New shop owner equipment ?'s

[Shatzie]

I am opening a new shop and have equipment ?'s. I thank you for your imput and opinions.

Frameready computer program or not?

Quick books or Peachtree Accounting?

Fletcher 3000, or 3100 material cutter?

To chop or not to chop?

Prefered v-nailer?

And I'll consider any other advice....I know I'm asking for it!

[JFeig]

Yes to any of the top 3-4 POS systems......I use FrameReady

Yes to Quickbooks

Fletcher 3000........the 3100 is their European version that cuts thin MDF that is used for backing there.

better markup on length for bread and butter designs.........and good for rush jobs.........chop for the not too ofter used items

Vnailer......most are good

[Jim Miller]

Jerry & I agree on all counts, but have a suggestion for the v-nailer.

If you can find a used MiterMite VN-42 in good condition under $1,500 it will probably be your best deal. There are usually a few available here & there.

If you buy new, the Fletcher 5700 is my choice. Compared to the VN-42, the 5700 is of similar quality & design (both are Italian), has several more features than the VN-42, and costs less.

I traded my VN-42 for a 5700 almost a year ago, and I am very pleased. I especially like the two vertical clamps.

There's a thread or two in the archives with more on v-nailer features, but I suggest you avoid buying a machine that might be inadequate in a few years. Consider the v-nailer to be a long term investment. Buy the best now, and reap the benefits immediately. If you buy low now and trade up later, you would be spending most of that money twice.

[JbNormandog]

Switched to Frameready from another pos

Fletcher 3000

When I opened I ordered chops, Now order length and chop myself

MiterMite VN-42

Everything listed has worked great. (knock on wood)

Good luck and welcome to the Grumble.

[Jerry Ervin]

FrameReady absolutely YES

Fletcher 3100 I just like it better.

Quickbooks is easier. Peachtree works great.

No to chops if your competing on price.

AMP VN-42

[Shatzie]

Many thank-yous for responding so quickly. The advice has been helpfull.

One more thing...lighting. We're thinking about track lighting. Where to buy. What to buy. Yikes! There are so many choices...

[markf]

Let your accountant pick your accounting software

Let your mat cutter pick his machine

Buy your top 50 mouldings in length, buy the rest in chop

Don't overlook www.keencut.com (http://www.keencut.com) wall cutters - the UK built cutters are built heavier because the Brits use masonite as backing

recent Cassese quality has been better than ITW-AMP, but both are good

Good luck!

[Elaine]

We use:

quickbooks
Fletcher 3000
Fletcher (old version vnailer)
We don't chop yet - we are still new but looking
we have a wizard, but also use a Fletcher 2100
We use Lifesaver - just switched - love it

Lighting - we ordered all of our track from USAlighting.com - great prices


Best of luck!
Elaine

[Richard Allan]

If you are looking for good used equipment, talk to Alan at Accent Art 604 247 1771.
He will point you in the right direction, or have something for you.

Richard

[Mike Labbe @ GTP]

We're using an old Quicken Home & Office and must upgrade smile.gif
LifeSaver POS (Love it) (w/barcoding and multi station options)
LifeSaver Picture it First (visualization)
Liebermans art database
Compressor(basement)
Fletcher 3000
Phaedra saw/measuring system
Mors0 F chopper
Seal 500tx press
Pistorious VNA-2 joiner (May be getting a new one in Atlanta)
Wizard 8000 CMC (excellent)
misc: broadband internet feed (cable)w/Linksys WRT54g router, 2 laser printers, scanner, alarm, cctv, vacuum system, phone system, digital music system, x10 automation system
Misc tools: FilletMaster, manual matcutters, blades, puttys, nails, hammers, point drivers, mounting hardware, safety items, 3 atg guns, 6 vices, rules, 3 paper rollers, canvas stretcher, staple guns, point drivers, etc

[JudyN]

Lifesaver ( truly a "lifesaver" )
Quickbooks
PIF.. visualization.... digital camera to go with it
Wizard
Keencut matcutter
Dexter hand cutter
Feltcher 3000
Double miter saw
Phaedra saw
V-Nailer
bunch of frame vices
strap clamps
AMPF sander
Seal vacuum cold/heat press ( will mount 40x60)
24 drawers full of every tool you can imagine including the "Twirler"
5 computers ...why ? ( because Mike kept telling us about Dell deals) :D

Have them all chopped in the beginning if you don't want to buy all the tools listed for joining and cutting smile.gif

[JudyN]

ooops ..you will still have to sand and "join" the frames...