Opinions Wanted most efficient way to begin collecting supplies

[jimmymcgirl]

(to preface, i live in vancouver, bc) i'm really eager to start purchasing my own equipment for at-home projects - maybe eventually start selling my art or sumn...... i'd love to be able to just buy sheets of matboard and do the cuts myself for matting.. but i have no proper knowledge of literally anything, so my assumption would be that a fletcher multimaster & a table mat cutter (fletcher 2200 ??) should be my first big $$ buys - but i have ZERO idea on the best way to go about doing ANY of this...

where do i look for these things ? i'm only familiar with the fletcher brand and nothing else.. from my understanding they're just a US company (?) so it would be extra pricey for me to buy from them (?) would it be wise for me to just save up and buy directly from them ? not even sure what to expect since they don't list prices on their website.. for now i just want the means to do basic art-sandwich type projects; mounting supplies wouldn't be a concern.. but can something like an awl be purchased at a regular hardware store like home-depot ?

ty in advance.. i'm SO lost & am not at all sure how to research these things... explain to me like i'm a toddler pls lol any opinions or advice would be awesommeee <3

 

[Tato Karlo]

(to preface, i live in vancouver, bc) i'm really eager to start purchasing my own equipment for at-home projects - maybe eventually start selling my art or sumn...... i'd love to be able to just buy sheets of matboard and do the cuts myself for matting.. but i have no proper knowledge of literally anything, so my assumption would be that a fletcher multimaster & a table mat cutter (fletcher 2200 ??) should be my first big $$ buys - but i have ZERO idea on the best way to go about doing ANY of this...

where do i look for these things ? i'm only familiar with the fletcher brand and nothing else.. from my understanding they're just a US company (?) so it would be extra pricey for me to buy from them (?) would it be wise for me to just save up and buy directly from them ? not even sure what to expect since they don't list prices on their website.. for now i just want the means to do basic art-sandwich type projects; mounting supplies wouldn't be a concern.. but can something like an awl be purchased at a regular hardware store like home-depot ?

ty in advance.. i'm SO lost & am not at all sure how to research these things... explain to me like i'm a toddler pls lol any opinions or advice would be awesommeee <3

Now I will help you

 

[Tato Karlo]

Assuming you already have a good work table and about CAD 2,000 to spend, I would not try to buy a “full workshop” immediately.
For a first setup, I would start with a few simple but very useful things:

1. Logan 450-1 mat cutter — about CAD 475–660 new, or roughly CAD 200–350 used if you can find one in good condition.
2. Green Fletcher FlexiMaster point driver — I would buy this new. Around CAD 225.
3. Fletcher 08-955 flexible points — about CAD 50 for a box of 3,700.
4. Basic hand-tool kit from a normal hardware store — about CAD 180–300.
5. Practice materials: matboard, backing board, foamboard, tapes, and packaging — about CAD 300–450.
6. And one small “secret” tool that almost nobody talks about. If you are interested, send me a private message and I’ll show you.

So, if you buy the Logan 450-1 new, the starter setup may cost roughly:

CAD 475–660 — Logan 450-1
CAD 225 — Fletcher FlexiMaster
CAD 50 — flexible points
CAD 180–300 — basic tools
CAD 300–450 — practice materials

Total: roughly CAD 1,230–1,685.
Money left from CAD 2,000: roughly CAD 315–770.

If you find a used Logan 450-1 in good condition, the total could be closer to CAD 955–1,375, leaving about CAD 625–1,045 for mistakes, better materials, glass, extra blades, or the next tool.
The Logan 450-1 is not an industrial machine, and it is not equipment for a large professional frame shop. But for home framing, it is a very sensible beginner/intermediate mat cutter. It lets you learn proper mat cutting without spending your whole budget on one big machine.
The green Fletcher FlexiMaster is for flexible points. These are useful because you can bend them back later if you need to open the frame, change the artwork, replace the glass, or remove dust inside the frame.
The main idea is: don’t spend the whole CAD 2,000 on one beautiful machine. Buy a modest but complete starter setup, and keep money for materials, mistakes, and learning.

