The patented B2 Custom Frame Kit from Masterpiece takes the hassle out of building a stretcher frame. This complete kit includes everything you need to construct the best frame on the market. Kits larger than 36" include braces, but sizes 36" and smaller do not. Canvas is not included.
These kits include:
B2 Professional Heavy Duty 1½" deep × 2¼" wide(4 cm × 6 cm) stretcher bars for maximum strength and support
Kits for sizes larger than 36" include solid wood keyable braces that are twice as large and twice as strong as most other braces
On sizes where the braces have a cross configuration, nails and glue are also included
Brace keys, corners, and diamond braces (on sizes where appropriate)
Corner keys (on all sizes)
Click on the link below to download a pdf with diagrams of the brace structure for each kit size. Adobe Acrobat Reader is required.
Just to follow up on a previous review. The second kit came in with all pieces included. However two of the support braces were slightly short, meaning the interior bracing wouldn't reach both ends of the outer frame. Specifically, the middle brace was correctly 32", but the two attaching braces were only 30", adding up to only 92" instead of the necessary 96". Some extra quality control while packaging needs to done. The error wasn't apparent until everything was glued together so I'll have to engineer some kind of solution to fully brace all four sides. As it stands I still like the kit. Everything fits secure and square except for the brace length issue, which can be fixed , but I have to rate this one star this time around. Double check your pieces before assembling anything!
This product’s quality compared to similar, competitive alternatives is:
Unusable
The price of this product compared to similar, competitive alternatives is:
A solid value
11/8/2011
5.0
Everything you need
By Michael
from Brooklyn, NY
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Masterpiece B2 Stretcher Kit:
Having already assembled one 60x96 kit, I've recently ordered a second. These stretcher kits are fantastic for anyone working on a large scale.
All the pieces were included in the box and fit together perfectly despite working on a carpeted floor with no prior experience joining corners. The included glue bottle is a nice touch, but to be safe I went with nicer Titebond III wood glue to ensure things held together. I didn't have a rubber mallet handy but every piece fit together well enough that only some gentle brute force was necessary. The cross braces are connected by notches rather than simply screwed together or placed end-to-end, which meant that once it was all glued together the frame was surprisingly rigid for it's size.
As a testament to it's strength the finished canvas survived a cross country journey by UPS. I'm so impressed by the ease of assembly and durability that I didn't hesitate to buy another kit. If only the extra large sizes didn't carry an extra handling fee.
This product’s quality compared to similar, competitive alternatives is:
Really nice
The price of this product compared to similar, competitive alternatives is:
A solid value
9/8/2010
5.0
Excellent stretcher kit
By visionary artist
from Fairfield, IA
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Masterpiece B2 Stretcher Kit:
Well made, was perfect for my painting which is 60 x 60. I like the way the cross braces fit and the way the stretcher keys work in both the corners and on the braces.
Also had excellent customer service when I called Masterpiece about some things.
I'll use these for all my large paintings.
This product’s quality compared to similar, competitive alternatives is:
Best in its category
The price of this product compared to similar, competitive alternatives is:
A fantastic deal
11/30/2009
(1 of 2 customers found this review helpful)
1.0
Get your act together
By Jim
from Bloomington, IL
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Masterpiece B2 Stretcher Kit:
[...]No cross braces were included. Even the corner pieces required some additional support and glue. My customer didn't complain. But I'll think twice next time.
This product’s quality compared to similar, competitive alternatives is:
Worse than most
The price of this product compared to similar, competitive alternatives is:
Merchant response: We apologize for the issues you encountered with this product. If you are not completely satisfied with the quality of the merchandise you receive, you are entitled to a full replacement or refund. We ask that you contact our Customer Service Department at 800-723-2787 within 30 days so that the exchange, refund, or credit transaction can be arranged to your satisfaction.