Saws & Joiners. A Retail Framer s Guide By Jim Burke

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Saws & Joiners A Retail Framer s Guide By Jim Burke Owning the right cutting and joining equipment can help you produce quality frames more efficiently.

Over the past two years, the landscape has changed quite a bit. For example, Fletcher- Terry now owns AMP products, and Inmes has found a new U.S. distributor in Omega Moulding.

What follows is a look at the saws and joiners on the market in 2014, grouped into basic and advanced levels.

The SW6 is 66 long, allowing up to 41 on one side, while the The Clearmount SW7-1 is an 88 long measuring fence. Model SW7 is 88 long and allows measuring 41 on either side of the saw.

1 Saws & Joiners A Retail Framer s Guide By Jim Burke Owning the right cutting and joining equipment can help you produce quality frames more efficiently. Here s a look at the current crop of machines designed for frame shop owners. Spring is here, and it's time to take a new look at cutting and joining equipment for picture framing retailers. Over the past two years, the landscape has changed quite a bit. For example, Fletcher- Terry now owns AMP products, and Inmes has found a new U.S. distributor in Omega Moulding. There are fewer saws than before, with some manufacturers reducing their overall selections to concentrate on the more popular models. What follows is a look at the saws and joiners on the market in 2014, grouped into basic and advanced levels. Basic Level Saws TheClearmount Model SW6 chop saw measuring fence lets you use your own saw with a miter saw fence. The SW6 is 66 long, allowing up to 41 on one side, while the The Clearmount SW7-1 is an 88 long measuring fence. Model SW7 is 88 long and allows measuring 41 on either side of the saw. The fence is a single extrusion product that mounts on the top of the saw. The moulding rabbet faces 12 PFM April 2014 outward towards the user, allowing for wider mouldings to be cut. It is 3-5/8 wide for 10 blade saws and 4 wide for 12 blades. The Clearmount Model SW7-1 measuring scale is the same as the SW7 except that it mounts on one side, allowing measurements of up to 64 on one side. All measurement systems from Clearmount come with two adjustable clamps and a quick-release measuring stop The Clearmount SW11 is a 10 single miter saw with clamps and measuring scale. built in. The blade and saw are sold separately for the SW6, SW7, and SW7-1. All measurement systems require buying the saw and blade as extras or supply your own. The Clearmount Model SW11 is a complete saw system with an overall measuring scale of 134. These scales allow measurements up to 64 on each side. The clamps and production stop are included as well as the saw and a 10 blade. The Clearmount Model SW11-2 is a complete double-saw system with a scale set for measuring 64 to the right. The left table is a plain carrying support. You cut the first 45 degree miter on the left saw, then slide the moulding to the stop and make the measured cut with the right saw. This model is complete with two saws and 10 blades. The Miter Master Model M- 100 Universal Chop Saw measuring fence from Quality Saw lets you match your saw to the fence. This is a standalone measuring bench. You pick the saw and blade size you want. Clamps and measuring stop are included. The assembled length is 132. The saw and blade are sold The Miter Master M-100 is a standalone measuring bench that comes without a saw. separately. The Miter Master Model M62 is a complete chop saw system with a 10 calibrated miter saw integrated with the measuring fence. The 45-degree adjustable stops have been

added to the saw for more accuracy than provided by factory stops.

The moulding rabbet faces into the saw blade for cleaner cuts and allows for a simple straight ruler for measuring at the rabbet.

Horizontal and vertical clamps are standard, as are 58 infeed and outfeed arms. Measurements can be extended to 90 or 136. Dual measuring stops allow cutting both rails one after the other.

The Miter Master Model M52 is a complete double miter chop saw system with two 10 miter saws on a common measuring table for faster cutting.

