some cards printed, a website up, and some samples made. Then go along to some breakfast meetings, or evening networking meetings. (Google networking...

Adam you could get someone with a CMC to cut the mount for you in two sections. I did one a few weeks ago, and because it cuts the join on the bevel, you cant see the joint. I think you would have trouble achieving that on a manual cutter. A painted wooden slip would work too. Glass is not an issue ...

Welcome Karen Do spend the time to get your prices right. A few weeks ago the cafe a few doors away from us was doing great business selling 'Full English Breakfast' for £3.95. It was their most popular item, and they were doing really well with it.Last week I missed breakfast at home, and called in...

The person I am interviewing tomorrow came in to see me, and gave me her CV before Christmas. If you want to work for a picture framer, I would suggest that you get your CV tidied up (with emphasis on framing experience) ask your mentor to write an 'open reference' on headed paper, find all of the p...

Hi Emma, and welcome to the forum. I don't have the GCF Qualification, and am currently not a member of the FATG, although I am considering joining now that there are some changes afoot. There is no doubt that the GCF exam would do you good, both in terms of personal development, and in terms of emp...

Hi Louise, and welcome to the forum. Congratulations on your promotion. I'm sure that you will find a lot of support amongst the forum members for constructive dialog to improve the representation of our great industry. I for one will make a point of stopping for a chat with you at the Spring Fair.

Be very careful with 'employing ' self-employed people. The law, and the attitude to upholding the law has changed in recent years, and HMRC will come down hard on you if they don't believe the people are genuinely self-employed. For example, if they work at your premises, using your tools, under yo...

The blades of the Morso where they join in the point should JUST go into the groove on the back fence that marks the centre of the cut, BUT NOT TOUCH anywhere. By putting a sheet of mountboard behind the moulding you are cutting you are in effect making the same adjustment in a temporary manner. To ...

I use Claryl a lot, and honestly can't see what is difficult about cleaning it. I use the cleaner they supply with it, and paper towels (Regina kitchen towels from Sainsburys). Can be tricky if you have got finger prints on it, but even if you have, just rub hard and they come off. As to the useable...

I do, and I don't agree Ormond. Today. I think there are mouldings suitable for contract only that need a double mitre saw, and there are mouldings suitable for custom framers that will cut well on a Morso. The problem is that the wholesaler, or rep is often not well enough informed. A good rep will...

Hi John. Welcome to the forum

Go for a Morso. No dust and much more accurate, unless you are going into mass production and are thinking of a double mitre saw.

Hi Colin I'd agree with what has been said above. Spend your Waterstones voucher on something worth reading, or one of those big Art books that you can cut up and frame the pictures! I am currently working on writing a trade/professional book for the picture framing industry, although based on the c...