The Framers Forum

Hi all,

I saw a customer last night who wanted a cloister shape frame (yeah, ok) to suit the attached pic. I said that can't be done so she's asked for a cloister type mountboard shape at the top to follow the contour of stained glass window for their local church. We'd then keep the black border, but cover the remaining exposed white.

The frame and mountboard is to be the focal point of the church and is the first thing everyone sees, so it would be good to get the work. The customer has already asked one framer near me about the work, they "apparently" showed little interest in the job and said it couldn't be done - end of.

I’ve not got the tools (at present) to cut such a large radii (pic is 400mm x 650mm) so may end up subbing it to a local framer (if they can do it), though I have a Logan 201 Oval & Circle Cutter though aren't sure if it would cut the contour correctly.

In July's edition of PFM, Bob Hamon used a Dexter Mini Mat Cutter to cut a similar shape on his patriotic board that he did and followed the contour of an oval frame to get the cut.

Has anyone got or had experience of a Dexter Mini Mat cutter for such an application, or is it a job for a CNC cutter?

It seems you can get the Dexter from the UK, though the versions I've seen look different from the one used by Bob Hamon - still, worst comes to the worst I could get one for the US of A in theory...

Thanks,

Sean

I once did a large radius arch-top by making a small block of wood with a 45deg angle and screwing a mountcutter blade to it. The attach a long piece of wood to it to act as a pivot.. The block has to be very smooth to avoid marking the mountboard, but it worked quite well. Joining the curve into the straight part is tricky. It's easier if you can make a little "quirk" it. Looks more architectural too.

But if you want an immpressive display piece , why not make a curved top frame which maybe 6-8 segments at the top. It would look great in a church setting. It would need a bit of planning out on paper first and not an easy job, but the finished frame would be an permanent testament to your skill on public display.

I am sure there was an article in Art Business Today about a similar project where the frame was cut in segments at the top, as Prospero suggested, I will try and dig out which issue.

I think for the relative low cost, convinience, and quality of finish, getting someone with a CMC to do the mount is the best option.

But this is the sort of job I am a fool for, even if cost was a real issue, I would make up a gothic arch topped frame or tabernacle frame with spandrels over the arches and make a loss or just cover my cost of materials just for the satisfaction of having the frame on display.

Yes, the "quedos" of making a fancy frame appeals to me too, so you're not alone.

I neglected to ask the customer if they wanted a 45 degree bevel on the mountboard or not, as if they don't then it makes the task a whole lot easier. I only mention this as not all of my customers have wanted 45 degree bevels in the past.

I'm also a lowly Nobex Champion Saw user, but have the capability to cut 12 sided frames max so could entertain that here.

The customer works for a charity too, so is watching the pennies too - but hey, who wants to spend money anymore......?!?!

Have tracked down a Dexter Mini Cutter in the US, but they don't deliver outside the US - my Uncle in Oregon might have to act as middleman...!

To cut a mount with a dome type of top on the CMC is no problem.

Cost for that size would be in the order of £15 with P & P on top. Due to size it would be Parcel Force 48 and estimated at £14.

Have a look at http://www.merlinmounts.co.uk/singlemount.htm to get an idea of types of domes/cathedral top mounts

I was gonna say have a word with Merlin but he beat me to it. I think 30 quid is well worth the money and it will save you a big headache not to mention the time making the whole job very straight forward.
And as Prospero said, your frame will be on display in the church for ever more. A good bit of advertising even if you don’t make much profit on the job.

I would not bother buying in a piece of machinery unless you know you are going to be using it more than once or twice. Weigh up the cost of the dexter against how many mounts you could have cut by someone with a CMC.