Conference 7.286::home_work

You might want to post this in 4394::Tools (kp7 to select).  I think the 
readership of that file overlaps this one by quite a bit, but I'm sure there 
are some who read that file and not this one.  That file has more discussions 
on building things (other than houses) out of wood.

Paul

I just got back from the picture framers and was shocked at the price of 
getting something framed.  It looked like wooded frames start at about 
$5 a foot and average as much as $7 or more.  This means that a nice 
frame for a simple poster can run as much as $75 and that's not even 
counting the matboard!

Now I admit, some of the frames are quite elaborate and have very fancy 
finishes on them but many of the frames are simply naturally finished.
Most are made out of hardwoods such as cherry, mahogany and oak.  I know 
it wouldn't be that hard to make a frame, but the fancy lines of the 
molding seem to be the limiting factor.  Does anyone know a simply way 
to make these types of frames?  I do have a molding cutter for my table 
saw but it's more oriented toward cove.

The way I like to approach a problem like this is that even if a cutter 
cost $50 or more, I'd pay for it with a single frame!  Note that I'm 
assuming the cost of the wood is negligable.

-mark

    since sears has an elaborate set of molding cutters(for table saws
    and radial saws) in their catalogue, am sure that they are available
    at places like (say) Trendlines or other catalog shops for less
    price and better quality.
    
    			herb

    Constantines in Bronx, NY have a good selection of frame moldings at
    fairly reasonable prices. I don't have their catalog with me, but if
    you are interested, I can post the address and phone number tomorrow
    (They have an 800 number, so you could get it from 800 Directory
    Assistance [800-555-1212] and have 'em send you a catalog).
    
    Also, Woodmaster of Kansas City, MO and *QUITE* a selection of frame
    molding cutters (for use with their planer, but would probably work
    with others.)  They will also make custom knives at prices that
    aren't too bad.  I have to add a section to the top of my four manual
    organ console  and will probably have them make the molding cutter for
    me (they too have an 800 number).
    
    Several years ago, my dad took a picture framing course and I was quite
    surprised to see what could be done by just combining ordinary millwork
    type moldings together. You might try getting a book on picture framing
    from your library and see what it suggests. 

    -Bob     
                                    

I thought those prices were high too until my wife got a job working in
a frame shop.  The markup on the framing material is about 2x.  This is
ususally necessary to make a reasonable profit on the total job since there
is a lot more to framing then putting a frame together.  A professionally
mounted poster etc. requires some devices which are very expensive.
In my wife's frame shop all photos etc are compressed onto the mats with
a vacuum press.  It's the only way to get all the wrinkles out and make
the material perfectly smooth and flat.  When cutting mats, espeically 
double mats they use a large professional matt cutter which is mucho $$$.
Adding glass and extras its more labor intensive then you might expect.
I have watched my wife do one and its a lot of work to do it right.
So you might think that the frame prices are inflated - they are, but
it helps cover the cost of the equipment, labor, and overhead of running
a business and allow for some profit.

    as .3 points out, you're paying the price not only to have it done but
    also to have it done right.  If what you are framing is art worth
    hanging on your walls you probably want it to be attractive so the
    price may be worthwhile.  On the other hand, I've framed some posters
    that really weren't worth that much effort/cost, so it depends...
    
    I do know that my parents, who never hesitated at DIY (including
    refinishing antiques for sale to collectors), sent framing out to
    the pros. 

    *IF* you aren't looking for an odd-sized frame, or something elaborate,
    
    	... have you checked Spag's? Last I looked, the prices seemed
    pretty reasonable.
    
    Dick
    

    I am looking for a place that sells picture framing supplies, such as
    matting, glass, equipment and the fancier frame material.  (You can get
    the simple frame material in lumber stores, but not the fancier stuff).
    Does anyone know of any places that sell this stuff at reasonable
    prices?  (The closer to Haverhill, MA, the better).
    
    Thanks,
    Bob

    Try 1111.49 in POETS::PHOTO for quite a few recommendations.