Fletcher 3100

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Larry01

Larry01

CGF, Certified Grumble Framer
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Apr 30, 2024
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138
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Melbourne, Australia
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The Artful Framer
Hi everyone,
I’ve gone through the threads but my machine still isn’t behaving.

I’ve adjusted the measuring arm and done the cut test and the cuts line up, but my actual cut drifts by about 1–2mm. The top ends up smaller than the bottom which I don’t understand if the test cut is correct. It’s worse on large mats and often fine on small ones.

Could this be from the clamp causing uneven pressure and the board shifting while cutting, or is there another calibration step I’m missing? I had the foam replaced about 18 months ago.

Any thoughts would be much appreciated 🙏🏼I’ve got a heap of spacers to cut and its driving me crazy 🥴
 
It sounds like you've already done the cut test as specified in the manual to see if the cuts line up.
The clamp pressure is adjustable top and bottom and maybe that needs tightening.
Also, the 3100 has 2 allen screws in the head to take any slop out of the head, if there is any.
I have used the 3100 before and we have a 3000 at work now.
The 3100 has the allen screw adjustments in the head that the 3000 doesn't have.
We cut lots of spacers because the design company we frame for likes to shadow box with floats on almost everything....:whacky:
When we cut the spacers we use a small piece of wood in the track as a stop to make all the spacers the same width.
 
Thank you 🙏🏼
When I put the Mat board in and give it a tug, it definitely moves. I’ll try and tighten up the hex and see if that works thank you.
 
neilframer said:
It sounds like you've already done the cut test as specified in the manual to see if the cuts line up.
The clamp pressure is adjustable top and bottom and maybe that needs tightening.
Also, the 3100 has 2 allen screws in the head to take any slop out of the head, if there is any.
I have used the 3100 before and we have a 3000 at work now.
The 3100 has the allen screw adjustments in the head that the 3000 doesn't have.
We cut lots of spacers because the design company we frame for likes to shadow box with floats on almost everything....:whacky:
When we cut the spacers we use a small piece of wood in the track as a stop to make all the spacers the same width.
Click to expand...
Oh that piece of wood to keep them the same sounds like an awesome idea. Do you have a pic of how you lock the guide in?
 
Larry01 said:
Oh that piece of wood to keep them the same sounds like an awesome idea. Do you have a pic of how you lock the guide in?
Click to expand...
I don't have a picture handy and I'm off work until Tues.
We just use a 4" piece of stretcher bar that fits tight in the track on the right side.
The wood that we use is just the right size to fit tight in the track.
We set it for the width and tap it into the track and it doesn't move.
Once it's set you don't have to measure each piece.
I can get a picture and post it but it won't be until Tues.

Also, are the plastic bushings in good shape?
The 2 allen screws in the head can tighten up the bushings if needed.
Just tighten until the head won't move and then back it off until it does.
There is a rebuilding kit available if needed that comes with new bushings, springs, screws and a new pad for the clamp.
shop.fletcher-terry.com

Repair Kit includes bushings, springs, clamp adhesive, screws, blade screws

12-192 F-3100 Repair Kit
shop.fletcher-terry.com shop.fletcher-terry.com
 
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neilframer said:
I don't have a picture handy and I'm off work until Tues.
We just use a 4" piece of stretcher bar that fits tight in the track on the right side.
The wood that we use is just the right size to fit tight in the track.
We kind of set it for the width and tap it into the track and it doesn't move.
Once it's set you don't have to measure each piece.
I can get a picture and post it but it won't be until Tues.

Also, are the plastic bushings in good shape?
The 2 allen screws in the head can tighten up the bushings if needed.
There is a rebuilding kit available if needed that comes with new bushings, springs, screws and a new pad for the clamp.
shop.fletcher-terry.com

Repair Kit includes bushings, springs, clamp adhesive, screws, blade screws

12-192 F-3100 Repair Kit
shop.fletcher-terry.com shop.fletcher-terry.com
Click to expand...
Ah ok so you just jam the timber in and it holds, will def give that a try once I have the clamp secure. I am thinking it must be the clamp as I can move the mat when I pull it which would explain the drift of the cut. Nothing more annoying that having spacers a few mm out! Yep I had the bushings replaced about 18 months ago too.
 
Larry01 said:
Ah ok so you just jam the timber in and it holds, will def give that a try once I have the clamp secure. I am thinking it must be the clamp as I can move the mat when I pull it which would explain the drift of the cut. Nothing more annoying that having spacers a few mm out! Yep I had the bushings replaced about 18 months ago too.
Click to expand...
Yes and the clamp has an adjustment screw at the top and bottom that's easy to get at.
I adjust it to hold Fome-Cor tight and it also works for matboard.
It's an easy adjustment and you can tweak it as needed.
 
neilframer said:
Yes and the clamp has an adjustment screw at the top and bottom that's easy to get at.
I adjust it to hold Fome-Cor tight and it also works for matboard.
It's an easy adjustment and you can tweak it as needed.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the help!
 
Larry01 said:
Thanks for the help!
Click to expand...
I'm a 57 year picture framer and a mechanical nerd.:cool:
Not sure that's a good combination but I repair a lot of our equipment myself.
Cheers :thumbsup:
 
neilframer said:
I'm a 57 year picture framer and a mechanical nerd.:cool:
Not sure that's a good combination but I repair a lot of our equipment myself.
Click to expand...
Equipment is my absolute weakness, I lean more towards the creative side. I apologise in advance if I annoy you with lots of questions when my machines are playing up!
 
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Larry01 said:
Equipment is my absolute weakness, I lean more to towards the creative side. I apologise in advance if I annoy you with lots of questions when my machines are playing up!
Click to expand...
No apology necessary.
I will always help if I can.
I am happy that the company I work for now is amazing and a perfect fit for me.:thumbsup:
 
Larry01 said:
I’ll hold you to that!! Thanks so much
Click to expand...
You may have noticed that my dog is an Aussie Blue Heeler mix.
I adopted her 1 year ago from the Animal Welfare League in Arizona.
She is 3 years old now.
My last 2 dogs were purebred Australian Shepherds.
 
Blue heelers and shepherds are lovely dogs, super smart! I live in an urban area so haven’t owned a working dog. If I were to have more space (or if I liked running!) I would love to have one. Ive stuck to lazy French bulldogs for this reason!
 
Larry01 said:
Blue heelers and shepherds are lovely dogs, super smart! I live in an urban area so haven’t owned a working dog. If I were to have more space (or if I liked running!) I would love to have one. Ive stuck to lazy French bulldogs for this reason!
Click to expand...
She is a rocket with legs but sometimes I can catch her taking a nap..
Screen Shot 2026-01-02 at 6.00.15 PM.webp
Screen Shot 2025-10-24 at 4.01.31 PM.webp

My two previous purebred Australian Shepherds..
Screen Shot 2026-02-14 at 9.19.26 PM.webp
 
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My dog came with the name "Speckles" and I have kept that except I call her Specky sometimes.
Her ears are actually more like a shepherd than a heeler.
They don't stick straight up.
I have said that she has "Flying Nun" ears..
Screen Shot 2026-02-14 at 9.31.01 PM.webp
 
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