Matt Cutter, Which, Where

It's time for that dreaded, unsexy purchase: A professional matt cutter, so I can do something with this stuff I am baking under my enlarger. I need help on selecting a matt cutter brand since I don't know anything about what's being used. Since it's the only one listed in B&H, I assume it's Logan Graphics, but which model? (I do fortunately know HOW to use one from school).

 

<p>

 

Also, please steer me in the right direction of place for good price (new) on said matt cutters and also Rotatrim paper trimmers if you might. Thanks. Andre

I have had for many years a Longan compact mat cutter, for the price,

ease of use and conveninece you cannot beat this mat cutter. The only

draw back is that the support table is too narrow and you have to put

a book under the mat to prevent from getting bowed cuts, once you do

this, you can get beautiful mats for a very reasonable price. Of

course if you are related to Bill Gates then you can buy one of the

B+H mat cutter, they are wonderful and have all the gizmos and

gadgets to make it almost automatic, but for the price I vote for my

Logan....Hope this helps.

I once asked a professional picture framer to recommend a matt cutter

to me. He showed a small device to me an said this is what I use if

I am not into production. This cutter costs around $15 an then you

need a good ruler. This thing is called OLFA Mat Cutter and is

made in Japan OLFA Corporation OSAKA 537. And there are "V" type blades

included.

Hi,

I use a Logan matt cutter (a small handheld device) a large

cutting board, a heavy duty Steel rule, and a couple of G-clamps.

The most important part is a good supply of new sharp blades.

Regards Bob.

I've been using a Logan Simplex for 7 or 8 years now and continue to

have success. The secret to good consistent cuts is having a sharp

blade installed. I've cut hundreds of mats with no problems.

I'm not familiar with the OLFA, but I swear by my Logan. I bought one

with a board and guide rail to hold the print, and a hand cutter that

you push instead of pull. The whole setup was about $120 from Light

Impressions. It is the fastest thing I've ever used, short of a

professional table model.

How good do you want the cuts to be? If you want them to be gallery

perfect, don't buy a mat cutter. Order your board from Superior

Archival Mounts and have them cut your windows. Over time this is

more expensive than cutting your own, even taking into account the

initial investment in one of the Logan cutters. However, if you want

the windows gallery perfect, and you cut them yourself, you'll end up

throwing away enough mat board to eat up the difference in price. You

have to be cutting mats sort of day in and day out to get really good

at it. Otherwise, it can be really frustrating. Another point that

applies to me and may to you: Got lower back problems? Don't cut

mats. It strains the lower back. -jeff buckels (albuquerque)

I looked into one a year or so ago and found these folks helpful.

 

<p>

 

http://www.framingsupplies.com/

 

<p>

 

I decided to wait a while before I bought one. I've used Logan and

Alto and found them both fine.

 

<p>

 

Dave

You can learn specifics about (and at least see and compare) various

mat cutters at the Light Impressions web site:

 

http://www.lightimpressionsdirect.com/servlet/OnlineShopping?Dsp=10000

&PCR=30000:230000:238000&R=6067

 

<p>

 

B&H's Rotatrim prices are as good as anybody's

Dave is right about framingsupplies.com. Their prices are the best I

have found, and they have all the accessories. I have been

frustrated by the several mat cutting setups I have used over the

years, but I spent the money and got a Fletcher and it has allowed me

to get the quality I wanted. Although you will find professionals who

are able to make good cuts with minimal equipment, if they do a lot

of cutting, they probably have top equipment. You have to figure how

much it's worth to you. If you tend to print a lot of the same sized

prints, Jeff's suggestion about having it done for you is good. I

don't have a standard printing size that would accomodate that. And I

often need it done NOW, so I couldn't wait.

 

<p>

 

Robert is right about sharp blades: they are essential for a good

cut. Beyond that, no matter how much you spend on a mat cutter,

practice a lot.

How much do you want to spend? The Fletcher 2100 is a beautiful

machine. Not inexpensive, but professional results every time. Be

sure to get with stops--also a squaring arm if you are cutting 40"

sheets. Check it out at www.unitedmfrs.com. Yes, be sure to change

blades often.

Merg

The cheapest place I have found to get Logan matt cutters is at:

http://italianartstore.bizland.com/store/Logan.html

 

<p>

 

The Logan - LG650 Professional Mat Cutting System at $365.00 compares

well with the professional versions such as C&H and Fletcher, which

cost significantly more. The above site also caries the full line of

other Logan matt cutters. If you order a Logan matt cutter, one of

secrets to cutting good matts is to always be sure the blades are

sharp. This means that you will need a least one fresh blade for

every matt. Be sure to order lots of extra blades when you order your

matt cutter, because the Logan blades are proprietary.

