Newbie in the houuuuse

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oljohnboy

Grumbler
Joined
Jul 21, 2009
Posts
31
Loc
North Carolina
Hello. I will be adding framing to my portraits studio in a couple of months and wanted to start interacting with the framing community. Just so you know, I am in eastern North Carolina. I need help with framing equipment. I have been doing lots of research and I have some questions

1. I will be fairly low/medium production. Will a manual underpinner work well?

2. Disc sander. Whoever works in marketing at Logan does very well, but I dont want plastic. Any suggestions?

3. Matt cutter. Any good suggestions?

4. I plan to start creating small stock frames, and custom ones for photography, is this a good source to answer questions about framing the crazy stuff like puzzles, clothing and other stuff?

5. I plan to join the PPFA. Good investment?

6.Is it worth the money to go to a basic picture framing school, or take that cash, buy equipment and practice.

7. Moulding resources. I see United. Any other good sources?

I hope I am not delving into the well kept secrets of a framer. I feel that this is a good venue for me to explore with my current business.

I would love to talk about marketing soon!

Thanks,
John
 
Get some "hands on" experience in Atlanta this September. See this thread.

Or, put away a bit more money (read threads by Rob Markoff about bargains in travel) and plan on going to the WCAF show in Las Vegas in January. There are very good courses for every level of expertise, a really good trade show, and networking like you won't find anywhere else.

Also, check out some of your NC neighbors. There are probably more framers/square foot in NC than any other state in the union.
 
Wel there are 5 framers in my town, about 10 within a 25 mile radius. None have a location like I have. I feel that i have an advantage with the street traffic, people walk in about 2 times a week and ask if we frame. I think with some proper advertising, I will be able to make it a profitable venture. I also plan to supply the other local photographers. I would like to go to a trade show, I need to allocate funds as efficiently as possible though. I am looking at the Inmes iM-3 Pneumatic, is this a good underpinner to start?
 
Welcome, John.

New framing tools are always easier to work with, but more costly than buying used, and there are plenty of used framing tools available. If you check the Grumble's "Commercial Posts, For Sale of Framing Shop Stuff and Art" section, you may find most of the tools you need to get started. Framing tools, if properly maintained, will last for decades, and you can usually save more than enough to justify making a few repairs.

PPFA is a unit of the Photo Marketing Association Intl. (PMAI), so you could enjoy a double-whammy of benefits by joining. Just as WCAF/National Conference and DecorExpo-Atlanta are the best venues for framing exhibitors, the PPFA/PMAI Convention in Anaheim is the best venue for photographic & imaging equipment. All of these shows offer good framing education. WCAF has the most classes by far, and therefore the best selection, but the PPFA convention has certification exams and advanced classes for protective framing. PPFA also has the best Bookstore, where members can buy framing books of all kinds at discounted prices. Note that several PPFA chapters have a library of framing books for chapter members to borrow.
 
OK, take a class. Learn what you are doing before you open your doors to framing. A learn as you go attitude is not the way to treat other peoples' family heirlooms ;) That ratty "kleenex" that you siliconed to a piece of purple cardboard turns out was hand made by her grandmother's great aunt's sister-in-law frm the old country and is irreplaceable and was appraised for $1.3 million. But the framing was fun while it lasted ;)

Learn the ropes or hook up with a framer in the area and offer to be their middleman until you learn the ropes and feel confident to do the jobs right. It's not rocket science but an innocent mistake could cost you way too much!

Welcome to the grumble, and this is probably the right place to learn how to better your ski9lls, but it is up to you to learn the skills, PaulCascio does offer a framing school and many grumblers have attended. You get out what you put in so go prepared to ask questions and to learn.
 
Thank you for all the replies. I doubt I will find a local framer that I am going to learn from , knowing I will be thier competition. I woulnt feel right about hiding it either. I will attend a school, but i may not just yet. I feel comfortable that I will be able to frame large portraits, as I do this already but i have to order a frame made from Culver or others. I will also produce small frames for local stores to help pay for the initial invesments. I am not going to take a job that i do not know what to do. I would hate to ruin someones memories. I know, I am pro photographer....Does anyone feel that this is a bad way to start? Oh, I will definitely check out the sale section!
 
We have a 5-day class in Orlando, starting August 15th. Also, a DVD set, "How to Start a Successful Picture Framing Business." You'll find more information at our website.
 
Sounds like you are gonna do what you feel is right for you. Not a bad business practice. I just want to really push/urge you to take a course. Better to learn the "technique" correctly than to have to unlearn bad practices.

