Here is an article I wrote maybe 20 years ago and now recycled.   It has some prologue and editing that I did not do, but basically correct.   Happened to stumble into it last week. I had to laugh as they called me a "professional artist."   Ummm, I was building software products at the time.

 

DIY-Picture-Framing.pdf

Great article! 

 

Doing it yourself can be a real $$$ saver. My biggest problem is cutting the glass. The guys at the glass shop make it so easy but my attempts are always less than desirable.

Really wish my Kindle could magnify a downloaded PDF. Can't read it.

 

1 hour ago, Gene Howe said:

Really wish my Kindle could magnify a downloaded PDF. Can't read it.

 

No Laptop?

Herb

2 hours ago, Gene Howe said:

Really wish my Kindle could magnify a downloaded PDF. Can't read it.

 

no remote wireless monitor???

5 hours ago, lew said:

Great article! 

 

Doing it yourself can be a real $$$ saver. My biggest problem is cutting the glass. The guys at the glass shop make it so easy but my attempts are always less than desirable.

When I learned to do framing, my instructor said, "The best way to learn to cut glass is to cut glass."  I had never done it before.  95% of the time it comes out OK. 

 

If you are going to have a glass shop cut it, the secret is to make the frame and take it to them to measure and cut.   That way, if it doesn't fit, they'll have to re-cut a piece.  I remember once before I started cutting, I did that and the teenager at the hardware store cut a piece that was slightly too big.  Then he tried to cut off about 1/16 to 1/8".   Of course, that didn't work.  He looked around for the boss, then tossed that piece in the scrap bin and got a new piece out of the rack.

 

And yes, the markup on framing is very high.   I went to one of the craft stores once to buy a piece of mat and told them I wanted the whole piece, uncut.   Standard size is 32x40.   She got out her chart and quoted me over $100 as if they had to cut one.  (Of course, they keep the cutout and use it for smaller frames.)    Normal price for a full sheet of mat is about $10-12.   Last time I went there.  I figure I broke even on about the 4th frame I made having to buy all the equipment in the article.

My dad's hobby was stained glass.  He said when cutting glass the main four things necessary are

1. Get a good cutter.

2. Make sure the glass is clean where making the cut.

3. Dip your cutter in light oil.

4. Score the glass once.  Do NOT go over your cut.

 

Which coincides with this explanation.  I follow these rules and have good success.  I've even made four triangle flag cases and cut the glass for them.

 

https://www.wikihow.com/Cut-Glass

 

 

Edited July 14, 20188 yr by HandyDan

On ‎7‎/‎14‎/‎2018 at 7:14 AM, Gene Howe said:

Really wish my Kindle could magnify a downloaded PDF. Can't read it.

 

I've had 4 K's:  all could/can expand a PDF if they could download it at all.  As I recall they all reacted to widening fingertip swipes.  Original K and Paperwhite couldn't download at all; Fires work with opening swipes.  I prefer PC viewing, tho. 

Good article!

Edited July 15, 20188 yr by PeteM

16 hours ago, HandyDan said:

1. Get a good cutter.

2. Make sure the glass is clean where making the cut.

3. Dip your cutter in light oil.

4. Score the glass once.  Do NOT go over your cut.

 

I Feared cutting glass for many years.  As well as above, what did the trick for me:  glass breaking pliers:  they are shaped like mild chevron, and when you close them on the score line, they bend the glass for you right on the line.  That I can make work.  (Without them, I am but an egg)