Become a Hobbyist Framer

What will I need?

Equipment

Choosing the right equipment for your framing business is crucial to the success of it.

Depending on the size of the operation that you want to set up, the capital outlay can be relatively low.

You will need one of each of the following machine types:

• Miter Cutting – Cutting the mouldings to a 45 degree angle so that they can be joined later.
  • Guillotine – Morso F
  • Double Miter Saw – Brevetti Motta Miter Saws
• Joining Machine – Joining the 45 degree corners together
  • Manual Underpinner – A+ Automation A1-M-XL
  • Pneumatic Underpinner – A+ Automation A44-P
• Matboard Cutting – For cutting the matboard openings for your framing pieces
  • Manual Matcutter
  • Computerized Matcutter – Gunnar Aiox XL Hybrid
• Hand Tools – For fitting the completed items into the frame
  • Brad Nail Gun – F18 Brad Nailer
  • Flexi Point Gun – F15 Flexi Point Gun
  • Glass Cutter – Oil Glass Cutter

These are the basics that you will need to start your business.

Should you have any other questions regarding machines, please contact us.

Framing Process & Supplies needed

There are multiple steps depending on your process you will implement in the framing process, but the most basic steps are:

1. Cutting the moulding to a 45 degree miter.
2. Joining the cut pieces together.
3. Cutting a window/windows into the matboard.
4. Cutting your glass & backing boards.
5. Fitting everything into the joined frame.

The Materials that you will most likely need to start:

• Picture frame moulding lengths for the frame.
• V-Nails/Wedges and Wood Glue / Synthetic Fusing Glue to help join the frame.
• Picture Framing hinging tape to fix your artwork to the matboard/substrate.
• Glass or Acrylic. We supply the world renowned Artglass.
• Backing boards. MDF, Masonite, ESKA grey backing board, or Foam Core Boards.

Your Workshop

Most framers work out of a relatively small area. You will need some space for a fitting/glass cutting/mat cutting table and some storage space for your lengths of moulding and matboards.

Sample Corners & Matboard Samples

Sample corners can be ordered once you are a registered picture framer. They are supplied free of charge.

These samples are 22cm x 22cm in size, and have got Velcro stapled to the back of them for easy application and removal from a sample wall. Magnets can be added on request. (Additional costs may apply)

Should you want to order some corner samples, please head on over to our Contact Page.

We do not offer any picture framing training. There are Picture Framing Schools available in South Africa on a Google Search.

If you buy your equipment from us, we offer a simple training course to show you how the machine works. We do not however train you how to do picture framing.

If you have any technical issues with the machine, we are always here to help.

At this stage, we are not offering any picture framing pricing software.