 

[Tato Karlo]

For the basic hand-tool kit, I would not buy anything exotic at first. Most of these things can be bought in a normal hardware store. The goal is not to own many tools, but to have the right simple tools for clean, safe work.
Here is what I would buy and why:

1. First-aid kit — about CAD 25–40
   For small cuts from blades, glass, or sharp frame hardware. This is not optional. Framing looks calm, but you work with knives and glass.
2. 50 cm metal ruler — about CAD 10–20
   For small measurements, marking small pieces of matboard, backing board, tape, and small parts.
3. 100 cm metal ruler — about CAD 20–40
   For longer straight lines, trimming backing board, paper, packaging, and larger pieces.
4. Transparent acrylic ruler with grid, around 6×24 inches — about CAD 25–40
   For visual layout, checking parallel lines, setting equal borders, and marking matboard, backing board, and foamboard. Very useful for beginners because you can see the material through the ruler. I would not use it as the main cutting ruler, because a knife can damage the acrylic edge.
5. Safety cutting ruler with finger guard — about CAD 30–120
   For safer hand cutting of cardboard, backing board, foamboard, and packaging. Especially useful for a beginner. If the budget is tight, it can be bought later, but it is a very sensible tool.
6. Large square — about CAD 20–45
   For checking 90-degree corners and marking straight, square lines. In framing, a small measuring mistake can make the whole job look wrong.
7. Tape measure — about CAD 8–30
   For measuring artwork, frame size, table size, storage space, and packaging. I would use it for general measuring, not for the most precise mat-window work.
8. Good utility knife + spare blades — about CAD 20–45
   For cutting cardboard, backing board, packaging, foamboard, and general workshop materials. Sharp blades are very important. A dull blade makes ugly cuts and is more dangerous.
9. Spare blades for the Logan mat cutter — about CAD 15–35
   Beginners use more blades than they expect. A sharp blade is the difference between a clean bevel and a ragged, frustrating cut.
10. Small precision hobby knife — about CAD 10–20
    For tiny trimming jobs, lifting tape, cleaning small edges, and delicate corrections.
11. Cutting mat or sacrificial cutting surface — about CAD 25–80
    Even if you have a good table, you should not cut directly on it. You need a safe surface that can be damaged without ruining your table.
12. Awl — about CAD 5–15
    For making small starter holes for screws, hangers, and hardware. A normal hardware-store awl is fine.
13. Basic screwdriver set — about CAD 15–30
    For attaching hanging hardware, tightening small screws, and adjusting fittings.
14. Pliers — about CAD 10–25
    For holding, bending, pulling, and removing small hardware.
15. Tweezers — about CAD 5–15
    For removing dust, hairs, and tiny particles from inside the frame before closing it. One hair under the glass can ruin the whole pleasure of the finished work.
16. Gloves for handling glass — about CAD 10–25
    For safety when moving glass or sharp-edged materials. They also help avoid fingerprints.
17. Microfibre cloths — about CAD 8–20
    For cleaning glass without scratching it or leaving too much fibre behind.
18. Glass cleaner — about CAD 5–12
    For cleaning the inside and outside of the glass. Spray it onto the cloth, not directly over the artwork or matboard.
19. Small soft brush and air blower — about CAD 10–25
    For removing dust from the mat, glass, and backing before final assembly. Dust control is one of the hidden skills in framing.
20. Acid-free framing tape — about CAD 40–65
    For proper internal framing work: hinging the artwork, attaching it safely, and working near matboard or backing board. I would not use ordinary masking tape inside the frame or directly on anything valuable.
21. Bone folder or small plastic burnishing tool — about CAD 8–20
    For pressing tape down properly and making neat folds or creases without using your fingers. Good tools teach good habits.
22. Fine black permanent marker — about CAD 5–12
    For marking acrylic protective film, foamboard, backing board, packaging, glass edges, and general workshop notes. I would not use it directly on artwork or valuable materials.
23. China marker / grease pencil — about CAD 5–15
    For temporary marks on glass, acrylic, and glossy non-porous surfaces. This is often better than a permanent marker when the mark needs to be removed later.
24. Pencil and white eraser — about CAD 5–10
    For safer light marking near paper materials and for removing some pencil marks from non-valuable working surfaces.
25. Small containers or boxes — about CAD 10–20
    For keeping points, screws, hangers, blades, and tiny hardware organised. If small parts are not organised, they will disappear exactly when you need them.
26. Basic hanging hardware — about CAD 25–60
    D-rings, small screws, hanging wire or cord, and rubber bumpers. A frame is not really finished until it can be safely hung.
27. Two small quick-grip clamps — about CAD 20–40
    For holding a guide, sacrificial board, packaging, or helper material on the work table. Not absolutely essential, but very useful when you need a “third hand”.

