Supply and cost of picture glass

[Globart]

I am completely new to this forum and indeed something of a framing virgin so would be grateful for some advice. I am an artist, producing oils, waterclours and now prints, so needing to keep my costs down, began making my own frames with a mitre block and saw - with the inevitable mixed results and tedious time-wasting. However, bitten by the bug, and after much deliberation and research (some of it on this site) decided to go the whole hog and invest in a used Morso F guillotine and underpinner. I can see why so many experienced frame makers wax lyrical about the Morso; what a great machine, and now new vistas beckon.
I have found a good supplier of reasonably priced mouldings and begun cuttting my own mounts, but what I am really having problems with is finding a supplier of reasonably priced glass. I went to a local supplier, who also cuts it, and nearly fell over when he quoted me the price of a sheet. I am quite prepared to cut the glass myself and wondered if any of you experienced members could point me in the direction of a wholesale supplier in West Sussex. I have no idea how much I should expect tp pay per sheet, what sizes the glass comes in and the minimum quantity I would have to buy. Also, do they usually deliver to your door and what is the best way of storing it?
Any assistance would be very much appreciated.

Terry

[Jonny2morsos]

Wessex Pictures will deliver to your door and will sell you glass at around a fiver (+ VAT) a 3ft x 4ft sheet of standard 2mm float. There is a minimum order value of £75.00 + VAT.

If you are cutting mounts then you could also buy your board and backing sheets from them too. Don't know how far it is but they do have a trade counter where you could pick up stuff from but you probably do not want to transport glass yourself.

I notice you did not list a mountcutter amongst the equipment you have bought so would advise buying one if you don't already have one or you could always ask a forum member to do your mounts.

Roboframer is in West Sussex and has a fancy new Valiani Computer Mount Cutter.

A well cut mount is worth paying for.

[Globart]

Thanks very much for your very helpful reply - I will be on to them first thing in the morning. No, I didn't mention mount cutting, but I have also invested in a mountcutter after struggling with the wrong tools! In fact it was after being able to cut consistently accurate mounts and teaching myself to paint the washlines that I felt encouraged to go the next step and invest in proper framing equipment. It really does make so much difference when you have the right equipment, and I love my Morso - how did I ever live without one?!

Regards

Terry

[Dermot]

Terry welcome to the Forum.

John Turner (RoboFramer) of http://www.angmeringframing.com/ is also in West Sussex, he may be able to help you out.

[Roboframer]

Welcome to the forum Terry

Not many framers do washlines these days!

I get my glass from Glass & Mirror who are based in Leatherhead. http://www.glass-mirror.co.uk/ They are owned by Wessex so it doesn't really matter which you use, but Wessex do have a trade counter, nearest is Croydon and they sell all you need. Glass & Mirror delivered to my home when I first started; they also do a large range of sundries and boards, Morso blade sharpening and I think they distribute Arqadia mouldings.

As for storage, vertically (duh) and preferably on a carpeted or thick rubber base, portrait or landscape is up to you - mine is stored landscape and is on a small 'stage' so it can't be walked in to. Standard size is 4x3ft but you can get it twice that size, or G&M will cut sheets in half or to any size you like in any quantity.

You're just up the road from me - drop in some time.

Thakeham is a beautiful village.

[bexwell]

I find Wessex really helpful and get most of my needs from their trade counter in Dereham, Norfolk. Since changing my car I can't get the largest size glass in anymore ( not in one piece anyway!) but they do smaller sizes and if you don't need large volumes the extra price is not a lot set against delivery charges and minimum orders. The smaller sizes are not so daunting to cut either if you are not used to cutting glass. Cutting a 4x3 sheet on the dining table can get a bit hairy - which is why I bought a second hand Fletcher. Any way Wessex are always very helpful to me and good to deal with.

[stcstc]

hey bexwell

are you based in dearham, my folks live there and will be over in a week or so, might pop in a have a chin wag??

[Globart]

Thank you to everyone for their very helpful advice and comments. I realise I have much to learn from those with much more experience than me and will no doubt be darkening the doors of this forum again in the future!

Regards

Terry