Which "Swiss Clips" are best to use?

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Rozmataz

Rozmataz

SGF, Supreme Grumble Framer
Joined
Jun 13, 2002
Posts
2,773
Location
Fingerlakes Region of NYS
I have a customer that wants something behind glass and in looking at the catalogs.... I don't know which clip is the recommended/preferred clip to use. Quality, ease, price - all considerations.

Also, whether some are better with glass versus plexi....

Welcome your input.

Thanx,

Roz
 
Roz,

I like the Uniframe 20s with smaller pieces (in theory, up tp 20x20) and the stainless steel Eubank clips for larger items. The configuration is the same, but the stainless holds up better with heavier items and will hold a thicker backing.

Neither of this systems should be used with Acrylic, though the directions will tell you how to do that if you have to. The glass is a big factor in the stability, which is a little scary when you think about it.

Be sure and sand the glass edges with any of the clip systems.
 
Ron - Thank you.

Further questioning.... the advice of not using acrylic - because it is not stable over time, bowing, etc?!? What about for a small piece?!! Eee, I just did one that way the other day. And now I have some more.. but will sell glass in future!!

As far as sanding the edges... I have a tool... but it hasn't worked that well - OR is it the operator!!! (wouldn't surprise me at all) :rolleyes:

Roz
 
Roz and Ron.. Sorry to ruin this thread with a question. Re sanding glass edges.
What do you use?.
I have a diamond gauze which is on a sponge type of material.. However, it takes ages to take the sharp edge off the glass. It would be quicker to drive the 2 miles down to the local glazier and for him to use his machine. But being rather tight with the budget, that idea ruins my profit.
Thank you
 
Originally posted by Merlin Framers:
Roz and Ron.. Sorry to ruin this thread with a question. Re sanding glass edges.
What do you use?.
Click to expand...
A "glass seamer" available from the grumble's sponsor, United Manufacturing. It is quick and easy to use. Hope this helps.

-Mike.
 
I use a coarse corborendum sanding belt. It's three inches wide.

I just hold it and rub it once or twice down the sharp edge of the glass.
 
The glass seamers work very well. I also use a fine emory paper mounted to fomecore, which also works well for removing a little burr from metal chops.

The reason the Uniframe and Eubanks clip systems don't work with Acrylic is that they use a support system of cord (or wire with the Eubank) that puts tension on the clips and holds them in place. This same tension will bow Acrylic until it looks like it's going to fold in half.

Swiss Corner clips work basically the same way. There ARE Swiss Clips that don't use the corded support in the back. Personally, I've found they seem to work best on Masonite backing with a little slot cut in the back to hold the clips in place. If you're going to go through all that, you should just cut a frame.

I used to use a lot of Uniframes, but I only mention them now as a last resort.
 
I was one of the first importers of "Swiss Clips" back in the 70's and my experience tells me to sell them a frame instead! They are dangerous! The mat or backing will always buckle. They don't protect against dust or critters. They will look terrible in just a couple of years. They are UNPROFESSIONAL!

If they insist - only do them with acrylic because of the liability of breakage. If you're going for the string type, hang them by D-rings in the backing board - not by the string system. Too much bowing pressure on the glazing.

My own humble (HA) opinion.

Greg Fremstad
Frame Tek, Inc.
 
Try Berlyne supplies in Manchester.They have all you will need for glass and glazing stuff.They also stock the Fletcher equipment.I got a diamond block for smoothing edges a few years ago from them and it works fine.Its not very expensive either.

I think they were bought over by a crowd called Bohle.Good firm to deal with.
 
Originally posted by Judy Nansel:
We sold Uni Frames for years. We have stopped selling them. We have had several failures with the plastic. Too dangerous and not worth the liability.
We will sell the Swiss Clips on small items..... if and only if they beg......
Click to expand...
 
1)To sand glass edges, try 3M's Diapad (Diamond Flexible Hand Laps):

http://www.labenson.com/flexdiam.html

2)Re: UniFrame - Could it be used for this situation?....the student that wants to take a cheapy poster and have it mounted to foamcore or gatorboard without glazing of any kind for hanging purposes for 2-4 years. Just for a cheap way to decorate a dorm, for instance.
 
Sherry, there are hangers that hook into 3/16" fomeboard that would work a lot better than uniframes for that unframed, unglazed look.
 
Roz -- take a trip to your local art supply or big box and see what they have to offer in standard sizes. Why? Besides the fact that the glass is already clean machine cut edges, they are stronger due to the way the clips fit into a masonite or sintra backing----and will be much cheaper and much less frustrating in the long run for you.

I know, some of these people say they want it for the look, not just the price-------I've recently been successful converting them to the N 34 series. In the future, give it a try -- Great minimalist look.

Am I the only one who uses a whetstone for seaming glass?

[ 05-20-2003, 09:16 PM: Message edited by: rosetl ]
 
Sorry people, there will never be a clip type frame or for that matter masonite used in our shop. We are Custom Framers so if you want crap, go to a department store that sells that sort of rubbish and get it there. On the other hand we do remove a lot of work FROM clip type frames and frame them properly. And do charge accordingly

Regards :rolleyes: Alan :rolleyes:
 
A P.S. to that last rant- I use a whetstone on glass edges, works every time. We both seem to get a lot more paper cuts than with glass

Regards ;) Alan ;)
 
Another thread with great info. Safety dictates
that all glass should have its edges dulled (as has been described) and it should be supported
by a frame, regardless of the demands of clients.

Hugh
 
FYI - The use of the Uniframe is for kid's art - that was getting wrinkled and torn and the mom wanted to protect it and still display it temporarilly!!

I have been sellling alot of Plakit for items of this nature - where a copy is made and mounted for display - and the original is kept elsewhere. An alternative to custom framing (as well as the clip affect) for some - whether or not it is a case of affording it.

Response to rant over!

Roz
 
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