`New kid on the block`

ALEC · Post by **ALEC** » Tue 16 Jun, 2009 9:39 pm

Hi Guys & Gals
As this is my first posting on this ace forun, please bare with me if i dont do things exactly `right`.I`ll just put you in the picture, i run a sign shop up `ere in lancashire, doing the usual vinyl signs and large format printing. I`ve been researching the idea of doing framing as an `extension` to my current work. possibly to be our main business. Being a practical chap im really looking forward to this new venture and am seeking some equipment to get things moving. If anyone can shed any light on any stuff going it would be most appreciated.
If anyones got any comments on whether i should or shouldn`t do it or anything else it would be great to hear from you.
All the best to you all
Alec

gesso · Post by **gesso** » Wed 17 Jun, 2009 8:55 am

Combining your existing businesses with a framing service is a top idea. the skills you already have can be a few steps up the ladder as far as framing's concerned . you may want to look at the type of framing service you want to provide there's framing and there's framing. It looks like you have the capacity to do large works and if your tied in with exhibition production you could also focus on handling exhibition framing too I have a very basic workshop setup just about to be put up for sale but I'm a little way away from you 5 hours driving from you to Norwich (I know that as I've still got family in Blackpool & Preston.)

email me for further details

mark@riversideframing.com

Bill Henry · Post by **Bill Henry** » Wed 17 Jun, 2009 8:53 pm

I can’t speak to your particular situation, but check out the competition and see if there is a need.

If you’ve got a dozen or so framers nearby, you’ll find it tough to break in and establish a presence.

I’ve been in business twenty two years and, in that time, seven folks have tried to establish their businesses within an eight mile or so radius, but I’m the only one still standing.

ALEC · Post by **ALEC** » Wed 17 Jun, 2009 9:24 pm

Thanks for that Bill. A friend of mine who is an established framer, told me to go into this because i already have an established business and we`re not overcrowded with framers, but mainly because i`m on a busy road leading into the city close to traffic lights so there is always stationery traffic outside my front door, just looking in.
By the way that framing equipment seems to sell quite easily i figured as a worst scenario i`d get my money back if it fails. What do you think?
alec

Bill Henry · Post by **Bill Henry** » Wed 17 Jun, 2009 9:37 pm

I’m certainly not trying to be discouraging. I’ve loved every day that I’ve been in business. I don’t regret it at all. Only you can make a reasonable decision whether your market will support your venture.

But, in the U. S. (and, as you indicate, in the U. K.) you can pick up very good used equipment very inexpensively. But, that tells you something, too. Why is all that stuff for sale? What happened to the owners?

ALEC · Post by **ALEC** » Wed 17 Jun, 2009 10:19 pm

Your not being discouraging at all, just facing reality. Looking at my situation im going to give it a go....thanks for your advice.

gesso · Post by **gesso** » Thu 18 Jun, 2009 7:43 am

The equipment needed will be determined by the type of service you will be offering...from your post it sounds like there is scope to expand the large format printing into a service that may set you aside from other framers in your area, IE supplying these on canvasses. Your basic equipment range will always include;

Mitre cutter
Underpinner
Mount cutter
Artwork Storage
While there are the handy additions like;

Wall mounted equipment for cutting Glass, Backing Boards, Acrylic Sheets.
CNC Equipment for mount cutting etc not to mention all the hand tools for securing the fitting of artwork in the frames like framing guns, staplers,Tape dispensers etc There are numerous suppliers of second hand equipment a lot of the major moulding suppliers also deal in used equipment and then there's always good ol'
Ebay

One final thought ...Staff! Knowledgeable staff. One good member can make all the difference. They should also be your front of house. This is a very personal service you'll be providing. Most of the members on here are probably on the front-line or at least in full control of it.

MITREMAN · Post by **MITREMAN** » Thu 18 Jun, 2009 8:17 am

Hi Alec,
Welcome to the forum.
Getting the right equipment and knowing what is right can be a problem for the new starter.

You will find all you equipments needs new or secondhand and training at Framers Equipment ltd.

Ring Peter my brother and he will advise you and will only sell you equipment that is right for you, or take a trip to his showroom in Northampton where you can try all the machines and have a practice.

Sales 01604 790333
Peter Stanlick 07980660240
http://www.framersequipment.co.uk

Best of luck in your venture.

MITREMAN

kev@frames · Post by **kev@frames** » Sat 20 Jun, 2009 2:26 pm

Hi Alec
welcome to the forum

i did vinyl signs as a sideline to my framing for a few years - funny old way we all think isn't it. Still got an old roland plotter

there is a shop in town, doing printing, framing and signs, the whole lot seem to work well together for them, hope it goes wellfor you.
kev

ALEC · Post by **ALEC** » Sat 20 Jun, 2009 10:29 pm

Hi Kev
Thanks for that, there might be light at the end of the tunnel yet eh? Do you think it`s a good idea? Do you still use your Roland cutter?
cheers Alec

kev@frames · Post by **kev@frames** » Wed 24 Jun, 2009 6:31 pm

i only use it for stuff for the shop, our own vehicle graphics and the odd "mates-rates" bits and pieces. its a 1993 model, it just won't die.
why dont I still do signs>? just one word, you'll know what I mean: "weeding"

i think the combination of framing and signs is good - they are both fairly skilled and technical clean jobs with a design element. Works very well for the bloke down the road from me anyway. He's been there 15 years as well, and neither of us has gone bust yet

framingengineer · Post by **framingengineer** » Thu 09 Jul, 2009 7:23 am

Hi
Most of the signage guys I visit have a Keencut Excalibur for cutting Dibond/board. This is a great addition to any framers as they cut mountboard,MDF and glass as well.
Apart from being able to cut those materials all you need to buy is a mitre cutter (Morso) and an underpinner.
What you should be considering is what sort of size of mouldings you are going to use. A lot of the larger mouldings cannot be cut on a Morso.
If you want any unbiased help give me a call.
Good luck
Neil
07793 709123
PS Don't expect to nip out and grab a bargain package of secondhand gear off ebay. It will probably cost you more in repairs than you initially pay.

eddie1 · Post by **eddie1** » Tue 25 Aug, 2009 5:09 pm

Hi Alec, after reading your post i may have something of interest to both of us,i got out of the framing trade 12 years ago because of marrital problems ha ha.but kept all my framing equipment in a workshop behind my new house.and i am thinking of doing it again,if you have the space i have the machinery (just a thought)let me know what you think perhaps we could get together and chat.I was in the trade for 15 years and did very well in the Southport area (Formby).

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