2 added to the saw for more accuracy than provided by factory stops. Multi-Matic clamps hold down the mouldings for hands-free cutting, and the cut path has been moved forward of the blade center for safer cutting. The moulding rabbet faces into the saw blade for cleaner cuts and allows for a simple straight ruler for measuring at the rabbet. The M62 includes a 10 carbide combination blade for cutting wood or aluminum. The infeed support is 48, and the measuring scale is 60 height to reduce blade travel. Horizontal and vertical clamps are standard, as are 58 infeed and outfeed arms. Measurements can be extended to 90 or 136. Dual measuring stops allow cutting both rails one after the other. This saw is totally The Miter Master M52 is a 10 double miter saw with clamps and measuring scale. to the right. The production stop is adjustable to build in an allowance, if wanted. The Miter Master Model M52 is a complete double miter chop saw system with two 10 miter saws on a common measuring table for faster cutting. The saws remain fixed at 45 degree angles on each side for faster cutting. This system comes with two saws and two 10 carbide combination blades. A Basic Level Alternative Though technically not a saw, foot choppers cut wood at very accurate 45 degrees and don't create dust or require compressed air. There are two main models in today's market, the Cassese CS55 and the Morso F model for foot operation. These machines can cut up to 4 wide x 6-3/8 tall, depending on the overall shape of the profile. The harder the wood, the more bites they require to cut through a moulding. The Cassese CS969 is an air-operated sliding double miter saw. Advanced Level Saws The Cassese Model CS969 is a pneumatic single-action horizontal cutting stroke saw that reduces waste between the blades. Pneumatic horizontal and vertical clamps that retain the moulding in both directions are standard. The infeed and outfeed arms are 59 long, but additional extensions can be added for 97 or 137 measurements. This saw is totally enclosed for dust collection and is available in 220 volt, single- or three-phase. Two-button operation keeps hands away from the blades. This saw can cut up to 6-3/8 wide x 4-3/8 high mouldings, and special clamps are available for aluminum or thin woods. The Cassese Model CS999 is a pneumatically operated vertical-drop saw with 14 (350mm) blades. It is capable of cutting up to 1,000 pieces per hour with adjustable speed control and adjustable blade The Morso F is a foot-operated chopper. The Cassese CS999 air-operated is a vertical-drop double miter saw. enclosed for dust collection and is available in 220-volt, three-phase power. This saw can cut up to 3-1/4 wide x 4 tall mouldings. There are three advanced-level saws from CTD. The simplest, the CTD Model D20R single-double miter saw, employs two individually operated saw heads set at 45 degrees. A pull with the hand on each head, first the left then the right, makes a complete cut. This saw has 1 hp motors with 12 blades and is available in 115-volt or 220-volt, single-phase power and can cut moulding 5.75 wide x 3 tall. The more advanced CTD Model D45AX fixed double miter saw makes two 45 degree miters at one time using swing arm action. The standard saw has 12 blades capable of cutting moulding up to 3-1/4 wide x 3-1/4 tall, and the optional 14 high top saw can cut 14 PFM April 2014

The Fletcher-AMP Model T- 350T and the new T-400 are vertical drop saws with fixed 45 degree blades using vertical drop technology (VDT), which allows for a very smooth down stroke and quick return.

These saws are available in 220-volt, single- or threephase, with 2 hp on 12 blade models or 230/460 volt three-phase with 3 hp motors on 14 models.

The CTD Mitre Max DMC70 is a wide, sliding-blade double-miter saw. These are the H and the A model respectively. Available with 1-1/2 hp, 220-volt, single-phase motors spinning 13 blades with 1 arbor.

operation, these saws come with a vertical clamping system with four pneumatic hold-downs to keep the moulding firmly on the work table.

