Be gentle Im new to this

[Ninhydrin]

Hi all Im hoping this is a patient and informative forum as I am completely new to framing, so much that I have only just begun looking at the hobby today. My first question is what tools are the essentials in this hobby is there a list or can anyone point me in the direction of a good starter kit of everything needed. The only things I have looked at are :

Mitre Saw
Frame Joining kit
Glass cutter

But Im guessing there is probably a whole lot more to take into consideration?

[strokebloke]

Welcome Ninhydrin.
You've come to the right place.
I joined this Forum in March, knowing as much as you know.
Every dopey question I've asked has been answered - factually, and with respect.
So if you have a question which to you seems that it might appear to be a silly one. Ask it anyway.
The chances are that it won't be a silly question. And you will get a sensible answer.
We do have some laughs on here, so you're not amongst a load of fuddy-duddies; but if you don't know, help is available.
It will be good to see you joining in.

Enjoy your framing.

Why not pop in to Introductions, and tell us a little about yourself

[misterdiy]

Hi Ninhydrin

Welcome to the forum. If you find the suggestions get a bit too much, you can always nip into "After Hours" and join in the banter.

Regarding starting up, it really depends on what you intend to do. Is this to be a hobby or are you looking at it as a business possibility. Hobby kit is cheap and if you use the Trade suppliers on here - you will find the quality good.

if you are looking into it as a business venture then my first suggestion would be to take a beginners course in picture framing which will show you the equipment that is necessary for professional finishes and speed as well.

[misterdiy]

I just re-read your post and I see its "hobby" Look at http://www.lionpic.co.uk for inspiration. Get their catologue in the post as well. We started years ago with the Lion catologue and we still use it today

[Ninhydrin]

Thank for your replies, It would be for hobby but I am hoping to mix it with my other hobby of photography and maybe sell some to make a little extra cash, but definately not to open a shop and sell on mass.
I think a course of some sort maybe a good idea as there are too many words I dont understand right now, or if any one knows of a good book they might recommend on the equipment that might be a good starting point. I just want to try and price things up before buying anything really.

[David McCormack]

Hi,

These items should be of interest to you http://theframersforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=8695

As folk say order yourself a Lion catalogue and also have a look here http://www.diyframing.com/

The mitre trimmer for sale will give you nice clean cuts with softwoods like obeche (cut first with a mitre saw). It looks like this http://www.diyframing.com/store_viewItem.cfm?ItemID=86

DIY Framing also run various courses http://www.diyframing.com/page.cfm/cont ... aming-List

[Ninhydrin]

David great information and links thank you very much.

Is the trimmer an essential? is the finish really £200 better than what you can do with just the mitre saw? as it humps the price up quite a bit.

[prospero]

Hi and Welcome Ninhydrin.

What sort of mitre saw were you thinking of? An electric circular or a captive hand saw? Both will give equally bad results, but your arm will ache less with a lecky one.

But seriously, it depends on the standard of finish you want. On narrow mouldings you can use a hand-saw and make a frame with not too many gaps. Wider than about an inch and you might struggle. I say this from experience...... You will however become adept at using filler in the corners.
As for joining frames, nothing wrong with hammer and nails, but joining small mouldings this way needs a bit of practice.

It's the old law of diminishing returns. You could maybe buy a new handsw for £15. A Morso guillotine will run about £1500. It doesn't make frames a 100 times better. But think of it this way. Moulding is expensive. A mitre trimmer might cost £200, but £200 worth of moulding isn't a very big bundle. You can soon ruin £200 worth.

You could consider finishing your own mouldings from plain wood. Join the frame first and then apply a finish. Not only can this look very classy (and individual), you can also make good any dodgy corners before finishing. So long as the joint is sound.

If you do buy professional kit, it does tend to hold it's value. Buying lots of iffy DIY gadgets can eat up a lot a cash without you noticing.

[vitalframer]

Hi Ninhydrin,

As stated you will get all the advice you need on this forum - everyone is more than helpful. I started about 2 years ago and went on an excellent weekend DIY Framing course which was well worth the money although I have slightly adapted the techniques outlined on the course. With money being tight I cut my mouldings using a DeWalt mitre saw 5-7mm oversize and then trim the ends with a hand mitre guillotine. I get very good results on most mouldings but you would not be able to rely only on the saw as the mitres are not accurate enough. The guillotine does a great job in getting the final mitres clean and accurate. I would love a Morso but cant's afford it at the moment so I am happy to stick with the setup I have. No complaints form customers (yet).

Good luck.......Bob

[David McCormack]

The mitre trimmer is not essential but will give clean mitres as Vitalframer says. You can also get one cheaper than £200 if you search around http://www.axminster.co.uk/axcaliber-mt ... rod858421/

I would go with Prospero’s idea of using bare wood and putting your own finishes on. Start with a simple square profile, cut and trim, join with glue hammer and nails, fill any gaps and sand smooth and finish with paint & wax or stain/dye & wax. Pine is an easy wood to work with.

I think from a hobby diy point of view, the equipment you buy will depend on budget and space in your home. If starting a small business then a Morso will be a friend for life, but unless you have the space for a Morso (as it cannot easily be moved around) then a hand saw and hand mitre trimmer will be easier to store when not in use.

Let us know how you get on and as Strokebloke says keep asking questions

[prospero]

Here's a good book for you.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Picture-Framing ... 1853911798

Very comprehensive info on all aspects of the subject from basic to the big stuff.

[strokebloke]

You may have already spotted it, but Kathy is selling some 'Hobbyist Equipment' in the Adverts/Sales/Wanted section.
Might be worth a look.

BTW Prospero, I looked at these two books that you recomended. On amazon.
I got them both, for £4.18 +P&P. One paperback, one hardback.
Thanks

[Ninhydrin]

Yes I have seen Kathys ad and have Pm'd her awaiting reply.
I will be looking at mount cutters next, there seems to be alot of different ones out there.
I couldnt find a catalogue request on lions site so I will try ringing them when I get time.
Thanks for all your help its appreciated

[David McCormack]

http://www.lionpic.co.uk/new-lion-trade ... -no48.aspx

[Ninhydrin]

haha I swear I searched high and low for the link on the site
one catalogue ordered thanks david