Introduction and newby question

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Chuckcars

Grumbler in Training
Joined
Sep 23, 2008
Posts
5
Loc
Southwestern Colorado near the Black Canyon of the
Hello, I am a newby, just registered to the grumble, wanting to learn picture framing. I want to work out of my shop at home in southwestern Colorado rather than a storefront. The goal is first to frame my own landscape photography and slowly graduate to doing custom work. I am a retired grey hair guy who loves to work with my woodworking hands and with people. Yep, I have just enough knowledge to be dangerous.

Now, the question is: Would a Logan Studio hand operated underpinner be a good investment. Or, other recommendations for a small shop would be appreciated. Checked the archives and the Euro 8008 appears not to be available. Where would I find a good used machine. Thanks.
 
Welcome to the Grumble, Chuck. I think if you called 100 framers, probably not one of them would be using the Logan nailer for professional work.

Our DVD set, "How to Start Your Own Picture Framing Business," is filled with information. I'd recommend it as a good starting point.

We've also got a class coming up in Vegas in a few weeks. Well worth the trip if you are serious about being successful in the framing business. You'll find more info on our website, but feel welcome to call me at 860.940.9262 if you have any questions.
 
Welcome to The G, Chuck.

Logan machines are generally OK for framing occasionally as a hobbyist. But if you plan to become a professional framer, then you should consider a professional-grade equipment. You can often find used underpinners, matcutters, and other tools at good prices here on The G, on eBay, or perhaps from local sources. I suggest you check with the framing distributors in your area, as they may have connections to framers with tools & equipment for sale.

For training, Paul Cascio's classes are good and useful, by all accounts. You could also benefit by joining PPFA, which has the best selection of framing books available, and at discounted prices for members.

The Mountains and Plains Chapter of PPFA would probably be closest to you, and their next meeting will be in Parker, Colorado on Sunday, October 19. I have no idea how far away you are from Parker, but the members and I would welcome an opportunity to get acquainted with you. You don't have to be a member in order to attend. I'll be teaching a couple of classes there; one is about adhesives used in framing, and the other is on framing needleart.
 
Hello Chuck, As Jim Miller and Paul Cascio have stated, the Logan nailer is not really for the professional framer. With that said, I'm a home based framer and Logan is what I started with, the Logan Studio underpinner, the Logan Sander, the Logan Simplex mat cutter, etc. It is good equipment if you a doing just the hobby stuff but once you start doing more work, your own and custom for a customers, you for sure will want to upgrade - I'm sure you will get a lot of comments about purchasing Logan to start but it worked for me. I no longer have Logan tools and have sold it all to beginners who I'm sure sold it to other beginners. Most of my equipment that I now have I purchased used, but you have to be careful because some items are worn out before you get them. I bought just a tool at a time and now have a well equiped shop with absolutely no debt. If I were to start all over again I would do it the same way, with Logan there is very little investment. Also, purchasing Logan will give you time to decide if framing is what you want to do and you will have very little investment. I purchased some of my present equipment off of craigs list, ebay, framingequipment.com, my suppliers, on the grumble, local shops closing, auctions, and the list goes on. If you want to buy the professional equipment now I would suggest looking for a newer Cassesse, Fletcher or one of the better named underpinner, a 2100 or 2200 Fletcher-Terry mat cutter, and a 3000 Fletcher-Terry glass cutter. I use a Morso foot chopper for my wooden moulding and order metal frames chopped. I started with a saw and the Logan measureing system but I don't like dust flying all over my shop so I sold off my saw. Well, I rambled on enough, I'm sure there are others out there that will give a good advise. Joe B
 
Welcome to the Grumble. It's nice to have another framer from Colorado join in. You will find a variety of opinions here. If possible, please join us at The Mountains and Plains Chapter of PPFA meeting in Parker, Colorado on Sunday, October 19.
 
Hi Chuck! Welcome to the G! :icon21:
 
Ebay is gooooodddd! Don`t forget to snipe bid on the bigger purchases! Keeps the cost down a bit,and surprises the other bidders when it works out,yeah,I`ve been over bid BEFORE my snipe is due...such is life! Try www.pictureframingequipment.com as well.Great company,owned by a member.Otherwise you can post your wants/needs here,who knows what a member is selling. Good luck, L.:thumbsup:
 
Man oh man, you all are terrific with spot on replies. Thank you. Paul, Jim, Joe, Mik, shayla, prospero, dannyboy, and Luddite. Would like to attend Parker PPFA meeting, not sure if timing is good, I just returned from Denver. Am 285 miles west. Great advice, confirms some suspicions. Have searched around eBay, however, every search came back with a UK seller. Will go to pictureframingequipment.com, too. I think what I need is a manual nailer, pro quality. Lots of information in all your replies, thanks again. This looks like a good group.
 
Welcome Chuck...hope you post often and good luck with your new career
 
Chuck,

Let me offer you one piece of advice, don't buy quasi-professional equipment. I would say the best piece of entry level equipment is the $855 V-nailer listed here.

http://www.thegrumble.com/showthread.php?t=34059&highlight=PAM+fastening

This v-nailer will join hundreds of frames per day for many years. The special was through Sept but I bet they will let you get in on it since you are new to the party.

Every person here will have an opinion as to their preference but for this kind of money you can't go wrong. This piece of equipment and a little practice will make you a pro. No baby steps, don't buy throw away junk. When you are ready to upgrade you will be able to get most of your money back selling this used.
 
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