For this whole basic hand-tool kit, I would budget roughly CAD 500–850.
You can build it cheaper, but I would not buy the absolute cheapest rulers, square, knives, blades, gloves, tape, or dust-control tools. In framing, bad measuring tools, dull blades, poor tape, unsafe handling, and dust under the glass create bad work very quickly.

 

[Tato Karlo]

This is not a full professional framing workshop. I would call it a minimum sensible starter setup.
At the beginning, I would not try to cut and join wooden frames myself. I would order ready-made frames or custom frames from a local framer, already cut and joinedor ready-made frames without mats in the supermarket. Then I would focus on learning the clean part of the job: cutting mats, mounting the artwork safely, cleaning, fitting, closing the frame, adding hanging hardware, and packaging.
For glazing, I would probably start with acrylic rather than glass. Acrylic is lighter and safer for a beginner. It scratches more easily and attracts dust, so it needs careful handling, but it is less scary than glass when you are just starting.
Later, if you feel comfortable, you can buy a simple oil glass cutter and learn to cut glass yourself. A basic glass cutter is not expensive, and you can order sheets of glass and cut them to size. But I would treat glass cutting as the next step, not the very first step, unless you already feel confident and have a safe place to store and handle glass.
So my beginner path would be:

1. Learn to cut clean mats.
2. Learn to assemble frames cleanly, without dust and fingerprints.
3. Use ready-made or locally made frames at first.
4. Start with acrylic glazing if you want a safer beginning.
5. Add glass cutting later, when your workspace and confidence are ready.

The goal is not to buy every machine immediately. The goal is to build skill step by step and avoid wasting the whole budget before you understand what you really need.

 

[Tato Karlo]

would it be wise for me to just save up and buy directly from them ?

About buying directly from Fletcher or buying everything new: personally, I would not start that way.
Of course, if someone has an unlimited budget, it is easy to buy new professional equipment and fill a room with machines. But that is not the same as learning the craft or building a smart small business.
In my opinion, it is wiser to start lean: buy only the tools that solve today’s problems, learn the process, make your beginner mistakes cheaply, and upgrade only when you clearly understand why you need the next machine.
In framing, expensive equipment does not automatically create good work. At the beginning, clean hands, sharp blades, accurate measuring, dust control, good taste, patience — and, of course, listening to TatoKarlo — matter much more.
So no, I would not save up just to buy everything directly from the manufacturer as the first step. I would buy a modest, sensible starter setup, preferably used where it makes sense, and keep enough money for materials, practice, and the inevitable beginner mistakes.

 

[Tato Karlo]

One more thing I would add: find a matboard supplier early.
Do not just buy random sheets here and there. Find a supplier you can work with, and buy a proper matboard sample set from them. This is a very good learning exercise by itself.
With a sample set, you can place different mat colours next to real artwork and train your eye. You will quickly start to see the difference between warm white, cool white, cream, grey, black, and accent colours. This is much better than guessing from a screen.
At the beginning, I would not buy many full sheets in many colours. I would buy the sample set first, then a small number of useful neutral boards for practice.
I would ask the supplier about:
- acid-free or conservation matboard
- standard sheet sizes
- minimum order
- delivery cost
- damaged-corner policy
- foamboard and backing board
- hinging tape and other basic framing supplies
A matboard sample set may cost roughly CAD 20–80, depending on brand and supplier. Full sheets can vary a lot, but I would roughly expect CAD 12–35 per sheet for normal starter-quality boards, and more for higher-end conservation or museum-grade boards.
This is not only about buying materials. It is about training your eye. A good mat choice can make a simple frame look professional, and a bad mat choice can make expensive equipment almost irrelevant.

 

[Nikodeumus]

Tato Karlo summed up the equipment list quite well.
It seems the assumption is you would be planning to start your own work space for earning income.
Is that the case, or are you planning on only framing for yourself?

