Strainer Question

Richard Darling

SGF, Supreme Grumble Framer
Joined
Feb 24, 2006
Posts
1,540
Loc
Bozeman, Montana
A customer called this morning. Is bringing in some kind of slate artwork for framing. I think he said it was about 40 lbs.

I've heard a lot about strainers on the grumble, and I think I have an idea how they are constructed, but even less about how they are attached and used. So a few questions, and feel free to add answers if I'm missing some questions.

1) Does the strainer attach to the artwork, or the frame?
2) Does it fit inside the rabbet behind the art, or beyond the rabbet behind the frame? If inside the rabbet, do I size it to fit snugly into the rabbet opening?
3) Is it best to mitre the corners and join with glue and vnails, or some other type of joint?

Thanks for the help.
 
Richard, I don't understand why you would want to use strainer bars for slate. They are normally used for canvas.

I guess we need more information.
 
Doug ... (I think) he's talking about reinforcing the frame with a strainer

Richard ... This subject was addressed a while back ... see this earlier post.

The bigger issue may be how you choose to mount this 40lb chunk of stone. How thick is it?
 
I still haven't seen the rock, but the customer did come in with some other things, and I learned that the rock already has a hanging wire
shrug.gif
on the back. The customer wanted to know how to secure it on drywall
thumbsup.gif
As it turns out, he doesn't want to frame it. I did talk with him about making sure a 40 lb. rock doesn't fall off the wall.

Yes Andrew, I am looking for the details of reinforcing the frame with a strainer. The earlier post you referenced was a little vague. But from what I gather, the strainer fits snug in the rabbet. I assume this means that the strainer itself is holding the artwork package in. Is it ok for the strainer to stick out of the back of the rabbet?
 
Richard- A strainer is basically an inner frame made of "stationary stretcher bars"- in other words, rigidly v-nailed together. It fits snugly within an outer frame to provide support, strength, and a hanging method, usually for a frame profile which would otherwise be too thin or weak to support the art/glazing/etc. Usually the strainer is attached to the outer frame with screws. Its profile should be planned to recess within or to be level with the back of the outer frame, and not stick out the back.
:cool: Rick
 
Back
Top