Object mounting suggestions?

[framechick]

I have in the shop a ceramic disc - not a plate, it's flat on the back - that is 18" in diameter about 3/4" thick and quite heavy. The edge rounds toward the back and the piece is glazed all the way to the back edge. I am concerned about chipping if I use mighty mount brand holders or a conventional springy plate holder.

Jim, I took your Clear Film Mounting class in Atlanta and have pondered the possibilities but the weight combined with the shape have left me stymied. http://www.thegrumble.com/framer/ubbs/confused.gif

I wrote it up with a wrapped mat just covering the edge and thought I'd sink the piece in a few thicknesses of Artcare foam, but is that enough? I want a little more security.

[This message has been edited by framechick (edited March 08, 2001).]

[This message has been edited by framechick (edited March 08, 2001).]

[Jim Miller]

Thanks for remembering the "Object Wrap Mount" from the clear film mounting class. It's one of my favorites.

But you're suspicion is correct -- the Mylar-D might not provide enough support for the heavy ceramic disc.

Instead, I suggest using mechanical supports. that is, make at least four "fingers" out of 1/16" or 1/8" diameter brass rod. Bend each finger to wrap over the edge of the disc and retain it securely. To make the visible ends less conspicuous, I suggest smashing them flat with a hammer (before mounting them, of course). And, to provide a pad to protect the ceramic from the brass, use shrink tubing; my usual choice is black, but it comes in colors, too. Radio Shack has assortments of it in varoius colors and sizes.

Each finger would be poked through the reinforced mount board to the back, where the ends would be bent *up*, to distribute the load of the disc to the back of the board. On back, each rod can be secured with small strips of matboard, glued to make a sort of box around the exposed brass rod, and another piece of matboard can be glued over the rod to hold it in place.

If that doesn't make sense, you're welcome to contact me privately. This mounting method works nicely for guns, baseball bats, and other heavy items.