Joining Frames with Logan Joiner

[Michael2013]

Hi,
I’ve started making my own picture frames. This is mainly for personal use but I want the best quality possible. I’ve cut the molding, glued and strapped it, and I am pretty happy with the results so far- the joints look great for a first attempt. The next step is to add support nails at the joints. I am looking at the Logan joiner (either the studio or Pro). My question is, from watching the video and looking at the manual, they seem to assemble the frame all at once- gluing the joint and immediately adding the V nails. Does it matter if the glue is dry? I would think it would be better to glue, and join the frame first, wait for the glue to dry to give a strong hold, and then apply the V nails. Maybe it makes no difference, but I just wanted to check in case I am missing something.
Also, regarding the Logan joiners- does anyone recommend them? I saw good reviews and then some not so good, but those could possibly be from user error. Not sure of any other tool in the price range that would do this job- but if anyone has any suggestions, it would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

[prospero]

Hi Michael.

Whatever way you do it, the mechanical fixings (v-nails, ordinary nails, screws...) should be put in at the same time as the glue is applied. They act as clamps to the join while the glue is setting and a strengthener to the join after. If you add nails into a dried joint you run the risk of actually disturbing the glue bond.

That's my take on it anyway.

[iamzero]

Purely because I can't get a joint I'm happy with on my euro underpinner, I pva all my joints was a band clamp until set and then pin them. Never had any joints disturbed yet, any moulding that I can't use the Bessey clamp on I use mitre fast instead. I do need to buy a cassese so I can save a little more time though but am still looking for a bargain.

[prospero]

Why not band clamp and then underpin straight away? I do that with big heavy frames. Thing is, you just don't know if the bond has been weakened in any way by pinning in a dry joint.

[AllFramed]

When framing as a hobby I first had a Logan Pro. Could never get on with it at all. Took ages to use, very fiddly and rarely happy with results. Their cheaper option is a better bet I think. Word of caution though, they are not cheap. If you think you might get the framing bug, have a look on eBay for used professional joiners. You don't want to buy twice and the results really are much better and so much easier to achieve.

[Tangent]

I have the PFK04 from Framers Corner.

A fraction of the cost of the Logan so maybe a completely different animal but I'm happy with it