By Olivia Cahoon
Saw blades are beneficial to signmakers and graphic production houses using a range of heavy-duty materials. They are ideal for any job that requires accurate straight cuts.
To further illustrate saw blades’ usefulness, the trend of digitally printed artwork requiring either aluminum profile frames or if canvas, a stretch bar, is relevant. Signmakers, print service providers, and custom framing houses benefit from saw blades.
Above: Saw blades from Atlas Saw & Tool are Hall of Frames’ finishing tool of choice when it comes to cutting metal, wood, and polyplastic.
Premiere Picture Framers
Established in 1975, Hall of Frames is the largest family-owned custom framing chain in AZ. With eight locations throughout the state, the company offers custom frames, photo printing, and picture handling services.
At the core of its business is digital printing and finishing equipment. Hall of Frames produces an assortment of custom frames for artwork, fabric, jerseys, posters, objects, and sports. To offer customers a range of sizes and styles, the frame shop relies on finishing technology, particularly saw blades.
For nearly 40 years, Hall of Frames has worked with Atlas Saw & Tool, A Fletcher Business Group Company. “Fletcher is the premiere equipment manufacturer for the frame industry,” says Jay Kogan, president, Hall of Frames.
The shop operates wall cutters, matte cutters, frame joining machinery, and saw blades from the Fletcher family of businesses. Its saw is compatible with a variety of blades selected for size and material—metal, wood, and poly plastic. The company frequently favors an 18-inch blade.
“Not all blades are created equal,” shares Kogan. According to him, not all saw manufacturers know how to efficiently sharpen the blades. “That’s the most important part with a saw blade. You’ll get so many uses from it, and you use it until it gets dull, and then you get a new one. Atlas Saw & Tool’s saw blades last longer and they are sharpened correctly,” he explains.
Hall of Frames also has a CNC router for cutting matte board and other substrates, as well as an Epilog Laser engraver. Its saw blades are reserved for cutting picture frames made out of any material while the CNC routers are used on less industrious substrates.
“Routers can be slow, noisy, and dirty,” comments Kogan. “You couldn’t cut six pieces of plexiglass all at one time on a router. It’s not anywhere near as efficient.” However, he points out saw blades can be used to cut plexiglass first before finishing on a router.
Saw Blades Present Partners
Hall of Frames originally subcontracted printing until five years ago. According to Kogan, at that time technology met convenience creating the ideal opportunity to invest in digital printing. “There used to be problems with humidity, drying, and color changes, but all of the major press manufacturers are doing a much better job of making printers that are easier to use.”
The shop offers high-quality photography printing with several printers including the Epson SureColor P20000 and Stylus Pro 11880. With its digital printing capabilities, the company expanded its services by offering short-run printing with custom frames. It’s also made significant partnerships in the sign industry.
Local sign shops often approach Hall of Frames for retail and restaurant jobs where artwork is involved.
“There is a large connection between the sign shop and the picture framer,” explains Kogan. “We get a lot of business from nearby sign shops that outsource printing and custom frames to us.”
Kogan actually got his start in the photography business and strives to bring the same values and attention to detail to the frame shop. He shares, “if a customer wants something to look good, they bring it to Hall of Frames.”
Blades in Motion
Manufacturers handling a range of industrious materials such as metal and plastic panels may want to consider bringing a saw blade in house for efficient, accurate cuts.
Nov2019, Industrial Print Magazine