Just curious as to if anyone on here builds their own frames? Haven't researched to much, so I might find out its cheaper to just buy them. Thought I'd see if anyone else has any experience in this area.
Tried it with a miter a few times, its very hard to get the perfect 45deg angle, otherwise you need putty etc to fill any gaps... thing that makes them unique are the small flaws... if thats what you want.
Jeremy if you have a business license I highly recommend using wholesale frame suppliers, who can ship chops to you that are ready to join, and this isnt too hard to do with the right tools.
I can recommend a supplier here in Denver that will happily ship to you in Bozeman.
the expensive part of framing is the moulding. and unfortunately, no distributor or creator will sell a consumer a stick of moulding. however, there are a number of websites that will sell you medium quality precut frames. if you do order online, save yourself the hassle, and dont get wood mouldings. you will never get them straight without proper vices and equipment. the metal ones just slap together.
i would bring your picture and your frame (very important) down to your local frame shop and have them help you with some mat design. you may have something in mind, but your designer can make a good image really standout. even if you dont go with what they suggest, still listen. have them cut the mats for you, and build it yourself. you can probably get a double mat cut for you, depending on size, $20-50. artique is the least expensive brand.
just to give you an idea what wholesale vs consumer pricing is; i use a nielson metal frame 16x20 with double mat and all the guts. consumer - $220 wholesale - $60. gotta love the benefits of working at a framing shop.
Josh, not sure what you mean by 'no distributor will sell anyone...moulding'. I use a local distributor in Colorado that sells me everything (chops, mat, foamcore, tapes, et. al.) at cost. Yes, I have a business license to do so, as should anyone doing photography to make a potential profit.
While the Neilsens are great there comes a time when wood profiles are necessary...!
I think you know what supplier I'm talking about, if not it's the other one. Let's not even start with LJ
maybe i should have said 'consumer'. i was actually unaware that they would sell to anyone with a business license. thanks for the heads up on that.
Posted by Joe Paratore on April 1, 2010 at 10:54 AM
There whole sale companys that will sell you wood frame in lengths of 8ft or more. But you have to buy in large amounts some minimum 1000ft or more unfinished.
You didn't say if the use is for yourself or resale?
I m a cabinet maker and have done a few you need the right tools and alot of time to to stain and finish or paint. but you have real wood and not pine that is only covered with a heat thin matieral that looks like wood and straches very easly. Buying real wood frames ie Oak, cherry etc can be very expensive.Some as high as $200 for a 16x24.
Not good if you are in the fine art market.But if your customer can afford it. biggrin:
Hope this helps some.
I would suggest Ameriican Frames which I have used for years with a great deal of satisfaction. What I find a great bonus in dealing with this company is that on their online site you can click on a frame corner you like and it will let you upload your image, find the right mat(s) , and frame for the job. Metal frames are sent unassembled, and wood assembled. They will include backing if you wish. Place the order oline and it is shipped. They also will print your piece for you, but, I dont use this service. Easiest solution I have found. Joe Rogers
Posted by Jack Brauer on April 1, 2010 at 12:19 PM
I've built my own frames once from scratch. They turned out nice, but wow what a pain. They were for a gift for someone, which is why I went to all the trouble. Never again.
Jeremy, I ran across your thread and had to comment even though I'm a Midwesterner. I have took upon the endeavor of making my own frames. I'm using wood other than pine ( mainly oak ), which I have given to me by a friend that is in the construction field. All my wood is from deconstructed buildings, so it is recycled.
Yes, as the others have said, it is a time consumer and takes patients but the rewards are worth it as 1) my mitered joints are stronger than any retail bought frames ( I can actually sit on them without breaking it ) 2) I make each molding with either a router, or table saw using various bits and techniques really making the frame a one of a kind, I've yet to make any frame alike.
3 main tools you'll need are a table saw, planer (if it is rough cut and you don't want that look), router, screws.
Want more info, then shoot me a msg offline.
Discussion
9 repliesJeremy if you have a business license I highly recommend using wholesale frame suppliers, who can ship chops to you that are ready to join, and this isnt too hard to do with the right tools.
I can recommend a supplier here in Denver that will happily ship to you in Bozeman.
i would bring your picture and your frame (very important) down to your local frame shop and have them help you with some mat design. you may have something in mind, but your designer can make a good image really standout. even if you dont go with what they suggest, still listen. have them cut the mats for you, and build it yourself. you can probably get a double mat cut for you, depending on size, $20-50. artique is the least expensive brand.
just to give you an idea what wholesale vs consumer pricing is; i use a nielson metal frame 16x20 with double mat and all the guts. consumer - $220 wholesale - $60. gotta love the benefits of working at a framing shop.
While the Neilsens are great there comes a time when wood profiles are necessary...!
I think you know what supplier I'm talking about, if not it's the other one. Let's not even start with LJ
You didn't say if the use is for yourself or resale?
I m a cabinet maker and have done a few you need the right tools and alot of time to to stain and finish or paint. but you have real wood and not pine that is only covered with a heat thin matieral that looks like wood and straches very easly. Buying real wood frames ie Oak, cherry etc can be very expensive.Some as high as $200 for a 16x24.
Not good if you are in the fine art market.But if your customer can afford it. biggrin:
Hope this helps some.
:
Yes, as the others have said, it is a time consumer and takes patients but the rewards are worth it as 1) my mitered joints are stronger than any retail bought frames ( I can actually sit on them without breaking it ) 2) I make each molding with either a router, or table saw using various bits and techniques really making the frame a one of a kind, I've yet to make any frame alike.
3 main tools you'll need are a table saw, planer (if it is rough cut and you don't want that look), router, screws.
Want more info, then shoot me a msg offline.