The Framers Forum

Hi All,

New to the board, so hello first of all.

My question is related to a delightful moulding called Salesio from Lion. Its been very popular since I started using it for my photography portraits in the last couple of months. However the gesso keeps cracking at the bottom on the last cut on the morso Just 2mm by 2mm or so and its driving me nuts.

I've had a search round on here and over at the grumble but no joy with any of the suggestions made (warm it, silicone in the morso etc.)

I've spoken to Ian at Lion who can repeat the problem on the morso there but he says he uses the monster Casesse Chop Saw to do his samples so he's never been aware of this happening. Unfortunately Lion's chop service is only for Aluminium.

So does anyone have a large chop saw or know someone who does (I don't have 6-12K sitting around to buy one) and fancy charging me a price to cut wrap lengths down to 16", 20" etc. sizes? they have to guarantee it won't crack as well

I haven't found any other moulding like them and its popular so I don't really want to change to something else. (Its a heavy lacquer with a silver wash on it)

Any info gratefully received.

Phil

Hi Phil,

Have you tried the old electric blanket trick?

Cut the lengths of moulding a little larger than required and then wrap them in an electric blanket and allow them to warm up before cutting to the finished size.

The electric blanket does not get hot enough to melt the gesso, but should reduce the brittleness and hence the tendency to crack when cutting on the morso.

Also helpful in avioding similar problems when cutting molymer mouldings in cold workshops during the colder times of the year.

Cant help you with the saw but have you tried wrapping some tape around the bottom of the moulding where it cracks - it can also help to wax the blade . You are basically supporting the fragile part of the moulding - whilst cutting down drag on the blade to a minimum.

I make a couple of parallel nicks with a scalpel blade on any moulding which might be a problem; no more than 1-1.5mm and as extra insurance follow Mark's suggestion with a piece of, say P90 tape.

Should cure it - if your blades are sharp enough.

Foxy

I have noticed that gesso mouldings can become more brittle with age as well as lower temperatures.

Phil

I run two mitre saws. If you want to get in touch we could try to chop a couple for you. What numbers do you run? Alternatively if you brought a batch up you could cut them yourself - and pin if you like. Then if it chips out it's your fault!! Let me know.

Another thing - how wide is the moulding? My saw will do 4.5".


Regards

Hugh

Hi Hugh,

Not that many, I only have a few clients

5-8 frames a week with the material. Its just so annoying to cut especially as its 20 inches wasted if it cocks up.

If you drop me your address then I will post some of the material down to you to have a go on and tell me if its successful or not. Perhaps a digital picture to show the result?

If it is successful I would be delighted to take you up on your offer if you don't mind me invading to cut some lengths.

The moulding is only about 2 inches wide

Thanks
Phil