I know there's no law that says you have to be qualified to frame a picture . . . . . but judging by the poor quality of some of the frames I take apart, perhaps there should be.
Now I know that I earn my living selling training for framers, so I'm bound to say that it is vital to invest in training, but let's consider some of the reasons newish framers have told me for not getting any training.
Too expensive, because I've got to buy equipment
There's free training available on Youtube
I used to make windows, so I think I can manage a picture frame!
I can just ask on the facebook group if I need help
The bloke I bought the equipment from showed me how to use it
I'm planning to learn it as I go along by trial and error
I'll look on theframersforum.co.uk for the answers
Let's look at those reasons one by one
1 Too expensive, because I've got to buy equipment
Buying the wrong equipment can cost a whole lot more than a couple of days training, because you didn't know the pros and cons of the different equipment options.
2 There's free training on Youtube
You're right there is hours and hours of free training on Youtube. Some of it is brilliant. Sadly an awful lot is very poor quality indeed. And the rest is so completely and utterly 'wrong' that it is laughable. How is rookie going to work out which is which?
3 I used to make windows, so I think I can manage a picture frame
A common misconception about picture framing is that it is all about woodwork. In reality about 15-20% of a Framer's day is taken up with cutting and joining wood. So it's a useful skill, but there is a whole 'science' to be learnt around how to treat a myriad of different types of artwork, mounts and glazing that will occupy his mind long into the night.
4 I can just ask on the facebook group if I need help
There are some great facebook groups relating to framing. Many will not accept applications from people who are not yet in the business, others are more open. Either way there are a lot of knowledgeable people contributing, some with no guile whatsoever, and others with an axe to grind. There's a lot of information to be gained, but if you ask a question, you are quite likely to get 10 different answers!
5 The bloke I bought the equipment from showed me how to use it
Good. The equipment might be perfect, and the previous owner extremely well informed. On the other hand the equipment could be useless and the owner clueless.
6 I'm planning on teaching myself through trial and error
I just feel sorry for your customers - charging them money for you to learn by trial and error on their treasured pictures. One serious error, and it will cost you more than a training course!
7 I'll look on theframersforum.co.uk for the answers
There's a lot of very good information on here, and I recommend you log on, but like facebook, you might get more answers than you bargained for, and that's assuming you asked the right question in the first place.
At the cost of a few hundred pounds, you'd be crazy not to get some basic training, advice on equipment (new or second hand) and a steer as to which suppliers to work with, and what sort of discount you can ask for from them. (That information alone will save you more than the training!).