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Vincent_in_Naples_FL

Grumbler in Training
Joined
Oct 6, 2004
Posts
11
Loc
Naples, FL
Hi all- just got back from a great framing course and want to get started. I've already got orders but not equipment. Just ordered the chronomat cutter. I'd like to reduce costs as much as possible and find a trustworthy reputable dealer. Can anyone recommend a distributer for a frame chopper, underpinner and Fletcher 3000 glass/mat cutter? Is the last one there even neccessary starting out? I'd like to use good equipment starting out but if it is possible to wait on a piece without sacraficing quality, it would be financially helpful until I can break even. Thanks!

Vince
Princeton, NJ
 
Vince,
I'm sure you will get a lot of different, helpful opinons on how to start out. Can't say I did it the right way, but I got my Fletcher 3100 & 2100 first. The 3100 or 3000 will let you cut boards and glass easily. I selected a major moulding (and other materials) supplier that also offered a chop and join service. Costs a bit more for the frame to do it that way but in my case I got excellent service, good cuts and good joins. After doing this for a while and getting the business in the door I picked up a chopper, saw and vnailer. I still use the chopping and joining service for some frames.
 
I'll second katman's suggestions. Get a good mat cutter like the 2100 or C&H. Get one with a big base so that you don't have to take the bar off to do reverse bevels and multi openings. And get an underpinner and compressor. Order chops from your distributor, then after a year see what sells the most and will justify buying length.

I have a chopper and order a lot of chops. Saves on storage and keeps the "inventory" down.

Not buying the chopper, "luxury item", will save enough money to not skrimp on a quality mat cutter, which is your bread and butter!
 
Jer, katman and Bob-
Cannot thank you enough! I ordered the mat cutter. I'm torn between doing the chops and pre-joined or getting the practice and experience with the equipment...
Again, thanks so much for your input! So glad I came across this site! I'm sure I'll have more questions along the way!
 
I like to join my own frames. The few that I got in joined didn't meet my picky standards. The putty one used didn't match to my taste (white on an off-white/grey moulding). Thumbnailing services don't give any "wiggle rooom".

V-nail or vise are my two preferred joining methods. And with the vise I will use a pneumatic brad gun as often as I use predilling and a brad set.

Just personal preference.

Good luck it can be fun!
 
Looking forward to seeing you in the summer! Its a small world and the 'net just makes it smaller.

I got a friend that runs a B&B on Tatnic Road. If you don't have a place already give her a call. It's little more than 5 miles from the water. Her name is Jane Smith and the phone is 207-676-2209. Nice people, nice house, away from the crowds!
 
Check out the thread on stuff for sale. Those Euro underpinners are sweet.

Get the mat cutter and wall cutter and save your money to go to the trade show in Atlanta or Las Vegas. You'll get to see all the toys there and play with them to boot.
I had a chopper starting out and it was great. Today there are many other options that are much more versatile and deserve consideration. There are miter saw benches from a couple of manufacturers that will serve the purpose quite nicely without breaking the bank.
 
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