When you hand over a precious family photo or a valuable piece of art, you want to know it’s safe. At Frame Today, we don't just send your work away to an off-site factory. As leading professional picture framers, every one of our stores near you features its own dedicated, on-site workshop. This means your artwork never leaves our care until you take it home.
But what actually happens inside a premium framing workshop?
We believe that quality picture framing starts with precision engineering. To deliver the best conservation framing available, we invest in industry-leading technology designed to handle your art with surgical accuracy. Here is a look at the machinery we use and why it is essential for custom framing that lasts a lifetime.
1. The Cleanest Cut with a Morso Guillotine
Most people assume frames are cut with electric saws. To ensure the highest quality finish, we do things differently. We use the Morso Guillotine, a specialised machine that slices through wood mouldings with razor-sharp blades rather than spinning teeth.
Why it matters: Saws create heat and sawdust - two enemies of preservation framing. The Morso is quiet, creates zero dust, and cuts to the exact millimetre. This results in a perfectly smooth mitre joint that is ready to for the perfect join… strong and gap-free.
2. Rock-Solid Corners by Alpha U400S Joiner
Once cut, the frame must be joined securely. We use the Alpha U400S, a pneumatic "under-pinner" that guarantees structural integrity when combined with the right corner glue.
Why it matters: A weak frame corner can open up over the time. The Joiner clamps the frame and shoots V-nails from underneath while the glue dries. This creates a bond that is incredibly solid, ensuring your frame stays square and secure on your wall for decades.
3. Surgical Precision Valiani Mat Pro Ultra BC
The mat board isn't just decoration; it is a critical spacer that separates your art from the glass. We use the Valiani Mat Pro Ultra, a computerised cutter that offers incredible design flexibility for your custom picture framing projects. We can cut almost any shape with straight or curved cuts such as names.
Why it matters: Whether it’s a V-groove detail or a complex shape, this machine cuts with digital accuracy. This ensures the matting supports your artwork perfectly without stress, delivering the crisp, professional finish you expect from expert picture framers. Overcuts, common on hand cutters, are a thing of the past.
4. The Perfect Fit Fletcher 3100
Finally, to cut the glass and backing boards, we use the wall-mounted Fletcher 3100.
Why it matters: Loose glass can scratch artwork. The Fletcher allows us to size conservation-grade glass to the millimetre. This creates a "snug fit" package and when the back of your frame is sealed, your art is protected against the environment, essential for anyone looking to protect your artwork from dust and insects.
5. The Critical Element: Our Expert Framers
The true difference between a good frame and a lasting frame is the person behind the machine. Every piece of equipment, no matter how advanced, requires knowledge and an eye for detail.
Trade Qualified: Our framers are fully trained and qualified. They have either completed or are currently undertaking a Certificate III in Picture Framing. This nationally recognised qualification ensures they understand the technical demands of conservation framing and industry best practices.
Internal Standards: Additionally, every framer undergoes our own rigorous internal training program. This ensures consistent quality, attention to detail, and adherence to the high standards Frame Today guarantees. Essential for our promise of a lifetime guarantee.
The Bottom Line
Great framing isn't just about design or technology; it's about the combination of world-class equipment operated by trade-qualified professionals. This commitment ensures your custom picture framing is structurally sound and your memories are preserved for a lifetime.
