Custom framing begins with the adage: "Measure twice, cut once"!
After the moulding is selected and the measurements confirmed, it's time to cut the moulding to the proper length with perfect 45 degree angles. The best way to do this without creating dust is with a moulding chopper.
The Dan-List Company in Denmark manufactures the MORSØ machine and blades. Their first mitring machine was made in 1911 on the small island of Mors, in the Northern part of Denmark.
The best features of the chopper for Goldeneye Gallery are:
The Dan-List Company in Denmark manufactures the MORSØ machine and blades. Their first mitring machine was made in 1911 on the small island of Mors, in the Northern part of Denmark.
The best features of the chopper for Goldeneye Gallery are:
- No dust collection is required
- Horizontal movement of the knife block chops the moulding in small increments.
- Sliding stop and an easy to read measuring scale ensure accurate repeat cuts.
- The lever system of the machine makes it easy to operate using only leg power (no noise).
Joining the cut moulding into a frame is the job of the underpinner
If you have ever looked at the back of a modern finished frame, you will notice that each corner is joined by several "v" shaped nails, called suprisingly, "v-nails". The device is powered by compressed air, which shoots the nail into the underside of the moulding. Together with a bit of glue, this forms an extremely strong joint.
Next, we cut the backer board, mat board, inner mat and glass (or acrylic), to size
To insure a perfect fit, the frame is made first, then all the other materials are cut to size after triple checking the measurement of the frame. The 60" Fletcher 3000 we have in the shop cuts mat board, backer board, foam core, glass, and acrylic with perfect repeatability.
Finally, the bevelled opening is cut into the mat, adding a double mat if desired
The Fletcher 2100 matt cutter cuts the perfect beveled edge: We use the 48" machine, which cuts up to 4-ply mat board. Yes, that is a picture of a Fletcher 2200. I couldn't find a picture of the 2100. Gee, I wonder what the 2200 does that my machine doesn't do?