I'd also vote for the cheap handheld Logan cutter if you're not

turning out large volumes of mats. Get a heavy straight edge (light

impressions has them) and some big strong hardware store clamps and

if you're careful you can get professional results. (Although it

doesn't hurt to make sure your photos are stunning, diverting

attention so that nobody studies the mats...) Sharp blades matter, a

lot. I change them every other one I cut, which might be overdoing

it but it sure solves problems. If I go a long time without cutting

them I forget some of the technique and I tend to screw them up

again, like cutting the bevel going the wrong way. The cutting part

is easy, really, it is carefully drawing the lines and making the

measurements which result in most errors.

I use the Olfa - cheap and cheerful but surprisingly good. Had one

for years and still haven't used up all the supersharp blades that

came with it, though I've mucked up a few kitchen tables in the

process.

If cutting mats with a hand held cutter like the Olfa the most

important thing bar none is to get a ruler with non-slip rubber pads

on the bottom - nothing worse than sliding off at an angle cos the

ruler slipped (only ever happens when you're cutting the fourth side).

I went with the Logan Compact Mat Cutter board and Logan cutters. The

cutters have guides which fit over the rail of the board so nothing

slips. It has been an excellent choice for me and board and cutter

came as a kit and cost less than $75.00 from Dick Blick art supplies.

 

<p>

 

Regards,

the cutters mentioned are nice...but if you want the absolute

best..most precise..repeatable,,allmeasurements made on the

cutter...try the english made keencut. i bought mine when i lived in

colo and they ere in boulder. their number then was 800 240 5336.

with this cutter you NEVER overrun a corner. as you can see..i like

mine. good luck. when you mat your own its a different feeling.

frank

My wife has managed a framing shop/art gallery for 15 years....she

likes the Fletcher and some of the Logans....you need to see and try

before you buy....go to some frame shops and ask them what they

think. Also dont go for the cheaper versions.Even some of the more

expensive versions can be a problematical.... some just dont cut the

mustard....again try before you buy.And if you are near a major city

there are always art convention shows similar to the photo show

coming up in N.Y.C.at Jacob Javitts that cater to frame shops with

all the latest framing equipment,matt cutters, etc.

Good luck!

I like my Logan Simplex #700SGM. The current model is #750. $240 at

B+H. Very easy to use. One thing to try is to take the best price

(don't forget shipping cost) you can find to a local store and ask

them to match it. Worked for me and saved possible shipping

problems.

I use the Olfa cutter, but wouldn't recommend it. The one I have is 6 years old and perhaps the newer are

better. The blade is too loose in it's handle and can easily shift from it's straight trajectory. I have modified

mine so that the blade is maintained tight and it works all right, and use it with a self made chassis and guide.

Andre---to what has been already said, I can offer the following.

 

<p>

 

After years of using a straight edge & dexter & then later a Logan

Simplex, (after much cussing) I saved in order to purchase a

professional machine & I opted for a Fletcher 2100 (48inch) series

with the "extras". I paid $1100 at a trade show just last week and

I'm in the process of learning its characteristics. I liked the idea

that it is all metal as compared to composit materials when obvserving

the differences between a C&H & Fletcher.

 

<p>

 

Yesterday, I was in Denver at Colorado Moulding (303-922-1919) by

chance, and their October sale flyer caught my attention. They are

offering a Fletcher 40 inch cutter for $868 and the 48 inch cutter at

$912 and this is wholesale dealer prices--state & fed tax numbers,

etc.. Raymond in Vail.

Thanks all for wonderful feedback. Much to consider, and all of it

very informative. Andre

I had the same question and found all your comments. You guys rock.

my name is angel I'm profecional framer iwas readin al your ansers and coments if you all have the same problem first logan is good but not enogh for a good matt cut because the blade get doll to fast whit logan blades you can not cut a rag matt realli good, if is possible try to buy a fletcher 2100 mat cuter or C & H pro matt cutter those two matt cutter are simple to used and fast but if you want to habe better result whit your cuts put one mat(8x40) on the battom of on then the mat which you going to cut you will see beter results but if you not sure i can cut yor mats but somethig else if you need a or want to buy a mat cutter go to valley moulding in north hollywod and ask for david this gay used to sell used machines in good shape if he can't halp probably I can find one too