Problem Help with Fletcher Framemaster Point Driver

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melissa.the.framer

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Jul 4, 2021
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Nanaimo, BC, Canada
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n/a - freelance
Hey all, strange circumstance here. Need a new bumper (part 12-707) as mine looks like it dried out and shattered. At the moment I have very few options to order one and that will take a while to sort out (details below), so I'm wondering if anyone knows the dimensions of the part so I can put in a temporary solution? Mine is currently a pile of what looks like the bottom of a bag of organic cheezies, so clearly it is neither usable or measurable.

Any help or suggestions would be super appreciated!!!!

I am in Canada and only in the planning stages of setting up my business, so I do not yet have accounts with suppliers to request a replacement part. To order one directly from Fletcher means ordering the full maintenance kit - which is fine - and paying $50USD for shipping on top of the price of the kit - which is not fine! The shipping shouldn't take more than a padded envelope, so $50 feels more than a bit like highway robbery to me. Ordering the kit from Fletcher would cost more than half the cost of simply getting a new point gun!


IMG_2033.JPG
 
Hello fellow VanIsle framer! 😄 🇨🇦

Even when you get set up with suppliers you won't necessarily be able to just order individual parts like that through a supplier.
I only use Larson Juhl, they don't have the FrameMaster repair kit listed as an option.
Perhaps a supplier could order you a kit, but would it cost less than ordering directly yourself?

You may still have to go through Fletcher directly.

It may be simpler and less costly to find another used FrameMaster online.
OR, perhaps someone has a broken one that could be scavenged for the part you need?
 
Just get a new gun. Based on what's in your hand, it looks like that gun is old as dirt.
No sense starting out with used, aged tools when a new one will last most of your framing lifetime.

Amazon for about $95 and free shipping with Prime.
 
Ooops, Prime might not work into Canada.
Still better to get new one.
 
I am unsure where a part like that would even go.
Fletcher may be willing to give you the specs of the part.
 
framah said:
Just get a new gun. Based on what's in your hand, it looks like that gun is old as dirt.
No sense starting out with used, aged tools when a new one will last most of your framing lifetime.

Amazon for about $95 and free shipping with Prime.
Click to expand...
framah, we live in "The Land of the Ridiculously Overcharged for Merchandise"....
Amazon product ASIN B000DZF41W
Amazon product ASIN B000KNFSPY
Larson Juhl (and probably other suppliers) sells for somewhat less, but OP isn't signed up with any suppliers right now.
 
At the risk of being shunned by my peers...I have 2 Fletchers and a Logan point driver.
I prefer the Logan over my Fletcher FlexiMaster for flexible points.
I do not use it as my primary point driver.
But a Logan will be cheaper, and easier to pick up at many stores.
It could be a temporary solution until you can get a better quality professional point driver.
*Let the wails of dissent commence :rolleyes:
 
Nikodeumus said:
At the risk of being shunned by my peers...I have a Logan point driver, I prefer it over my Fletcher FlexiMaster for flexible points.
*Let the wails of dissent commence :rolleyes:
Click to expand...
At the risk of being applauded by my peers, :p:cool: 😝😜I have a Fletcher Pneumatic point driver. Best driver decision I ever made. Hate, Hate, Hate the manual drivers. I have two of the manual flexi point drivers and I could never get either to drive the points in far enough, no matter what I did. :beer::popc::beer:

8e278ad8f3e8c184badd18b8c9cc26db_f1051.png

​

 
Larry Peterson said:
At the risk of being applauded by my peers, :p:cool: 😝😜I have a Fletcher Pneumatic point driver. Best driver decision I ever made. Hate, Hate, Hate the manual drivers. I have two of the manual flexi point drivers and I could never get either to drive the points in far enough, no matter what I did. :beer::popc::beer:

8e278ad8f3e8c184badd18b8c9cc26db_f1051.png

​

Click to expand...
But Larry, how hard do you have to blow in the end to make the points shoot out? :icon21:
I don't have a straw long enough for that...
straw GIF
 
Thanks everyone! My Framemaster has seen very little use - it is my personal one, so while employed I clearly used what was at the shop. That's what is so frustrating about this - the thing is in mint condition!! My husband and I came up with a workaround that seems to be working, but we haven't put it through much use so we'll see how it holds up. We cut two pieces of thick clear tubing, the kind you might use for aquariums or something and put those in where the bumper used to live.

Ultimately I will have to get a new gun anyway - unless I am mistaken you can no longer get flex points that fit the Framemaster, and I definitely am going to need flex points! I'm considering the Manual driver from 888mfgcorp.com since it takes both points. Anyone here have any experience with it?? (EDIT: they currently have a bonus where you get some free points when you order the driver)
 
Joe B said:
Someone told me that Fletcher does repair on their equipment for a fee. Try giving them a call to see it that is true..

Technical Support Globally Recognized Brands | Fletcher Business Group

Contact The Fletcher Business Group for technical support for all of our products under our brands Fletcher, AMP and Alfamacchine, Albin and Picture Perfect.
www.fletcher-terry.com www.fletcher-terry.com
Click to expand...
When I called Fletcher directly for support to see if I could order a replacement bumper, they were very little help. Guy on the phone told me to go to the website and order the maintenance kit. I suppose in his defence he did tell me the item number for the kit!
 
