Wire

Roboframer · Post by **Roboframer** » Mon 12 Feb, 2007 11:12 pm

Hey - I used to just put two 'X's in biro - then I stole some biros from the shop when I couldn't find one in the workshop - weird looking things - wondered why we sold biros anyway, but what the hec.

Weeks later I found that the ends had caps on and there were stamps underneath - the cap is a tiny inkpad - one was a penguin (!) and one was a star!!!

I must get a guided tour of our shop!

I know it would be a waste of wire, as indeed it was always a waste of cord - the stuff I used had a 200lb breaking strain (apparently) but the method was fast and avoided the bulky knots each side. I'm sure that once I don't have to look at the photos on how to do it on the reel of SSS with my tongue poking out - I'll be able to do it a la Robo!!!

osgood · Post by **osgood** » Mon 12 Feb, 2007 11:32 pm

John,
The first couple of hundred knots and twists of wire are the hardest. After that you can do them in a few seconds and with your eyes closed if you wish!

Struth, you must have a lot of stuff in your shop if you don't know what you've got hidden in nooks and crannies. Perhaps Mrs. Robo could oblige you with a guided tour!

I'd like to do the tour myself.

Roboframer · Post by **Roboframer** » Mon 12 Feb, 2007 11:50 pm

I was in the shop once - a rep comes in - he says 'Hi - I'm from 'Impex'

I said - "Sorry, I don't think we are looking to take on any more products at the moment"

He said "Er - you've been dealing with us for two years, where's Pat?"

I got sent to my room!

RobinC · Post by **RobinC** » Tue 13 Feb, 2007 10:14 am

We have always used wire. We started using standard brass wire until we read about the problems in coastal areas - we are in Preston so not really coastal but it is not worth the risk. We changed over to a branded Super Soft Strand wire years ago and have had no problems. We now use Lion own brand (when it is available) and find it excellent. We use the same twisting technique as Roboframer.

One other comment about Lion. We have always avoided polymer moulding. However last year we bought sone of Lions polymer version of Aquadias Manhattan moulding to use on some good selling prints that only gave us a lowish margin. The frame looks excellent and cuts well with very little wastage. I am concerned about lowering the quality image of my business, but it has given me food for thought.

What are other peoples views on plastic moulding?

Underpinner · Post by **Underpinner** » Tue 13 Feb, 2007 2:56 pm

Osgood wanted to know why I use wire for small frames and cord for almost everything else. I find cord easier and more comfortable to use, except on small frames where I want to achieve a greater degree of accuracy - allowing a bit of slack in the wire while still ensuring that the hanging device on the wall remains out of sight.

beth · Post by **beth** » Tue 13 Feb, 2007 4:59 pm

Have mainly used cord (lions low stretch), use plastic coated wire on aluminiums, like the flexibilty of the cord.

Have never used plastic moulding, ever, dont know what is like always considered it to be cheap looking , though recently there are some nice finishs, not sure about the strenght of it.