Making my own frames V getting them made....

[LASTOLITE]

I have had a couple of orders now for larger prints. I have had one framed and although I got an estimate I was amazed by the end cost. on my couple of visits and as I chose the frame I got a glimpse of the framers buy in cost for 3m lengths of moulding. NOT expensive and did not equate to the end result imho. Now I realise premises and other running costs are unknown and cost of just being in business is all in the price including time. effort, stock....yada yada yada...bottom line I want the margine myself and think it will be something I can then offer as an upgrade for the larger print orders and for those customers who get my prints framed by a third party, why not offer it myself. So looking about I have some mixed advise on tools and equipment to do the job.

So with that said, anyone already do the complete job and what gear would you advise me to buy to set myself up?

 

[sk66]

Use a miter trimmer (guillotine) to cut the frames. If going with mechanical fasteners/glue use a V-nailer press (also called an underpinner). Both of these can be acquired new for < $200ea in simple mechanical form suitable for DIY/small qtty's. If you want to get into big production then you would probably want "power versions" at exponentially greater costs.

If doing your own framing you will probably want to do your own matting... do NOT cheap out on the mat cutting tools. Figure at least a couple hundred there...

 

[Cap'n Bill]

I see you are in the UK so this may help. http://www.diyframing.com/page.cfm/content/Store-index/

The basic tools are precision mitre saw, frame clamps, vee nailer, tab gun etc. There is quite a lot involved in getting started and it's a lot of hassle. I do it because my wife is an artist and constitutionally incapable of producing two pieces of work the same size so everything is bespoke. For my own photography I use standard good quality off the shelf frames which cost about the same as the bare materials if I made them from scratch.

The one item I do think is worth doing to to be able to cut your own matts, I use a Logan cutter but there other good ones around.