where to find used equipment and other questions

Bruce Watson

Grumbler in Training
Joined
Mar 15, 2004
Posts
1
Loc
Raleigh, NC
I'm a Grumble newbie. I've been searching the archives and haven't found what I'm looking for, so I thought I'd go ahead and ask.

I'm a photographer. Your basic starving artist. I do my own framing because I'm doing a very small subset of what a real framer does. Single opening window mats, all rectangular. Metal frames, OP-3 glazing, very low volume. Nothing that would require me to develop the level of craft that y'all exhibit. The only difficulties lie in the size (up to 40x60 mats), and the range of plys (2-8).

I need a mat cutter that can handle the large mats at 8 ply, and still do the small mats at 2 ply. I'm looking at the Fletcher, the Chronomat, the Keencut, and the Speed-mat.

What kind of risk am I taking in trying to buy this equipment used? What's going to wear out - what should I be looking for to tell me to pass on a particular used unit? Are there dealers out there that specialize in used framing equipment? If so, who are they? Other than dealers, where should I look for used mat cutters?

Finally, what are the big framing industry trade shows? It might make sense for me to attend at least one so that I can put my hands on this equipment and maybe learn enough to confuse me ;)

Thanks for your help.
 
Check out www.pictureframingequipment.com
There is a used mat cutter listed there.

As with any piece of used equipment you take on certain risks, but quite often these types of tools are being sold because of a failed business or an upgrade in equipment not because they are worn out (I would inspect a potential purchase closely before buying in case the operator damaged it). They are mostly designed to last a business lifetime with little or no repair. Any of the name brand mat cutters will do what you are asking.

The closest and best show for you would be the Atlanta DecorExpo in September. Probably won't get to see much in the way of used equipment
though.

EDIT: Welcome to The Grumble.
 
One of the risks of buying used matcutters is whether or not parts are still available. Get the model numbers and contact the manufacturers before you buy.

If you do go to a show, stop buy the booths that are cutting mats and ask if their show models will be for sale after the event is over. We saved a bundle doing that and still got the warranty.

Good luck!
Susan
 
Find a post by Mike @GTP. At the bottom of the post is his signature line. Click on FAQ's and you will find a list of businesses that specialize in used framing equipment.
 
wpfay that mat cutter has been on there for a f couple months now, i don't think they update the website on a regulat basis.
d
 
Dennis, You may be right. I talked with the owner about the Euro underpinner last month, and he said it had been removed from sale about two months earlier. I do see that it is marked sold now which would indicate he has updated the site within the last month.
 
I'm planning on buying an existing Art Gallery with a friend and adding custom framing to it. We've been to a one-day workshop to see if we'd like the framing part and loved it...as much as you can for a one-day trial. Anyway, we're researching what equipment we should buy and settled on a Pro Mount Hot Shot (48"). I just read some postings that a lot of you are not happy with hot mounting (it can ruin prints) and someone suggested the new 3M Pro Spray System. Just wondering if we should still get the combination Pro Mount.....any suggestions/opinions are GREATLY appreciated.
 
I should add that we're planning to take a 4-5 day course and practice a lot before we open. Any suggestions for where we can take the course?
 
Hi Marjorie,

You'll find info about our classes in Las Vegas, Hartford and Orlando at www.pictureframingschool.com
Call me at 860-940-9262 if you have questions or would like to enroll.

Paul Cascio
The American Picture Framing Academy
 
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