Construction method of Glass box / case ?

[A Few More Words]

I need to construct some "frameless" display cases - similar to Lion's item 6932. I have seen them somewhere before where they were made from regular float glass. I've just been trying to join the corners of some glass pieces cut to size with a bead of silicone but finding it difficult to get a clean finish. I used regular DIY clear silicone both by laying down a large bead and then cutting off excess when set as well as trying with a small bead only - however in both cases the end product finish looked poor.
What method / glues etc ..have you used to jpin the glass ?

[stcstc]

what about using a former to join over, like a wooden box or somthing,would that help get the corners right?

[huntvambo]

I believe 3mm glass is recommended because it gives more thickness for the silicon to bond to

[sim.on]

I think I would try *clear* resin glue thinly on the edge and not try to complete the case in one go. Have like a mini production line for more than one. The glue should still be trimmable with a new blade once set. I would probably put masking tape close to the edge of the glass before joining.

[Dermot]

You need UV glue http://www.crlaurence.co.uk/crlapps/sho ... delID=1852 and a UV lamp

[cubic framer]

The concept of 3D framing using more than one pane of glass is something that has occupied the minds of producers of non-durable artwork for two centuries, unfortunately the organisations that market picture framing and framing supplies have steadfastly refused to recognise that the advancement of 3D framing will be of benefited within the framing industry by understanding techniques that have the potential to progress from the Victorian/Edwardian craft to embrace the products and materials of the 20/21st century.

To evaluate the production and safety potential of 2mm, 3mm, 4mm float glass, 4.2 laminate, plate glass and plastic into a marketable product needs an understanding of a variety of techniques.

To give your customer the confidence that you are giving the best value for money requires a knowledge that those in the framing industry have failed to embrace. It is recognised in the opening post, the level of perception of quality is not standard to one technique nor is the time and skills required to achieve the product that may be the recognised level of your customer.

UV activated acrylic or silicone bonding agents are both available and have been for a number of years, but there are techniques that are simpler and will not require the initial costs and it may be that the simpler techniques can produce a more individual product than the image that is current within the glass display industry.

There are techniques practised by those craftsmen who need glass/transparent covers to both market and protect their product but this tends to be within closed markets and are not recognised by the framing industry, those who practise case construction tend to without access to the framing industry, which means that the product is not integrated into the decor standards of todays market.
I am currently researching the concept of multi-faceted framing, I believe that you difficulties are a symptom of the attitude of the supply side of your industry.

[Gesso&Bole]

eh?

[prospero]

Going off at a slight tangent...... I have about a squillion feet of diddly little birdsmouth edging that I got in a job lot of moulding. I couldn't think of a use for it until this topic. Be great for glass display cases. Cover up the fecky joins.

If anyone wants any, it will be at the right price.

Don't ask me how to do three-way mitres though.

[Merlin]

cubic framer, your profile says you are a Specialist three dimensional framer. It is really good to have specialist on any Forum because they usually impart some very good knowledge. However.

To evaluate the production and safety potential of 2mm, 3mm, 4mm float glass, 4.2 laminate, plate glass and plastic into a marketable product needs an understanding of a variety of techniques.

Can you give an example of those techniques

To give your customer the confidence that you are giving the best value for money requires a knowledge that those in the framing industry have failed to embrace.

What knowledge have those in the framing industry failed to embrace

UV activated acrylic or silicone bonding agents are both available and have been for a number of years, but there are techniques that are simpler........

Could you give an example of these techniques that are simpler

There are techniques practised by those craftsmen who need glass/transparent covers to both market and protect their product but this tends to be within closed markets and are not recognised by the framing industry....

Once again can you give an example of these techniques practised that are not recognised?.

I am currently researching the concept of multi-faceted framing, I believe that you difficulties are a symptom of the attitude of the supply side of your industry.

That is good to hear. A specialist getting involved. Maybe the attitude will change then.
Could you please let us know how you are getting on with your research

[Roboframer]

http://theframersforum.com/viewtopic.ph ... 8453#p8453

[Merlin]

Thank you Robo.
I knew the name and topic was ringing a bell .. However, the last input was just under 3 years ago, so I could be forgiven.

[Nigel Nobody]

Three years down the track and we still have the same questions, but no-one has any info on any new techniques. The old methods are still OK!

[Nigel Nobody]

unfortunately the organisations that market picture framing and framing supplies have steadfastly refused to recognise that the advancement of 3D framing will be of benefited within the framing industry by understanding techniques that have the potential to progress

I gather from your statement that you or someone else has demonstrated those techniques to some suppliers. Otherwise they wouldn't have been able to refuse to recognise them.

I hope someone enlightens Australian suppliers too. It would be a great boon to our industry to have new techniques available to us. The sooner the better!

[Tim]

Can't glass blowers create 3D transparent objects by 'blowing' glass into a mould? I know that my father (a research chemist when he was working) had a resident glass blower in their lab for just such a purpose.....

[Roboframer]

Thank you Robo.
I knew the name and topic was ringing a bell .. However, the last input was just under 3 years ago, so I could be forgiven.

Ah - a few 'hail Robos' and you're done

I remembered the name well - but then I'm a sad git!

[Nigel Nobody]

I also remembered, but I'm not a sad git! I'm a grumpy old man!

(Your signature line just works perfectly on some topics!)

[Nigel Nobody]

Can't glass blowers create 3D transparent objects by 'blowing' glass into a mould? I know that my father (a research chemist when he was working) had a resident glass blower in their lab for just such a purpose.....

That would work, but what would it cost to make a mould for every individual glass box and for the kiln, the gas to power it, the glass, the wages of a glassblower?
Glassblowing is an ancient art but a very valuable one. I hope we don't lose the knowledge and skill in our race for electronic gadgets and digital everything!

I'm putting an ad in the paper next week to employ a glass blower!

[cubic framer]

cubic framer, your profile says you are a Specialist three dimensional framer. It is really good to have specialist on any Forum because they usually impart some very good knowledge. However.

Can you give an example of those techniques

I think that I told the forum previously that I had retired, however I am trying to collect, collate and write up different techniques of case making.
Since I last posted I have learnt to use 3D modelling software that has allowed me to to create the graphics that can be the bases of digital lessons. However the overwhelming welcome back to the forum gives me a few hurdles to jump before I can go further.

Merlin you have posed five specific and pertinent questions and before I go any further I will try to deal with them in my own time.

When I last posted around 3 years ago Picture business described a method of making a glass case to frame a football. The measurements given infered that the glass weight was 2mm and high modular silicone sealant was the bonding agent, the method of application would have left the edge and the face of the butt joints of glass dry as the sealant was grouted into the corner of the pre assembled construction.

I believe that any professional should have a full understanding of the mechanics of such a construction and be able to interpret the safety implications before undertaking a commission using this method.
It is not for me to judge as I know a taxidermist in the north of England who has used a variation of this method for 40 years. Also a glazing company in mid-wales who made 4mm glass covers. However a safety assessment is only as good as the contract between customer and contractor.

[Roboframer]

It is not for me to judge as I know a taxidermist in the north of England who has used a variation of this method for 40 years. .

Well stuff him.

[kev@frames]

I'm glad we had that little talk.

So I have been keeping some fish in an avante garde frame then.

bugger me.

I thought it was a fish tank.