3 up to 6 wide x 4 tall, depending on profile shape. These are pneumatically operated saws with vertical hold-down clamps and adjustable finger guards. A 4 dust outlets help keep it clean. It also comes with a 60 lined vision gauge for measuring inside rabbets and a 72 outside fence with tape measurement. The Fletcher-AMP Model T- 350T and the new T-400 are vertical drop saws with fixed 45 degree blades using vertical drop technology (VDT), which allows for a very smooth down stroke and quick return. With fully enclosed cabinets and dust collector ports for a clean The CTD Model D45AX is an air-operated double miter saw with 12 or 13 blades. mist system is optional for cutting aluminum moulding. These saws are available in 220-volt, single- or threephase, with 2 hp on 12 blade models or 230/460 volt three-phase with 3 hp motors on 14 models. The CTD Miter Max Model DMC70 is a double-miter crosscut saw available as a hand-operated pull saw or air operated automatic pull saw. The CTD Mitre Max DMC70 is a wide, sliding-blade double-miter saw. These are the H and the A model respectively. Available with 1-1/2 hp, 220-volt, single-phase motors spinning 13 blades with 1 arbor. These saws can cut mouldings up to 8 wide x 4 tall. A fully enclosed cabinet with two The Fletcher-AMP Model T350 and Model T400 are vertical-drop double miter saws. operation, these saws come with a vertical clamping system with four pneumatic hold-downs to keep the moulding firmly on the work table. The T-350 will cut mouldings up to 3-1/2 wide x 3-1/2 tall while the larger T-400 will cut mouldings up to 3.9 wide x 3.15 tall. Both saws operate on 220-volt, three-phase, and have 2 hp totally enclosed motors. The outfeed measure is 52 with an optional extension up to 100. The saws are rated at up to 600 strokes per hour, and vertical height adjustment reduces overall stroke. The Inmes Model IM-30 MP The Inmes IM-30M is a swinging single miter saw with a base. is a swinging indexed miter saw complete with measuring arms, pneumatic hold-down clamps and a 300mm (12 ) blade. A dust collector is built into the base and is available with a 110-volt or 220-volt, single-phase motor. The measurement arm is 47 long with stops. It should cut moulding 4 wide x 4 tall. The Inmes Model IM-300P is a conventional swing arm double miter saw with 300mm (12 ) blades and is air operated. It can cut up to 3-3/16 wide x 3-3/16 tall mouldings. It is available with a fully enclosed cabinet, and a dust collector option is standard. It is available with 220-volt, single- or three-phase motors. The measuring arm is 59. The Inmes Model IM-350 is a wide crosscut double miter saw that can cut mouldings up to 8-1/4 Inmes Model IM-350 is a wide-cut bottomcutting miter saw. PFM April

wide x 4 tall. It is hand operated and uses 350mm (14 ) blades. A fully enclosed cabinet has a dust collector option, and it has 220-volt, single-phase power.

These are available for 208-volt or 230-volt, three-phase power. Optional measuring extensions and flip stops are available.

Universal Framing Products Model DY-103 has dual activation on its swing arm double miter saw, and it the top clamp down and a second cylinder to push the V-nails in a separate operation.

Some of the interim sizes, such as 5mm and 12mm, are meant mostly for production machines.

