clip frames

[Phil Darby]

Could anyone advise me where I would be able to get some clips. I have been asked to produce some random sized clip frames. Thanks,
Phil

[Abacus]

I use "swiss" clips from lion

part number 3043

http://www.lionpic.co.uk/product/SWISS- ... ,8533.aspx

[Gesso&Bole]

Those Lion clips will work, but do you REALLY want to do the job?

I would charge significantly more for the job than in a thin black or natural frame to account for the hassle factor, polishing the edge of the glass, fiddling with the clips, fitting a hanging attachment, and for the fact that the chance of glass breakage is much higher.

On the other hand, the reason I know of all these pitfalls is that I have been talked into making clip frames myself on a few too many occasions!

[prospero]

I second what Jim said. It's really a tooled-up factory job. People sometimes bring in clipframes for replacement glass and it's far cheaper to direct them to the nearest "surplus stock" store where they would have stacks of new ones for about £1.50 each.

[Graysalchemy]

I agree with the above, clip frames of the bain of the framer.

People who want clip frames don't want to pay for a proper frame so won't pay what you would have to ask to make them. Plus you will end up with a box full of clips which you will never use again. There is a lot of work polishing the glass routing out where the clips need to go etc and all for a product with a perceived value of a few pounds.

I would think twice about taking on such a job. You could also point out that you don't have the facilities to polish the glass and research has shown that from a safety issue they need to be properly polished. I knew a framer who had a visit from trading standards for selling clip frames with unsatisfactorily polished edges.

AG

[prospero]

Best course of action is to quote about 5x the price of the same size 'normal' frame. If they insist on a clipframe, then they can have one but they must pay the price of getting a piece of glass polished at a local glass co. Also setting out and drilling the back. Best way to get the clips is to go and buy a new clipframe and canibalise it.

It's the difference between a mass-produced and a bespoke job.