Frames - made to order or stocked inventory?

[new2woodwrk]

Just wondering those that make their own frames:

• Do you stock pile frames?
• Do you typically make the standard size frames: 8" x 10", 11" x 14" etc.and cut your scroll works to fit the frame  or do you make the frames to fit the scroll works?

So far most of the frame I've made have been custom to fit the size of the scroll work. A few have been "accidents" or test frames that I just kept at what ever size I ended up with and fit the cuts to the frames.

But since I currently only use 1/8 and 1/4 BB ply it seems I could make standard size frames and cut the pieces to fit the frames.

Thoughts?

Thanks as always in advance

Edited April 7, 2018 by new2woodwrk

[dgman]

The beauty of making frames is sizing the frame to fit the project, not fitting the project to fit the frame. So no, I don't stockpile frames because I don't know what I will need for the future.

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

How much room do you have?? they do take up valuable landscape. If you are seriously getting into projects that require frames then maybe it would be a good idea to streamline your projects to sized projects and have frame material ready for assembly at a moments notice. In other words if you are using one or two types of material for your frames, cut the sides up to standard length and store them that way. When you need a frame just pull from inventory the pieces and assemble. This will cut down on space taken up. I do not make many projects with frames o I custom make my frames when needed. 

[Bill WIlson]

I don't stockpile frames, because I don't make the same thing or same size thing all that often.  I want to custom fit the frame to the piece.  Depending on what I have, I may use different thicknesses of stock for the cutting and/or the backer.  Or I may use a mat board for the piece, all of which would change the depth of the rabbet.  But probably the biggest reason is that I rarely make the same style of frame twice.  Sometimes I use simple flat stock for the frame.  Sometimes I build the frame up with 2 or 3 pieces to give it depth.  It really depends on my mood and the look I want for the piece.

[3Dface]

for custom portraits i make them to fit a standard frame. that helps me set a standard price.

i am learning more on how to make frames by making them to fit the project.

 

[NC Scroller]

I make my frames as needed.  I do cut and mill (cut to width, dado and router) my own frame wood vs buying molding to use.  When I setup I do mill extra stock to make several.

[Frank Pellow]

I make (almost) all my frames to suit what I am framing and only  about a third of the frames I make are for items that I have scroll-sawn.  On rare occasions, I find a suitable frame for sale.

I make most of the frames from rough-sawn wood that I plane and cut to size.  When doing this, I often save some material for future frames

Edited April 8, 2018 by Frank Pellow

[edward]

I made a few frames but I found out that I could buy frames at Walmart cheaper then the wood would cost me, I use mostly 8x10 and 81/2 x 11 which is an odd size. They frames I buy at  Walmart are solid Oak, and less then $5.   edward

[WayneMahler]

I make my frames as needed. As for stocking them, no too many different and odd sizes. Also I offer different styles of frames and let me customer choose what they want before quoting the project.

[MrsN]

I usually buy frames and typically have 1-5 on hand. I buy them when I find them on sale at craft stores or at second hand stores. When I cut portrait type things I size them to standard frames. I typically only frame pieces that I am going to use (hang myself, give away or sell) I don't have a stock pile of framed pieces. 

[Rockytime]

2 hours ago, MrsN said:

(hang myself,

STOP IMMEDIATELY! DO NOT DO THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[SCROLLSAW703]

I very seldom create a project that needs a frame. Most all of my projects are cut from hardwood. Usually 1/2" in thickness, or there abouts. I don't use backers, either, unless it's by customer request.

I keep stock available for frames. I make custom frames for customers, cut a dado, & place the glass in them. If their frame needs a backer, I use 1/8" hardboard. My frames may be barn wood, beetle kill pine, or hard wood. 
One thing I've learned over the years, customers have a tendency to want to bring in some special wood they want a frame made out of for their given project. Most of the time, there ain't enough material there to make a frame, or the wood is just flat junk. I try to reason with them & explain the situation, & offer what I have in inventory as replacement. They are satisfied with the situation. 

[lew]

I still kinda suck at making frame.....getting better..... but I make the frame to match the project.

By the way Jes,...what's a pile frame???...you said "Do you stock pile frames?"

Just giving you a hard time my friend!!!!!

[new2woodwrk]

1 hour ago, lew said:

I still kinda suck at making frame.....getting better..... but I make the frame to match the project.

By the way Jes,...what's a pile frame???...you said "Do you stock pile frames?"

Just giving you a hard time my friend!!!!!

According to the dictionary by Merriam-Webster, America's most trusted online dictionary for English word definitions, meanings, and pronunciation: a "pile of frames" is "a target-shooting arrowhead without cutting edges " like that which is coming right at you, so DUCK!

"

Edited April 9, 2018 by new2woodwrk

[lew]

2 hours ago, new2woodwrk said:

According to the dictionary by Merriam-Webster, America's most trusted online dictionary for English word definitions, meanings, and pronunciation: a "pile of frames" is "a target-shooting arrowhead without cutting edges " like that which is coming right at you, so DUCK!

"

Well said!!