Digital BW, The Print

If I could get 15 prints archival framed for $525 I doubt I would be looking
into this.  In the UK that would cost me at least $3,200 !!  Even if I order
from Frame Destination in the US it would cost around $2,000.   It seems
most moulding suppliers offer a chop service which probably sounds like it's
worth paying for - no saws and perfect mitres.  I am not up for a C&H mat
cutter - amortising $1,200 (assuming I pay US prices) would take a while. I
am wondering if the Logan or Frameco cutter is for all practical purposes
just as good albeit not necessarily as "built to last".  (Not even many
frame shops use a computerised cutter.)  I would want to cut 8 ply mats
comfortably.  As for the joining equipment this seems fairly straight
forward.  I don't need a pneumatic machine as I am comfortable my volumes
aren't going to exhaust my arm and it seems even the Logan/FrameCo options
will comfortably drive into even hard woods.

Steve

> From: Ken Carney <kcarney1@...>
> Reply-To: <DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com>
> Date: Mon, 19 Sep 2005 20:12:24 -0500
> To: <DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com>
> Subject: RE: [Digital BW] Framing - Any views on FrameCo products?
> 
> Steve, 
> 
> I have in the past bought some of this gear to do my own framing.  It's all
> gone now.  My 2c would be to hire it out, which is what I do now.  I finally
> found an artist, a painter, who does framing to supplement her income.  She
> knows my framing formula, so all I have to do is give her prints.  The other
> day she framed 15 prints (16x20 gallery frames, museum rag board with a
> floating window beautifully cut) for $525 including materials.  There is no
> way I would do that myself when I could use that time to take more photos.
> Absent that alternative, all I can tell you is to spend about twice as much
> or more than you think you need on a mat cutter, to keep your sanity.  I
> really suggest trying the Logan and then trying a professional cutter such
> as the C&H - about $1,200 with accessories.
> 
>   --Ken