You may finish the course and say, man he really pushed me to waste my money, but I think it'll be a good investment in your future business. Do a search for vendors. We have many that we like and buy from. You can buy frames that are joined to start off then add chopped or length purchases. Joined is obviously the most expensive, but there is no equipment to purchase. So it can get you started and ten you can add joining to your repetiore after you've mastered mat cutting...

Just because you're adding a new venture you should not feel compelled to bite off more than you can chew.
 
Ask lots of questions. Really give Paul a hard time ;)

Sounds like you have a good base to learn from. Let Paul show you how to really fine tune your skills. Ask about what you want to learn and read the archives hear about french mats, v-grooves and bowing cuts, hooks and overcuts ;) Hey Paul, we'll have a ringer in the audience putting you through your paces ;) We want reports afterward, from both of you.
 
Welcome to the Grumble.

The Logan Sander is not bad for the money but will only sand up to a 3" moulding - it isn't made out of plastic. If you aren't using moulding larger than 3" the Logan is a good deal. If not - check United, they have sanders but I recommend you purchase the ITW/AMP sander which is on closeout there right now. They sell their own brand but if they haven't changed manufactures (China) I wouldn't recommend buying it, I exchanged the one I purchased from them, trying to save money, for the ITW. Peter is good though and stands behind his product.

All other necessary equipment you can get from United, pictureframingequipment.com or in the commercial ads here in the Grumble. If you need corner vises, I have 4 of the heavy duty Stanley (comparable) good ones that I would sell for $200.00 plus shipping, just PM me if you are interested.

Have fun, this is a good fun group here - though they may lead you astray now and then.
 
Paul Cascio's school is pretty good, but it is only one of many listed in the June issue of PFM. As in all purchases, it's wise to shop around and determine what works best for your purposes.

Several framers also offer private mentoring opportunities, which may be tailored to your specific needs, whether basic or advanced, general or specialized. For example, Jeff Rodier (a Grumbler) is one who invites framers to his shop for training. My format is more organized, as indicated here: http://www.thegrumble.com/showthread.php?t=24727&highlight=mentoring
 
Jim's right of course ;)

I took a class with the New England Frame Academy. Dusty was great and we had a good group in our class and were able to go way beyond what was on the syllabus. He recommended the Grumble and HH and getting the industry magazines. Haven't had a class with Paul but many competent framers have.

If you can spent time in Jim's shop it would be worth while to say the least, as would any grumbler. We recognize our neighbor Grumblers as our competition, but it's hard to be "angry" with a grumbler. Knowing each other on-line makes working against them across the street easier to do. You stop seeing them as "them" as competition and more as a fellow grumbler you can learn something from. Plus knowing them here makes it easier to go up to them and say "cut the ####!" in person.
 
Thanks Bob, I don't get many hecklers, but I'll be ready. :)
I look forward to speaking with John.
 
Paul Cascio said:
Thanks Bob, I don't get many hecklers, but I'll be ready. :)
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Click to expand...

You don't get many hecklers, in person! But here you're fair game!

(See John, that's how we are. We know each other and some of us (not me....) take liberty with that informality. Paul is a professional, so respect him, but pepper him with questions. You'll only get from the class what you bring to it. (this from the guy that sits in the back at the NEPPFA Meetings ;) )
 
We are glad that you are here. Welcome to the 'Grumble. So much to learn, so little time. This is also a great place to learn but you have to check in every once and awhile.
 
John,

Welcome to the G. I sent you a private message (PM). Didn't want to bore the other Gs with such a long post. :thumbsup:
 
Welcome to the Grumble, John! :icon21:
You'll like it here.


On the days when you don't show
up, we'll know where to find you......



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shayla said:
Welcome to the Grumble, John! :icon21:
You'll like it here.


On the days when you don't show
up, we'll know where to find you......



.
.
.
.
Click to expand...

hey,
thats what I'm talking about! Well I already love this forum, its good to see such comradery.

I hope that this will turn out to be a profitable venture and enjoyable.
 
John

Do not rule out getting help from other local framers. I have mentored more then a few fellow framers over the years. It is expecially likely that a active PPFA member would help you out.

For go to materials try here http://www.columbapublishing.com/ I could not function with out my set.

Be sure to check with your insurance when you are buying equipment, some procedures will require more, from a hazard stand point.

Watch your pricing some frames are least expensive as ready mades.

Good Luck
 
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