mitre trimmers

[John Andreae]

Hello,

I am startiung a new framing business having done amateur framing for a few years. I've purchased a Kenncut mount cutter and am now considering my options for upgrading the quality of my mitre cutting. I would like to buy a morso but the cost may be prohibitive at this point in time (although I may get one second hand on ebay) but Ive been looking at mitre trimmers to improve the cut after an approximqate cut with a hand mitre saw. Has anyone had experience of starting out using something like this ie whether you can really get a good result, or is the general consensus that a professional cutter is essential?

Thanks very much

Regards

JohnA

[AllFramed]

Hello John,

I started with one of these: http://www.diyframing.com/user/images/s ... r150%2Ejpg
It worked fine and you can get very good mitres but it takes a lot of time, especially getting sides the same length. I now have a used Morso which works a treat, the time saving is enormous, especially if making multiple frames of the same size. I got mine off EBay - buyer beware etc. but do some homework and don't rush to buy the first one you see. They are often available from members here too.

The same then applies to underpinners, sheet cutters etc. etc. etc. The time saving is the big benefit with these too.

Good Luck
Tim

[Nigel Nobody]

or is the general consensus that a professional cutter is essential?

John,
I guess the logical answer to that is, that if you want to be professional you must have professional equipment and materials and knowledge!

[John Andreae]

Hi Tim,

Thanks for your reply- something to think about!

Regards

John

[Gesso&Bole]

I really don't think that you could earn a living "fannying" about with a mitre trimmer. As ormond says if you want to be a professional, get professional equipment.

On a serious note, if you are planning to set up a business, and can't afford £5 or £600 for a second hand Morso, then I would respectfully suggest that you are under-funded, and risk failure before you get going. Get in touch with your local Business Link, and get some advice on business start -up, and funding sources. Or perhaps even talk to a Framing Industry Business Consultant !

[stcstc]

i have to disagree about pro equipment

when i started, i didnt have a mitre cutter at all, and borrowed an underpinner

and built up the business by ordering a chop service from local suppliers

then as money allowed, bought underpinner then morso


so i dont think you MUST have kit from day one

and as for funding, i have invested about 1000 up front, but now have over 80K worth of kit etc. just invested back a lot of what i earnt to start with

[John Andreae]

Thanks STSTC,

I think that is very useful advice. I guess everything depends on whether it's possible to produce a professional product with the equipment available and you obviously managed with what you had when you started out.
Regards

John

[Nigel Nobody]

and am now considering my options for upgrading the quality of my mitre cutting...... but Ive been looking at mitre trimmers to improve the cut after an approximqate cut with a hand mitre saw.... or is the general consensus that a professional cutter is essential?

The recommended 'professional' equipment replies were in response to the questions asked, as above, not about exclusively buying chops.

Buying chops would, however be an excellent way of producing professional quality frames without going to the expense of buying a Morso or other professional mitreing equipment.

[Sunflower]

Hi John
I import mitre trimmers to the UK and out of the 1000's sold over the past 6-7 years we very rarely get a problem, they are an ideal start up tool but as a previous writer warns they do take a bit of time to the cut mitres, but they will be perfect i can guarantee that, and with a measuring system you will be able to cut smaller frames a lot quicker. Have a look at our site http://www.diyframing.com there is loads of free information on startup framing business's
Good luck

Duncan