Recommend Stretcher Bars?

[spotmeter]

I ordered two sets of stretcher bars 1.5" x 1.5" for two 38x58 inch prints. The pine was very soft and the corner miters were roughly cut. The bars bowed on the long sides when assembled. I called the supplier and they said they get them from China, which explains the poor quality.

Can anyone recommend some good quality stretcher bars in the above dimensions, or something close?

I'm located in Northern California.

Thanks.

 

[LJL]

Not sure if you are talking about stretcher bars for canvas mounting or not. (I associate stretcher bars with canvas, not prints, but we may be taking about the same use.)

Here is a link to a place where I have been buying all my stretcher bars, and have never had a problem with any, though I have not gone quite as large as you may need, but they are available.

http://www.texasart.com/g2774/Best-Heavy-Duty-Pine-Super-Stretcher-Bars.htm

The other thing that I do on larger canvas mounts is to install center bracing bars to keep the frame more integral and rigid.

You might give these folks a call and see where they source them, or if they can recommend someplace nearer your location to pick them up.

LJ

 

[spotmeter]

Thanks for the link to texasart.com I have sent them an email.

Their bars are 1 3/8ths thick. Am hoping to find some 1.5" thick.

If you know of any other suppliers, please let me know.

Thanks.

 

[Bill Wilby]

I have been using a Stretching system called Stick & Stretch pro They are manufactured in Canada. It is a very quick and easy way to stretch and create a gallery wrap. They do not have a good web site. http://www.igwrap.com here is a video that explains it, produced by another Foto Source store. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgtSMBqG9TM As I am close to the border and mail from a U.S. post office this maybe a product I could supply. Bill Wilby

 

[spotmeter]

Will this system work for 38X58 prints and larger?

 

[Bill Wilby]

Will this system work for 38X58 prints and larger?

Yes this will work for 38x58 They come 8 pieces or 2 frames to a box and the largest length is 60 in. There are corner brackets to aid in assemble but I think it may be possible to put them together without them. The pro series that I have been using are 1.75 inch thick. Bill

 

[LJL]

This system you mention sounds an awful like like the kits that Hahnemuhle is offering in various levels and sizes. Check this out: http://www.hahnemuehle.com/index.php?mid=1911&lng=us

There are a number of suppliers all over the world for these kits. A good one in Florida is Lexjet http://www.lexjet.com/lexjet/product_disp.asp?dept_id=2600&pf_id=HPROGWRPS , but there are probably others out west also.

LJ

 

[jonboring]

I use the dick blick bars, very happy with them. can buy small quantities when needed or larger quantities with discounts. i use both the heavy duty and medium duty bars.

http://www.dickblick.com/products/blick-heavy-duty-stretcher-bars/
http://www.dickblick.com/products/best-medium-duty-stretcher-bars/

 

[Don Libby]

I've used Dick Blick for several years. Largest todate has been just a little over 30x60. I've never been displeased with the quality of their wood.