As far as obtaining the lengthy list of items described above, buying used framing equipment to start with will save you soooo much money.
The Grumble is has a section specifically for this:

For Sale or Trade, Commercial Posts

List framing equipment that you want to buy or sell for FREE. You may list any item as long as it relates to our industry. Management reserves the right to refuse or limit ads in this area. Vendors: Industry related commercial posting is OK here, up to once per calendar month. Beyond that, we...

www.thegrumble.com

The down side is that the vast majority of posts here are not in Western Canada.
Try Craigslist too:

Picture Framing Equipment for sale all you need is a location and your - arts & crafts - by owner - craigslist

Everything needed to open your own picture framing studio. -Pistorius Double Mitre saw (needs tune-up) -Jyden Moulding Chopper -44 x 66 inch VacuSeal -Large Heat Press -Small Heat Press -Cold Press...

vancouver.craigslist.org

You can find some of the equipment for a "hobbyist" level from Logan at places like Lee Valley:

Logan Simplex Mat Cutter - Lee Valley Tools

www.leevalley.com

Or other supplies like matboard, foamboard, glass, etc. at Opus Art Supplies:

Framing Tools, Hardware & Hanging Accessories

Framing Tools, Hardware & Hanging Accessories are the finishing elements that hold your frame together and get it ready for display. From offset clips, point strips, and spring clips that secure artwork in place, to wires, hooks, and bumpers that ensure safe, balanced hanging — each component...

opusartsupplies.com

 

[Tato Karlo]

Tato Karlo summed up the equipment list quite well.
It seems the assumption is you would be planning to start your own work space for earning income.
Is that the case, or are you planning on only framing for yourself?

As far as obtaining the lengthy list of items described above, buying used framing equipment to start with will save you soooo much money.
The Grumble is has a section specifically for this:

For Sale or Trade, Commercial Posts

List framing equipment that you want to buy or sell for FREE. You may list any item as long as it relates to our industry. Management reserves the right to refuse or limit ads in this area. Vendors: Industry related commercial posting is OK here, up to once per calendar month. Beyond that, we...

www.thegrumble.com

The down side is that the vast majority of posts here are not in Western Canada.
Try Craigslist too:

Picture Framing Equipment for sale all you need is a location and your - arts & crafts - by owner - craigslist

Everything needed to open your own picture framing studio. -Pistorius Double Mitre saw (needs tune-up) -Jyden Moulding Chopper -44 x 66 inch VacuSeal -Large Heat Press -Small Heat Press -Cold Press...

vancouver.craigslist.org

You can find some of the equipment for a "hobbyist" level from Logan at places like Lee Valley:

Logan Simplex Mat Cutter - Lee Valley Tools

www.leevalley.com

Or other supplies like matboard, foamboard, glass, etc. at Opus Art Supplies:

Framing Tools, Hardware & Hanging Accessories

Framing Tools, Hardware & Hanging Accessories are the finishing elements that hold your frame together and get it ready for display. From offset clips, point strips, and spring clips that secure artwork in place, to wires, hooks, and bumpers that ensure safe, balanced hanging — each component...

opusartsupplies.com

Thank you Nikodeumus, this is valuable information that is not available to me.

 

[jimmymcgirl]

One more thing I would add: find a matboard supplier early.
Do not just buy random sheets here and there. Find a supplier you can work with, and buy a proper matboard sample set from them. This is a very good learning exercise by itself.
With a sample set, you can place different mat colours next to real artwork and train your eye. You will quickly start to see the difference between warm white, cool white, cream, grey, black, and accent colours. This is much better than guessing from a screen.
At the beginning, I would not buy many full sheets in many colours. I would buy the sample set first, then a small number of useful neutral boards for practice.
I would ask the supplier about:
- acid-free or conservation matboard
- standard sheet sizes
- minimum order
- delivery cost
- damaged-corner policy
- foamboard and backing board
- hinging tape and other basic framing supplies
A matboard sample set may cost roughly CAD 20–80, depending on brand and supplier. Full sheets can vary a lot, but I would roughly expect CAD 12–35 per sheet for normal starter-quality boards, and more for higher-end conservation or museum-grade boards.
This is not only about buying materials. It is about training your eye. A good mat choice can make a simple frame look professional, and a bad mat choice can make expensive equipment almost irrelevant.

omg WOW !!!!!! this is SO helpful !!!!!!!!!!!!! : D thank you for taking the time to write all of these things out for me, i genuinely really appreciate it i currently work at michaels, so i'm used to using the "good stuff" lol.. you are right about buying used, i'll have to keep looking and keep my eyes peeled !

 

[jimmymcgirl]

Tato Karlo summed up the equipment list quite well.
It seems the assumption is you would be planning to start your own work space for earning income.
Is that the case, or are you planning on only framing for yourself?