4 wide x 4 tall. It is hand operated and uses 350mm (14 ) blades. A fully enclosed cabinet has a dust collector option, and it has 220-volt, single-phase power. Omga has a full line of heavy duty miter chop saws that have 12 blades and 3400 rpm motors. They that can cut 3-9/16 wide x 3 tall mouldings using double 350mm (12 ) blades and 2 hp motors. These are available for 208-volt or 230-volt, three-phase power. Optional measuring extensions and flip stops are available. Vertical holding clamps with multiple fingers hold the moulding down while cutting. These are totally customizable saws. Universal Framing Products Model DY-103 has dual activation on its swing arm double miter saw, and it the top clamp down and a second cylinder to push the V-nails in a separate operation. All of the machines listed can use V-nail wedges from 5mm to 15mm high, and some like AMP and Cassese also have 3mm nails available. Some of the interim sizes, such as 5mm and 12mm, are meant mostly for production machines. Since custom framing generally uses glue in the corners, the height of the nail does not have to match the height of the moulding as closely as for production framing, where glue is almost never used. The use of 3mm nails is primarily for joining fillets. The Omga Model T is a single miter saw with an enclosed stand. are not complete framing saw packages but offer an alternative to conventional miter chop saws at hardware stores that tend to spin at rpm. The Omga T models have enclosed stands and measuring arms for framing. The Omga Model V235 double miter saw is a vertical-drop unit Universal Framing Products Model DY-103 is a double-miter, swing-arm saw. cuts with almost no waste. It can cut up to 6 wide x 4 tall and has dust collection as standard equipment. It operates on 220-volt, three-phase power and has 350mm (14 ) blades. Basic Level Joiners There are foot-operated underpinners that require no air or electricity to function. These machines have been upgraded over the years and perform quite well for framers looking to join frames with V-nails but don't want the expense of an air compressor. These units have singlestage operation and have no frontal clamp to hold the moulding against the back fence. The Omga V-235 is an air-operated vertical-drop double miter saw. Frame Joiners There are some new underpinners available, while a few others have been discontinued. Joiners fall into two operational categories. Some are single-stage, which means the top clamp and V-nail driver are powered by the same cylinder or mechanism. Some are two-stage, which means there are one or two cylinders to pull The Cassese CS1 underpinner uses standard Cassese nail wedges in cartridges. 16 PFM April 2014

From Cassese there are several new models. The Cassese Model CS1 uses standard Cassese wedges in cartridges, while the new CS1 UNI uses strips of wedges glued together.

They both feature the new stainless-steel top plate and tubular aluminum frame. With a longer 6 stroke of the fence, they can join wider mouldings.

The Cassese Model CS199MXL is a heavy duty, airpowered joiner using an Ultra Clamp system for tight corners. The carriage locks in position during insertion of nails to allow for consistent stacking.

5 From Cassese there are several new models. The Cassese Model CS1 uses standard Cassese wedges in cartridges, while the new CS1 UNI uses strips of wedges glued together. The new UNI machines are black in color versus the original red Cassese machines to differentiate their use of glued wedge strips. These units replace the CS88 model, which has been discontinued. They both feature the new stainless-steel top plate and tubular aluminum frame. With a longer 6 stroke of the fence, they can join wider mouldings. The frame and fence move between two preset stops for unlimited positioning to drive wedges into the frame. The Cassese Model CS199MXL is a heavy duty, airpowered joiner using an Ultra Clamp system for tight corners. The carriage locks in position during insertion of nails to allow for consistent stacking. It has built-in extension arms for large frames and the new XL adjustable top clamp for quick positioning and magnetic pads. It uses the Cassese wedges in cartridges for all six sizes from 3mm to 15mm and will join mouldings 6 wide x 3-9/16 tall. The Cassese Model CS299MXL2 is a heavy duty, airpowered joiner using the new The Cassese CS299MXL2 is air-operated and uses the retractable Ultra Clamp system. retractable Ultra Clamp system making it easier to handle large frames. The carriage locks into position during insertion of nails for consistent stacking. It has built-in extension arms for large frames and the new XL adjustable top clamp and magnetic pads. It uses the Cassese wedges in cartridges for quick changing of six sizes from 3mm to 15mm and will join mouldings up to 6 wide x 3-1/2 tall. The Fletcher-AMP Model A2M-200 is the newest foot-operated underpinner, which can handle up to 7 wide x 3-7/8 tall moulding and accepts all six sizes of V- nails available, from 3mm to 15mm. The frame and fence move between two preset stops for inserting nails in unlimited positions. The new lightweight chassis allows for front or rear operation of the foot pedal as well as a tilt feature for the machine top. A new positive placement clamping feature improves top clamp adjustment for quick The Fletcher-AMP A2M-200 operates from front or back, with the frame moving for nail insertion. changes in moulding height. This is a double-post, top-clamp machine with a robust driver system that eliminates frequent blade changes. The Inmes IM-2 SE and IM-3 SE are two foot-operated models. The IM-2 has a lightweight tubular Resources Cassese Clearmount CTD AMP Inmes Miter Master Universal Morso Omga The IM-3P SE is air-operated and uses strip V-nails. PFM April

frame while the IM-3 SE uses a rectangular leg frame. Both use the Inmes foot-operated driver assembly.

