The Framers Forum

Hi,
Is it possible to use a mitre trimmer with polymer mouldings, or will the moulding split/chip.
We're just getting started in framing and would love a Morso but can't afford the outlay at the moment so I'm thinking a Mitre Trimmer may be a good alternative to begin with. I currently use a chop service but when making smaller frames it can virtually double the price.

Thanks for reading.

Don't see why not. Pol moulding cuts much the same as wood. Get some in and have a go. Mainline do a good range and also do sample lenghts for half price.

Also, wood glue won't work with pol moulding. We use ga glue called PU Max (you just need to use a little on the joints).

Hope that helps.

If you email me your address I'll post a sample piece to try:

ricky@mainlinemouldings.com

I think he is asking, should he get a mitre trimmer . to which I have no idea.

It looks like we need someone who already has a mitre trimmer to either tell little daz the answer if they've already tried Polcore, or to get a sample from Ricky and do a test for little daz.

Can anyone help please?

It's may be worth considering that the profile shape of the moulding may have an effect upon the outcome, but my guess is that it will be mostly a question of how good you are at taking a nice fine shaving cut.

I use Polcore on my Morso without any problems, but there is a learning curve with some profiles, regardless of whether it is wood, or Polcore.

Hi,
Thanks for the replies.

The Jolly Good Framer #1:
Thanks for the recommendation on the glue

Ricky, I'll send an email to you. Thanks for the offer.

IFGL:
Yes, that's the point. I don't have the budget or work for a morso yet, but it's obviously a thing that will be a necessity for the future.

Not Your Average Framer:

This is it, Someone must have tried it, somewhere. I can't see why it wouldn't work, but I worry that the outer 'shell' if you will may splinter or split when used with a trimmer as I've seen that a morso doesn't always cut these moulding neatly so I think the actual slicing motion of the trimmer may cause more spliting / splintering.

The other points worth considering at how close to trim with the saw before using the trimmer. I think the recommended for wood is around 1/8" whereas maybe either a closer or further cut may be better. Possibly a longer cut i.e 10mm instead of 5mm may benefit.

As for moulding types, this is a really good point. A narrower moulding maybe easier/more difficult than a wider. I think the key is experimenting.

I just wonder whether many of the budget framers maybe put off from using Pol mouldings as they think they cannot be cut, and this is why no one knows.

I think I'll have to get the trimmer and try it myself, then post the results. Bear with me though, have a few bills to pay first!

Thanks again for the replies

Not your average framer wrote: Can anyone help please?

I have a hand mitre trimmer but no experience of working with polymer mouldings, but would happily cut a sample sent to me from Ricky and photograph and post results. Would it be anymore difficult than cutting ash?

just ring mainline, ask them they will know of any of their customers using a mitre trimmer

as the annoying meerkat says - simples

I've just rang Sam at Framers Corner. She will test a bit of Polcore today and let you know later:

http://www.framerscorner.co.uk/uk/shop/ ... mer?cid=49

Hi Everyone

I have just done a test with our trimmer and can confirm that ... (drum roll please....) yes you can use a mitre trimmer with polcore mouldings!
I have tried a small 20mm moulding and a larger 40x 30mm moulding and they are both perfectly fine.
As with using a foot operated guillotine the key is to make sure the blades are sharp and you will be able to trim any moulding, also when using a hand mitre guillotine you need to remeber to just take a small 'shave' off the edge, don't try to take a big chunk out!

With regards to cutting to the correct size, if you cut your length oversize by no more than 5mm, then trim one end down to the correct angle. Once that is trimmed then measure the moulding and mark the other end so you have a line to trim to, just keep taking small pieces off the end until you meet the line. There is a little bit of practice needed but you will soon get the hang of it!

I don't know if you have already got something to cut the mitre with, but if you are going to use a trimmer we would normally recommend to buy something cheap and cheerfull to cut the mitre as you will get the accuracy you need with the trimmer ie save your pennies to spend on the trimmer!

Let me know if you need any further help.
Sam

Sam,
Thanks for letting us know. This is great news!
Thanks for taking the time to test an confirm that this can be done. I'm really grateful for this.
Thanks for the tip on a cheap mitre saw to trim.



You've made my day.

No problem, let me know if there is anything else you need!