I thought I’d introduce myself – another newbie looking for answers from for you friendly and helpful folk.
I’m setting up my own workshop and realise there is SO much to learn about framing (which is how I came across the forum in the first place - endlessly googling answers to the myriad of questions that pop up).
I worked in picture framing workshops for a couple of years when I was in my early twenties, but mostly on the mount cutting and assembly side of things and that was a little while ago now (ahem). The lovely framer who initially took me on, inspired me with his knowledge and enthusiasm for all things framing, restoration and gilding and it basically changed my life trajectory to a much more creative one. (Thank you, Doug of Salisbury!)
I’ve done a fair amount of furniture-making and some restoration training since the early days (plus worked making graphics and props for film and tv for a fair while), so I thought I had a good grounding to come back to the trade that I was inspired by. But… I’m a bit wide eyed about all the stuff I don’t quite know the answer to yet. (Plus a bit impatient to know it all - having to remind myself that tiny steps is OK.)
Pricing is definitely a big worry right now. That and the dodgy kit I bought as a job lot. (Oh dear! Lesson learned.
Now shopping for a new underpinner after wasting far too much time trying to get the one that was “in good working order” to make a neat job without scaring the living daylights out of me!! Spring snapped and now a hammer that occasionally fires like it's possessed by Thor. Plus it's been obsolete for nearly 15 years...) On that note, what do people think about the Cassese CS199? - there are a couple of reconditioned options available out there… and a CS20, but I don't know the price of that one yet 
Thanks for reading and I look forward to learning from you all!
Lis
P.S. If any Yorkshire framers are up for a chat or a visit, I’d be delighted!
Also, interested to know if there are plenty of lady framers out there – please say hello.
. I'm very grateful that John didn't make this forum 'Northern Irish only'.