The frame moves to different positions to insert nails in any position between two stops and can handle mouldings up to 4-5/8 wide x 3-7/8 tall.

The Cassese Models CS2 and CS2 UNI are air-operated versions of the One Series (CS1 and CS1 UNI) for use with cartridges or The Cassese CS1UNI is a foot-operated joiner that uses strip nails.

6 frame while the IM-3 SE uses a rectangular leg frame. Both use the Inmes foot-operated driver assembly. The IM-2 SE uses V-nails in plastic cartridges while the IM-3 SE uses glued strip V-nails, which you load into metal cartridges. The foot pedal is operated from the back of the machine. The frame moves to different positions to insert nails in any position between two stops and can handle mouldings up to 4-5/8 wide x 3-7/8 tall. Advanced Level Joiners These joiners are all pneumatically operated, and most have front clamps to hold the frame rails against the back fence. The Cassese Models CS2 and CS2 UNI are air-operated versions of the One Series (CS1 and CS1 UNI) for use with cartridges or The Cassese CS1UNI is a foot-operated joiner that uses strip nails. glued wedge strips. These units replace the CS89, which is discontinued. The frame and fence move between two preset stops to insert wedges anywhere along the corner. With new stainless steel top plates and tubular aluminum frame, these units are light but rigid and strong. They have a new quick-adjust top clamp with magnetic pads and have a longer 6 stroke for wider mouldings. The Cassese Model CS20 is similar to the CS2 but includes a front clamp to securely hold the moulding The Cassese CS20 is an air-operated joiner with a front clamp and V-nail cartridges. against the back fence while joining. These machines use the Cassese cartridge wedges in six sizes from 3mm to 15mm. It has patented self-adjusting fences and a patented dual action front clamp for handling mouldings up to 4 wide x 3-1/2 tall. The new cast aluminum top clamp arm has the quick-adjust post with magnetic chevron pad. The Cassese Model CS199MXL is a heavy-duty air-powered joiner using the Ultra Clamp for tight corners. The carriage locks in position during insertion of nails to allow for consistent stacking. It has built-in extension arms for large frames and the new XL adjustable top clamp for quick positioning and magnetic pads. It uses Cassese wedges in cartridges for all six sizes from 3mm to 15mm and will join mouldings 6 wide x 3-9/16 tall. The Cassese Model CS299MXL2 is a heavy-duty airpowered joiner using a new retractable Ultra Clamp system, making it easier to handle large frames. The carriage locks into position during nail insertion for consistent stacking. It has built-in extension arms for large frames and the new XL adjustable top clamp and magnetic pads. It uses Cassese wedges in cartridges for quick changing of the six sizes from 3mm to 15mm and will join mouldings up to 6 wide x 3-1/2 tall. All of these new Cassese machines from the CS1 through the CS20 are built on a new lightweight aluminum chassis that helps keep the weight between 49 and 62 pounds. This makes it easier to ship as well as moving the units around in your shop. A stainless steel top plate and a longer stroke round out the new design. The Fletcher-AMP Model VN2+1 (or Minigraf 3 as it's known in the rest of the world) is a tabletop machine that can also be mounted on a base or tilted for cramped spaces. It is a two-stage machine in operation with Soft The Fletcher-AMP VN-2+1 is an air-operated, bench-top joiner with a front clamp. The frame moves for nail insertion. 18 PFM April 2014

Clamp for better corners and can use all six sizes of AMP V-nails from 3mm to 15mm. It uses twin posts for the top clamp, and the frame moves with the fence to insert nails in unlimited positions.

