Double sided Frame - sagging?

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Cliff Wilson

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I just visited a client that has a number of orders upcoming this year. Should be a good deal of business. They wanted to show me the pieces they have so far, so I can continue the look in future jobs. (It's a small museum.) I don't mind, they are all rag mats topped with linen mats with fillets in medium sized LJ mouldings. :D

Here's the problem ... (Well, not a big problem, just curious what others have done.)

Background:
They have a few pieces which are two sided documents. The previous framer did a very nice job mylar mounting them with mats and moulding on both sides. They then hinged the two sided moulding to a suede covered "backing board" which hangs on the wall. This has the nice effect of leaving the suede visible through the mylar and when the piece is swung open there is still a nice looking suede w/moulding hanging on the wall. AND, they can look at both sides without taking the piece off the wall. Quite elegant.

The problem is the pieces are about 24 x 20 and with the double siding they are very heavy. In pretty short order they are sagging on the hinges and they are concerned they may break. I considered just changing to piano hinges, which should help some.

For the existing pieces may just re-enforce or replace the hinges. But, for new designs they said they'd be open to suggestions. (If it a better solution I suspect I will get to reframe the existing ones as well. ;) )

I was wondering what other designs people have done?

Thanks, Cliff
 
Originally posted by Cliff Wilson:
...mats and moulding on both sides. They then hinged the two sided moulding to a suede covered "backing board" which hangs on the wall...when the piece is swung open there is still a nice looking suede w/moulding hanging on the wall...In pretty short order they are sagging on the hinges and they are concerned they may break...
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What exactly is sagging? The frames, the suede-covered boards, the hinges, or some other part of the assembly? Your description isn't very clear.
 
Sorry Jim, It's the brass hinges holding the double moulding frame to the backing board which is hung on the wall with security hangers. On one of them it's the screws which have come loose. But, I don't think larger screws will work with the moulding. I suggested that they pull the screws out and put glue in then reseat them. This will probably help some.

On the other two it appears as though the hinges themselves have bent over time.

In general, the small/medium (about 1 1/2 inches high) brass hinges seem too small for the job, but larger wouldn't fit well on the moulding.

If it matters, the moulding appears to be LJ406CG on the front and lj292CG on the back. The back could be very similar from another vendor, but I am sure the front is correct.

There is a latch on the opposite side from the hinges which is becoming bent and possible weak. I was considering things like hinging on the bottom and having the frame open down instead of side ways. Problem is that turns the document upside down. I am mostly thinking a stronger hinge mechanism is my best bet. I was wondering about a "shelf" or small resting area protruding from the bottom to rest the frame on when it's closed. (Wish I had a picture or a drawing?!) :rolleyes:

[ 01-12-2004, 01:30 PM: Message edited by: Cliff Wilson ]
 
Piano hinges would indeed be one reasonable fix for this problem as it sounds like the hinges that are holding the 2 frames together are way too flimsy for the weight of the swinging portion of the frame package.

Your idea of inserting a "ledge" or inner support for the outside frame is also a good one and could also incorporate installing some rare earth magnets around the back frame and some flat headed screws around matching points on the front frame. I learned this trick from Jim in one of his recent workshops and have used it a number of times with great success.

Rare earth magnets come in many assorted sizes and can be bought from Lee Valley Tools. There are also many good ideas in their catalog on PP. 196-197 for using these magnets. (Well, the ideas themselves aren't there but the attaching parts are and you make the ideas happen when you look thorugh their selection of "stuff".)

Good luck in you project, Cliff.

Framerguy
 
Ok, I ordered the catalog. Magnets. just the idea I was looking for! Will add support, yet allow for opening!

Thanks
 
Originally posted by Cliff Wilson:
I suggested that they pull the screws out and put glue in then reseat them. This will probably help some.

Click to expand...
Just a small woodworking note. If you ever need to replace a screw like this. Or if a screw is stripped out. Take the screw out, put some glue on a dowel and then put it in the hole. Once it dries you essentially have "new wood" to work with. You can redrill and put whatever size screw you need.

Betty
 
Good idea Betty! In the past I have taken sawdust and glue and made a "filler." Packed the filler in the hole and screwed into that. It is clearly not as stable as putting in a plug.
 
Originally posted by Cliff Wilson:
Ok, I ordered the catalog. Magnets. just the idea I was looking for! Will add support, yet allow for opening!

Thanks
Click to expand...
Cliff,

If you want to see these rare earth magnets before your catalog arrives, they are listed in the online catalog at the website I posted above. They are very inexpensive and well worth the money for those special projects that just don't seem to have a perfect solution.

FGII
 
In the past I have taken sawdust and glue and made a "filler." Packed the filler in the hole and screwed into that. It is clearly not as stable as putting in a plug.
Click to expand...
Toothpicks....
 
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