As far as obtaining the lengthy list of items described above, buying used framing equipment to start with will save you soooo much money.
The Grumble is has a section specifically for this:

For Sale or Trade, Commercial Posts

List framing equipment that you want to buy or sell for FREE. You may list any item as long as it relates to our industry. Management reserves the right to refuse or limit ads in this area. Vendors: Industry related commercial posting is OK here, up to once per calendar month. Beyond that, we...

www.thegrumble.com

The down side is that the vast majority of posts here are not in Western Canada.
Try Craigslist too:

Picture Framing Equipment for sale all you need is a location and your - arts & crafts - by owner - craigslist

Everything needed to open your own picture framing studio. -Pistorius Double Mitre saw (needs tune-up) -Jyden Moulding Chopper -44 x 66 inch VacuSeal -Large Heat Press -Small Heat Press -Cold Press...

vancouver.craigslist.org

You can find some of the equipment for a "hobbyist" level from Logan at places like Lee Valley:

Logan Simplex Mat Cutter - Lee Valley Tools

www.leevalley.com

Or other supplies like matboard, foamboard, glass, etc. at Opus Art Supplies:

Framing Tools, Hardware & Hanging Accessories

Framing Tools, Hardware & Hanging Accessories are the finishing elements that hold your frame together and get it ready for display. From offset clips, point strips, and spring clips that secure artwork in place, to wires, hooks, and bumpers that ensure safe, balanced hanging — each component...

opusartsupplies.com

the craigslist ad you linked.. i actually emailed that guy a couple months ago, asking if i could just pick and choose what i needed instead of buying EVERYTHING.. but they told me all or nothing maybe if i wait long enough, they'll be desperate and let me cherry-pick lol..

i would be framing for myself - i've been slowly accumulating frames i've found at thrift stores, and plan on making my own art geared towards the style of frame.. nothing to actually sell quite yet, just slowly building up finished projects to eventually do something with : ) i used to be able to use the equipment at work rather freely, but that doesn't fly anymore, unfortunately....

my only hesitations with buying used things, is perhaps not having the means (and.. perhaps, i'm self-limiting myself, by not trying hard enough to figure out how to fix issues on my own when things are out of wack/alignment) to do tune-ups or trouble-shooting.. a lot of stuff i use at work already is fairly "nice"... i've seen online, there are hand mat cutters ? instead of a table cutter where you set the margins & everything ?? but to do all my OWN calculations and everything.... i'm admitedly SO horrible with numbers and math... i only know what my tape measure tells me ! lol.. but perhaps a whole table cutter is overkill for what its purpose currently is.... funny i have the passion for this, but not the brains it seems...

 

[Nikodeumus]

instead of a table cutter where you set the margins & everything ?? but to do all my OWN calculations and everything.... i'm admitedly SO horrible with numbers and math... i only know what my tape measure tells me ! lol.. but perhaps a whole table cutter is overkill for what its purpose currently is.... funny i have the passion for this, but not the brains it seems...

You have the brains to ask questions.
That's what smart people do.
And you came to the right place to do it.

See this thread for finding books to help you learn more.

Thread 'Recommended books'

May 16, 2024

Hi, I’m currently learning to frame. I’ve been lucky enough to meet a lovely artists and framer who is training me and selling all her equipment to me (very reasonably priced too!)
As I’m getting my head around everything, it would be wonderful to have a book that lists terminology, equipment etc with pictures that I can reference/study. Can any recommend a current Framing book that has this? I bought one by Kenn Oberrecht which is good but feels dated. Thanks so much

• Larry01
• Replies: 10
• Forum: The G: Framing Techniques and Advice

• 

This is a FREE publication for getting started.
Not sure how much experience you have, you probably know some or most of this, but may fill in some gaps.

https://www.logangraphic.com/learning-center/free-books-and-guides/logan-241-diy-picture-framing.pdf

You can find the titles of lots of framing books here too:

The complete photo guide to framing and displaying artwork : Kistler, Vivian Carli : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

Includes index

archive.org

Sign up to use the service, or check in libraries and used book stores in your area.

