One mistake can cost you time and your reputation, whether a rough mat cut or a loose corner joint. Every step in a custom framing shop depends on precision, speed, and consistency. And that doesn’t just mean saws and cutters — it includes the digital systems running your workflow behind the scenes.
In this blog, we’ll explore 10 must-have custom framing tools to help you deliver pro-level results. From hardware to heat presses to framing-specific point of sale (POS) systems, here’s what every well-equipped shop needs and where to find it.
1. Mat Cutter
Mat cutters top the list of must-have custom framing tools for any framer. They give you crisp, clean mat openings that make any piece pop. Whether you’re framing a family photo, a museum-grade print, or pulling off a trendy floating frame look, precision matters.
A quality mat cutter saves time, reduces waste, and keeps your mats looking sharp — even when working with stacked or double-thick boards. Look for one with adjustable depth settings and alignment guides to avoid mistakes and recuts.
Where to get it:
Logan Graphic Products is a top name in mat cutting, offering everything from beginner-friendly tools to professional-grade mat cutters. You can also find a range of options at Blick Art Materials.
2. Miter Saw or Precision Saw System
Clean corner joints start with accurate cuts. Using a solid miter or precision saw, you can make perfect 45° cuts on frame moulding, so your corners fit tightly without gaps or excess glue. Cleaner cuts mean less wasted wood, faster assembly, and a more elegant finish on every custom frame.
Where to get it:
Alfamacchine saws are available at authorized distributors like Taurus Craco or United Mfrs Supplies. Rockler also has reliable saws and precision cutting tools for smaller shops and custom jobs to deliver clean, accurate cuts.
3. Underpinner (V-Nailer)
Professional-grade underpinners join frame corners quickly, cleanly, and securely using V-nails. Unlike glue or clamps, which take time to set and can slip, an underpinner locks corners in place, giving you firm, gap-free joins with less effort.
V-nailers are essential when working with hardwood moulding, like oak, maple, or walnut, that resist adhesives — or during busy stretches when cranking out dozens of frames daily. The result is stronger frames, faster turnaround, and fewer touch-ups.
Where to get it:
Frameware or United Mfrs Supplies offer a variety of underpinners, from entry-level tabletop models to pneumatic machines designed for high-volume use.
4. Mounting Press or Heat Press
Mounting artwork to a backing board doesn’t just make it look better — it protects it, too. Heat presses and dry mount systems lock everything in place with even pressure and heat, keeping bubbles, warping, and curling from wrecking the finish.
That’s fewer do-overs, happier customers, and prints that last, whether you’re working with posters, photographs, or lightweight art
Where to get it:
Trusted suppliers like Drytac and Frame Destination offer vacuum and mechanical heat presses suitable for different shop sizes and workflows.
5. Point Driver
Securing a frame’s contents — artwork, mat, glass, and backing — shouldn’t be slow or risky. With a point driver, you can fire small metal points into the frame’s rabbet, locking everything in place quickly and cleanly.
It’s faster, safer, and more precise than nails or brads. Plus, it reduces the risk of cracking glass or damaging artwork during assembly, which can reduce your profits over time.
Where to get it:
Industry-standard models from Fletcher-Terry are widely trusted, but you can also find a range of point drivers through Amazon, including budget-friendly and premium options for different point types.
6. Glass Cutter and Safety Glass Handling Tools
Nothing wrecks a frame faster than a bad glass cut. Cutting glass in house takes precision and the proper safety gear. Quality glass cutters give you clean panels without chips or jagged edges.
Grippers, gloves, and edge protectors help keep accidents — and wasted materials — off your workbench. One slip can turn a quick install into a costly delay.
Where to get it:
Check out C.R. Laurence (CRL) for professional glass cutting tools and safety gear. Glastar-brand tools, known for their high-quality glass grinders and finishing equipment, are popular among framers and stained glass artists. They can be found through authorized resellers and specialty vendors that serve framers and stained glass artists.
7. Dust Cover Trimmer or Kraft Tape Dispenser
A clean, sealed backing shows attention to detail, helps protect the artwork, and gives the piece a finished gallery-ready look. It’s one of the final steps in the process and one your customers will definitely notice.
Where to get it:
At United Mfrs Supplies, you’ll find quality finishing tools from leading brands, including trimmers, dispensers, tapes, and replacement parts.
8. Hanging Hardware Kit and Driver Tools
Once a frame is sealed and finished, hanging hardware is the final touch that gets your work display-ready. Complete kits should include D-rings, wire, bumpers, and screws — all sized for different frame types.
Driver tools help you attach everything quickly and securely, keeping your production line moving and your customers happy.
Where to get it:
Frame USA stocks various hardware kits and components, and Blick Art Materials offers supplies and driver tools to match your workflow.
9. POS Solution Built for Framers
Perfect cuts won’t deliver results if your orders and materials are disorganized. Too many framers rely on generic POS systems for retail tasks like inventory and payments.
The problem is that they can’t keep up with the demands of custom work, such as tracking unique sizes, material-based pricing, or managing step-by-step framing orders.
Framing-specific systems are a must-have custom framing tool. They track orders, materials, pricing, and customer preferences — without the chaos of paper tickets or manual workarounds. They also handle invoicing, inventory, and custom sizing, making it easier to quote jobs accurately and keep every project moving from intake to pickup.
Where to get it:
LifeSaver POS and FrameReady are software programs built specifically for framers. They offer tools like built-in quoting, pricing templates, visual job tracking, and order history — all tailored to how framing shops operate.
10. Frame Visualizer Software
Picking a frame takes time, especially when customers can’t picture the final look. Traditional mock-ups mean extra handling, higher material costs, and longer consultations.
Digital frame visualizers make it easier. Customers can preview mat and moulding combinations on a phone or tablet in real time, leading to quicker, more confident choices without building a physical mock-up.
It reduces material waste, shortens consultations, and improves the buying experience — especially for remote quotes or high-end projects where presentation counts.
Where to get it:
LifeSaver POS comes with a built-in visualizer tool, FrameVue. It lets you create digital previews for in-store or online consultations, helping customers see exactly what their finished piece will look like before a single cut is made.
Build a Smarter Workflow With Must-Have Custom Framing Tools
Custom framing tools shape everything from the quality of your work to how fast you can deliver. Whether cutting moulding, sealing the backing, or handling orders, the proper setup keeps your shop productive and results consistent.
LifeSaver POS gives you the digital tools to match your craftsmanship. It manages pricing and inventory, creates quotes and work orders, pulls materials from integrated vendors, and runs sales reports to help you plan ahead. Plus, LifeSaver Payments accepts credit, debit, and mobile wallet payments quickly and easily.
LifeSaver POS is built for framers who want tools that work as hard as they do. Start a free trial today to see how the right digital tools can elevate your custom framing business — from quote to final pickup.
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