Nikodeumus said:
At the risk of being shunned by my peers...I have 2 Fletchers and a Logan point driver.
I prefer the Logan over my Fletcher FlexiMaster for flexible points.
I do not use it as my primary point driver.
But a Logan will be cheaper, and easier to pick up at many stores.
It could be a temporary solution until you can get a better quality professional point driver.
*Let the wails of dissent commence :rolleyes:
Click to expand...
Really...my only experience with Logan equipment (that I can remember) is their mat cutters, which I absolutely hated!
 
Nikodeumus said:
Hello fellow VanIsle framer! 😄 🇨🇦

Even when you get set up with suppliers you won't necessarily be able to just order individual parts like that through a supplier.
I only use Larson Juhl, they don't have the FrameMaster repair kit listed as an option.
Perhaps a supplier could order you a kit, but would it cost less than ordering directly yourself?

You may still have to go through Fletcher directly.

It may be simpler and less costly to find another used FrameMaster online.
OR, perhaps someone has a broken one that could be scavenged for the part you need?
Click to expand...
Hello!!!
Yeah...I think if I sign up with Folkgraphis they distribute Fletcher stuff. Been a while since I personally ordered, but I seem to remember one of my old bosses getting replacement items through them for his ancient wall cutter. As for Larson, they might be willing to bring something in for you if they regularly order from Fletcher and you ask Patsy real nice? I found that Folk and FCC were often willing to special order stuff on request, but they're of course much smaller than than LJ.

A little harder to source used equipment now that I'm no longer on the mainland! (I don't have my full license yet either, so that's an additional fun fly in the ointment)
 
melissa.the.framer said:
Really...my only experience with Logan equipment (that I can remember) is their mat cutters, which I absolutely hated!
Click to expand...
The only Logan equipment I have used is the point driver.
I got it because I needed something fast, and was easy to get.
It only gets light duty, so is sufficient for my uses for now.
I have a used Fletcher Flexipoint, maybe that's why I don't like it as much.
It needs some TLC to run more smoothly.
 
Nikodeumus said:
I'm sure many framers use staple guns for finishing.
BUT, when I get a re-fitting job come in with staples in the back I add extra to the labour time because it is a PITA to remove them.
Click to expand...
I felt like I was the only one. I HATE staples!

They have their place I suppose, if you're going to be shipping pieces. But I've never had a piece returned because the points came out.
 
melissa.the.framer said:
Thanks everyone! My Framemaster has seen very little use - it is my personal one, so while employed I clearly used what was at the shop. That's what is so frustrating about this - the thing is in mint condition!! My husband and I came up with a workaround that seems to be working, but we haven't put it through much use so we'll see how it holds up. We cut two pieces of thick clear tubing, the kind you might use for aquariums or something and put those in where the bumper used to live.

Ultimately I will have to get a new gun anyway - unless I am mistaken you can no longer get flex points that fit the Framemaster, and I definitely am going to need flex points! I'm considering the Manual driver from 888mfgcorp.com since it takes both points. Anyone here have any experience with it?? (EDIT: they currently have a bonus where you get some free points when you order the driver)
Click to expand...
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!!
I just used your suggestion to repair my Framemaster with the same crumbling bumper block problem. I just happened to have some of the tubing on hand, but it's available at most big box hardware stores. I cut it to the width of the channel and put it in so it looped around the square pin. This youtube video (
To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.
) was helpful for reassembling instructions- the long spring is a challenge without the right order.
 

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Petra said:
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!!
I just used your suggestion to repair my Framemaster with the same crumbling bumper block problem. I just happened to have some of the tubing on hand, but it's available at most big box hardware stores. I cut it to the width of the channel and put it in so it looped around the square pin. This youtube video (
To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.
) was helpful for reassembling instructions- the long spring is a challenge without the right order.
Click to expand...

Nice idea. Mine just stopped working because of the block crumbling just like yours. I'm going to cut something to make my own block. I wouldn't mind ordering the kit from Fletcher for the $16 but the $20 shipping to get it from CT to NY is ridiculous. Thanks for posting your photos.
 
Craig Murphy said:
Nice idea. Mine just stopped working because of the block crumbling just like yours. I'm going to cut something to make my own block. I wouldn't mind ordering the kit from Fletcher for the $16 but the $20 shipping to get it from CT to NY is ridiculous. Thanks for posting your photos.
Click to expand...
We just pretend we dropped a twenty dollar bill on the way in from the car. Then, we have the real part, and hopefully, whatever poor soul* found it is blessed. ha ha....
That said, I'm showing this nifty fix idea to Hubby. :beer:


*(AKA Fletcher, who Hubby loathes. And I have no idea who he loathes more, them or Quick Books. But, that's a story for another day.)
 
Thank you Craig Murphy for recommending tubing to replace the bumper. I had the same exact problem with the material crumbling to pieces. Everything else was in perfect condition. Let's not continue being a throwaway culture. I was very glad to have come across your solution. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
 
framah said:
Just get a new gun. Based on what's in your hand, it looks like that gun is old as dirt.
No sense starting out with used, aged tools when a new one will last most of your framing lifetime.

Amazon for about $95 and free shipping with Prime.
Click to expand...
Those guns are made to last- just need spring replacement to keep them driving points forcefully.
 
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