The Fletcher-AMP Model VN4L is a veteran machine that uses twin posts for the top clamp, and the driver is moved below with air cylinders to control up to three nail positions.

It uses all six sizes of V-nails and has an optional double hydraulic top clamp for wide mouldings.

7 Clamp for better corners and can use all six sizes of AMP V-nails from 3mm to 15mm. It uses twin posts for the top clamp, and the frame moves with the fence to insert nails in unlimited positions. A frontal clamp engages the frame for tight corners for the rear nail position. The Fletcher-AMP Model VN4L is a veteran machine that uses twin posts for the top clamp, and the driver is moved below with air cylinders to control up to three nail positions. It uses a finger lever on the top of the machine. This is a tabletop machine with an optional stand that allows tilting the machine in tight spaces. It uses all six sizes of V-nails and has an optional double hydraulic top clamp for wide mouldings. Although this is a two-stage machine, it is equipped with Soft Clamp to control the down force on the top clamp during initial clamping. The Fletcher-AMP Model VN144S is the replacement and upgrade for the VN42. This is a single-post top clamp that moves with the driver below via a hand lever on unlimited positions between two preset stops. It uses glued strip nails that can be changed in size without tools. The machine is mounted to an adjustable tilting base and can handle mouldings that are 5-7/8 wide x 4-1/2 tall. The Inmes Model IM-5BM is a double-post machine with a front clamp and dual hydraulic top clamps. The nail driver moves underneath the frame to insert nails in unlimited positions between two preset stops. It operates similar to an AMP VN4L but with hand lever control instead of pneumatic positioning. Glued strip V- nail sizes can be changed easily without tools with an adjustable nail holder. The machine is mounted to an adjustable tilting base. It can handle mouldings that are 5-5/8 wide x 5 tall. The Universal Framing Products Model DY-104 is a double-post machine with a front clamp and handlever operated movement of the driver assembly between two preset stops. It The Inmes IM-4 BM is air-operaed and uses strip V-nails. It has a tilting top and a single post that moves with the driver. The Fletcher-AMP VN144S is a bench top or floor stand joiner that has a single handle to move the top post and nail driver. the side of the machine. It has an optional height-adjustable base that allows the machine to work level or tilted back for confined spaces. The moulding is held fast while the top clamp and driver move together to insert nails in unlimited positions between two preset stops. This machine can use all six sizes of V-nails and can switch between sizes without using tools with the new interchangeable-size magazine. It will join mouldings up to 8 wide x 4-3/8 tall, and can stack V-nails anywhere along the frame joint. This is a two-stage machine with Soft Clamp for tight corners. The Inmes Model IM-3P SE is the pneumatic version of the IM-3 SE and therefore can be operated from the front or back by moving the pneumatic foot pedal. It uses all five of the nail sizes in glued strips with the use of included metal cartridges. It will handle mouldings 4-3/4 wide x 5-1/16 tall. It has no front clamp. The Inmes Model IM-4BM has a single-post top clamp that moves with the driver below, controlled by a hand lever on the side. This is similar to the Cassese CS20 and the AMP VN144. It can handle five V-nail sizes from 5mm to 15mm. The moulding is held fast while the top clamp and nail driver move together to insert nails in The Universal DY-104 is a dual post joiner with a moving nail driver beneath. operates similar to an AMP VN4 or Inmes IM-5 MB. It is a tabletop machine that will drive four sizes of V- nails from 5mm to 15mm by exchanging a block for each size. PFM April

Miter Saws A to Z. Been thinking about a new miter saw? Here s a look of the latest models that will help improve your production and efficiency.

Miter Saws A to Z. Been thinking about a new miter saw? Here s a look of the latest models that will help improve your production and efficiency. Miter Saws A to Z By Jim Burke Been thinking about a new miter saw? Here s a look of the latest models that will help improve your production and efficiency. Even though the miter saw has long been a mainstay