There are a variety of tools to help with speed and accuracy when marking hand cut mat margins.
Here's a discussion on that topic:

https://www.thegrumble.com/threads/hand-held-mat-measuring-ruler-w-sliding-stop.91377/#post-1173236

 

[Tato Karlo]

the craigslist ad you linked.. i actually emailed that guy a couple months ago, asking if i could just pick and choose what i needed instead of buying EVERYTHING.. but they told me all or nothing maybe if i wait long enough, they'll be desperate and let me cherry-pick lol..

i would be framing for myself - i've been slowly accumulating frames i've found at thrift stores, and plan on making my own art geared towards the style of frame.. nothing to actually sell quite yet, just slowly building up finished projects to eventually do something with : ) i used to be able to use the equipment at work rather freely, but that doesn't fly anymore, unfortunately....

my only hesitations with buying used things, is perhaps not having the means (and.. perhaps, i'm self-limiting myself, by not trying hard enough to figure out how to fix issues on my own when things are out of wack/alignment) to do tune-ups or trouble-shooting.. a lot of stuff i use at work already is fairly "nice"... i've seen online, there are hand mat cutters ? instead of a table cutter where you set the margins & everything ?? but to do all my OWN calculations and everything.... i'm admitedly SO horrible with numbers and math... i only know what my tape measure tells me ! lol.. but perhaps a whole table cutter is overkill for what its purpose currently is.... funny i have the passion for this, but not the brains it seems...

My feeling is this:
A simple handheld mat cutter can be a very dangerous “cheap beginning” for a beginner. Not because the tool is evil, but because the first failures can be very discouraging. Bad corners, overcuts, ragged bevels… and suddenly the person thinks, “Maybe this craft is not for me.”
I think a small tabletop cutter, like a Logan 450, is a much better doorway into framing. It gives the beginner enough control, enough accuracy, and enough hope to keep going.
On the other hand, jumping straight to a professional Fletcher 2200 may also be too much for a person who is not yet sure they want to live with picture framing. It is a serious tool, but the entry threshold is higher: setup, technique, space, discipline, and confidence.
So my honest advice would be: don’t start with the cheapest handheld cutter, and don’t start with the biggest professional jump either.
Start with a good tabletop cutter. Let the craft invite you in first.

 

[alacrity8]

Another place to find used equipment: https://aimequipmentcompany.com/equipment-type/picture-framing-equipment/ Picture Framing Equipment Archives

Logan is generally considered Hobbyist level, but you can get good results with them.
If you start doing bulk work, or a few hundred frames in total, then it may start to fail you.

 

[Tato Karlo]

Another place to find used equipment: https://aimequipmentcompany.com/equipment-type/picture-framing-equipment/ Picture Framing Equipment Archives

Logan is generally considered Hobbyist level, but you can get good results with them.
If you start doing bulk work, or a few hundred frames in total, then it may start to fail you.

Wow.
That Aime Equipment page was a little eye-opener for me.
From the outside, it looks like in the U.S. the problem is not finding framing equipment. There seems to be a lot of good used equipment available, and if a person is patient, buying everything new may not make much sense.
Maybe I am wrong, but it feels like the harder part in America is not buying the tools — it is selling enough custom framing to keep those tools busy.
In my country, the problem is often finding the right machine at all. In the U.S., it looks like the machine may be waiting for you… but the customers are the real battle.
Am I seeing this correctly, or is this just the romantic view of a foreign framer looking through the window?

 

[Tato Karlo]

Another place to find used equipment: https://aimequipmentcompany.com/equipment-type/picture-framing-equipment/ Picture Framing Equipment Archives

Logan is generally considered Hobbyist level, but you can get good results with them.
If you start doing bulk work, or a few hundred frames in total, then it may start to fail you.

alacciity8, you have humiliated me.
I have spent half my life buying and selling used framing equipment, and I have never seen so much framing equipment in one place.
Now I am going to have a deep professional depression, and most likely I will go on a serious drinking binge.
Since this is all your fault, tomorrow you owe me a bottle of whiskey for my recovery. Hair of the dog, as they say. Purely medicinal, of course.

 

[alacrity8]

I opened my shop with the equipment purchased from the widow of my old boss.
When I decided to upgrade, I stumbled on AIM. Probably someone on the Grumle suggested it.
Got my first used Wizard there.
A second Pistorious.
A 60" C&H.
A second AMP V-nailer.

The site now has equipment for all sorts of industries.

I know in the past, items sold would not always get marked as no longer available.
I think they have done a better job recently, but I'm sure there are things that have slipped through the cracks.