Mounting Arrow Heads

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Pro-Am
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Mounting Arrow Heads

Post by Pro-Am »

I have been asked to frame 4 Roman arrow heads, as seen in the picture. I will be box mounting them with the mat raised above the board the arrow heads are attached to.
I want the method to be unobtrusive as possible, I have found cotton thread is too noticeable and the specialty perspex mounts I can get here are too large.
Anyone had any experience with Roman Arrow Heads?
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Re: Mounting Arrow Heads

Post by David McCormack »

Was thinking thin strips of mylar/melinex but then I thought of fishing line... could work?
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Re: Mounting Arrow Heads

Post by Roboframer »

Thin Melinex straps, definitely; one the whole length of the shaft if you like and one over the tip and if you're concerned about shine, rub the sheet with 0000 grade steel wool before cutting.
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Re: Mounting Arrow Heads

Post by prospero »

Another thing is fine copper wire. The sort they use to wind coils and transformers. Some is hardly thicker than a hair and almost invisible. And it's coated in lacquer so no issues with reaction.
You can buy it from specialist electrical dealers or you can cannibalise an old bit of electrical gear. :wink:
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Re: Mounting Arrow Heads

Post by Just Paintings »

My choice would be fishing line. Just 2 per arrow would be needed. I would use a red coloured 6lb breaking strain line. Use a needle to make a pair of holes for each cord, preferably just under the edges. Once knotted on the back, then tape over the line to stop any slippage.
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Re: Mounting Arrow Heads

Post by IFGL »

I am with prospero on this one far less visible quicker and easier than mylar imho which would be my 2nd choice.
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Re: Mounting Arrow Heads

Post by Roboframer »

Wire can abrade or be abraded - it's 'sharp' - a laquer coating can also abrade; fishing line is also 'sharp' can stretch/abrade and also be affected by UV light, as in discolouring and becoming brittle - there's also the bulk of knots to worry about and tying them tight enough, or just slack enough.

You can cut melinex straps as thin as you like - you don't need to tie knots, so no bulk on rear of mounting board and if you keep a roll handy you'll not need much else for 3-D stuff. Anyway all the above better than silicone at least!
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Re: Mounting Arrow Heads

Post by Tudor Rose »

Agree with Robo on this one and for the reasons he states.
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Re: Mounting Arrow Heads

Post by IFGL »

you could have them busting out of the backing, like someone fired them there :)
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Re: Mounting Arrow Heads

Post by IFGL »

Pros of mylar
not abrasive -
less bulk (marginally)

Cons
looks abhorrent (my personal view)
held in place with various bits of self adhesive gunk which will at some point give way, arrow heads fall possibly causing damage.

pros of coated wire
highly unlikely to damage arrow heads due to coating
almost invisible
securely tied off
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Re: Mounting Arrow Heads

Post by Roboframer »

Be sensible.

If it's done properly, which it's probably not by most, it's got little to no chance of failure - I've explained how to do it properly recently and it's covered in many links - search for them; also in a PDF and of course a book by Jim Miller which is like a bible to many.

Something you can't see can't look like crap - if I did those you'd have to get muuuuuch closer than you'd need to see the arrow heads to see how I'd done it.

Each to his own, OP can make an informed choice.
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Re: Mounting Arrow Heads

Post by IFGL »

just winding you up a bit John :), I know if it's done right it will be fine, here is a couple of kisses just for you xx
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Re: Mounting Arrow Heads

Post by Not your average framer »

I would use Mylar. It has so many uses and once you have it in stock you will find it really useful time after time. It also really impresses the customers, when they can't figure out how things are held in place! It is very strong stuff and even very narrow strips can be surprisingly strong. I like using very narrow strips, because they are very hard to see behind glass.
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Re: Mounting Arrow Heads

Post by Pro-Am »

Thanks for the comments and suggestions I will have a play with both (mylar & wire) and use it as learning experience. I will post the final result when complete.
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Re: Mounting Arrow Heads

Post by AllFramed »

I have mounted some almost identical to this using two very thin strips of Mylar on each. Barely visible and customer very happy! :D
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