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What is the best medium to use for a very deep box frame?
Posted: Wed 12 Feb, 2014 1:54 pm
by deepictureman
I have been asked to frame a vase complete with flowers, and have agreed the mount board colours and general arrangement which has the approval of the client. It involves creating a box frame 25cm deep, 50 cm wide and 56 cm tall. The vase and flowers weigh no more than 500 Grams. I have identified the 'Framebox' mouldings marketed by Arqadia (208 400 000) but am aware this is an expensive option for the client. Is there a better cost effective medium to use? I will be facing off the mount with moulding, Arqadia 245 033 000. Is there a foam board type solution?
Thanks,
Dave
Re: What is the best medium to use for a very deep box frame
Posted: Wed 12 Feb, 2014 2:42 pm
by prospero
When you get to that extreme you are really veering away from framing and towards pure woodwork. Are they intending to hang the result on the wall? It will stick out about a foot.

If I had to do it, I would make a plywood box and plonk a frame on the front.
Something like this should really be free-standing on a plinth with glazed sides.
Re: What is the best medium to use for a very deep box frame
Posted: Wed 12 Feb, 2014 3:53 pm
by markw
prospero is correct - you'r making a display case when it gets that deep and most of the kit/material just doesn't cover what you want to do. I would take on something like this - but would personally farm out the construction to a skilled cabinet maker. I would therefore be charging a lot of money for the job - hopefully enough to put the customer off or make me a vgood profit for all the mucking around involved.
Re: What is the best medium to use for a very deep box frame
Posted: Wed 12 Feb, 2014 3:58 pm
by An Old Master
Hi Dave,
Yes, I regularly use 5mm foamboard to make boxes for framing large objects, sometimes reinforcing with ply. Too complicated to attempt an explanation in words, but PM me with your address and I'll send you a sketch of the formula/method.
Re: What is the best medium to use for a very deep box frame
Posted: Wed 12 Feb, 2014 4:34 pm
by Roboframer
...... and when you get it, with T.O.M's permission - scan it and share it with us all

Re: What is the best medium to use for a very deep box frame
Posted: Wed 12 Feb, 2014 4:55 pm
by deepictureman
I will be glad to share all advice that I receive unless request not to by the person who provides said info.
Thanks for all your support guys.
Dave
Re: What is the best medium to use for a very deep box frame
Posted: Wed 12 Feb, 2014 5:00 pm
by An Old Master
AOM please Robo, or Pete will do as well.
Re: What is the best medium to use for a very deep box frame
Posted: Wed 12 Feb, 2014 5:16 pm
by An Old Master
Oh, and BTW Robo, I've been sharing my ideas on framing continuously for the last 35 years plus via books, journalism, videos and demonstrations.
Re: What is the best medium to use for a very deep box frame
Posted: Wed 12 Feb, 2014 5:17 pm
by Not your average framer
10mm foanboard is amazing stuff for constructing really deep boxes to fit the back of a normal frame mouldings. I cover the inside with mountboard and the outside with backing board. Very strong when finished.
You can pin it together while waiting for the glue to set and after covering the outside the corners can be taped to cover the joins. My local hardware shop is happy to cut 6mm MDF to size for me and a piece of this fitted onto the back is o.k. for screwing the D-rings into.
Also 10mm foamboard cuts very well with a brand new stanley knife blade. I cut it with my System 4000 and the extra large stanley knife blade. I keep both sizes of stanley blades in stock.
10mm foamboard is very useful stuff to have in stock. It's not particularly cheap, but it makes some difficult jobs much quicker and easier to do. Also check out Brittania's CombCore, it's like CoriCor, but 5mm thick. You can glue two thicknesses of this together, with the flutes on the two boards 90 degress differently aligned and it is very strong, ridgid and durable!
Re: What is the best medium to use for a very deep box frame
Posted: Wed 12 Feb, 2014 10:12 pm
by Roboframer
Pete, my apologies - it clearly says An Old Master but I've always thought The Old Master!
I know you've been sharing for donkeys and have picked up some gems from you over the years, please plug a camera/scanner in and carry it on here.
Re: What is the best medium to use for a very deep box frame
Posted: Wed 12 Feb, 2014 10:25 pm
by An Old Master
Too many potential gags/digs linked to this AOM business, I think I'll have to change it.