Do you cut your own mats?
Nov 26, 2019 15:11:56 #
When you use a handheld cutter, is it 8 cuts, middle to each corner, or 4 cuts, corner to corner?
Nov 26, 2019 15:46:46 #
bleirer wrote:
When you use a handheld cutter, is it 8 cuts, middle to each corner, or 4 cuts, corner to corner?
4 cuts.
Nov 26, 2019 16:02:12 #
bleirer wrote:
Take a look at some You-Tube videos for tips on what to do when you reach the corners. You don't want hanging chads When you use a handheld cutter, is it 8 cuts, middle to each corner, or 4 cuts, corner to corner?
Nov 26, 2019 16:10:58 #
selmslie wrote:
4 cuts.
So the first corner drops in perfectly, then slide to complete one full side, and end in perfect position? Is it the same with the non handheld devices?
Nov 26, 2019 16:13:01 #
It's a lot of work, and not a lot of reward. Customers don't seem to care how much effort it takes, so you can't charge a decent rate for your work. I have Hobby Lobby cut them, save the wasted board, and spend more time shooting.
Nov 26, 2019 16:22:51 #
I have had a Logan for years. I have made 100’s of custom frames and cut way too many mats. If you know how to cut mats Logan works great. It’s a learned skill. IMO the value is in cutting double or triple mats; mats with multiple openings etc. Most difficult part is finding high quality acid free mat board.
Nov 26, 2019 17:05:57 #
PixelStan77 wrote:
The real answer it depends. When I started I used a Logan. My reject rate was too high. I invested in a C&H mat cutter and never looked back. Those were the days I sold my images at shows and on line.All my mat cutting days are over, and I now buy precut mats.
Where do you byy the precut mats?
Nov 26, 2019 17:17:31 #
bleirer wrote:
https://www.amazon.com/Logan-Framers-Cutter-Framing-Matting/dp/B005QT5U0K
Now we are talking some real money.
Now we are talking some real money.
As you make mistakes on premium rag mats the cost is easily justified. If you only make 10 mats a year, not so much. When I was more active, I would cut several hundred mats a year. When I got my Logan I think I paid $300.
Nov 26, 2019 17:29:25 #
bleirer wrote:
So the first corner drops in perfectly, then slide to complete one full side, and end in perfect position? ...
It does if the guide is lined up carefully and it doesn’t slip. It takes a little practice and attention but it’s not difficult.
Nov 26, 2019 20:49:32 #
kskarma
Loc: Topeka, KS
I have used a older Logan 450 (looks like this is the current 550 model..) for many years. Mainly I use it for cutting backing boards for my photos, but since it comes with both a straight and an angle cutter, it works equally well for both purposes.
I have found this cutter extremely versatile...anything I need to cut square and clean, I break this out. I routinely cut 3/16 foam core....making two passes is recommended for a clean cut. Blades are cheap, so change them often.
I see from the photos in several ads that the measuring arm that extends out is much sturdier in the current 550 model. It's important to make sure that this is square with the cutting guide. There is also a 650 model for not a lot more $$$, the difference being the ability to cut 60" stock instead of 40".
The pricing for the 550 model is around $200..depending on the source. IMHO, this is money well spent, as you will find many times with this can help with all sorts of cutting tasks...in addition to just using it for mats..!
I have found this cutter extremely versatile...anything I need to cut square and clean, I break this out. I routinely cut 3/16 foam core....making two passes is recommended for a clean cut. Blades are cheap, so change them often.
I see from the photos in several ads that the measuring arm that extends out is much sturdier in the current 550 model. It's important to make sure that this is square with the cutting guide. There is also a 650 model for not a lot more $$$, the difference being the ability to cut 60" stock instead of 40".
The pricing for the 550 model is around $200..depending on the source. IMHO, this is money well spent, as you will find many times with this can help with all sorts of cutting tasks...in addition to just using it for mats..!
Nov 26, 2019 20:50:49 #
selmslie wrote:
Like you I nearly always need to make a custom mat and frame. I have used the Dexter cutter for nearly four decades.
I don’t do a ton of matting, but when I do, I’ve always found the Dexter quite easy to use. Mine is an original production example, made near me in Southbridge, Massachusetts. Still in perfect condition after fifty years.
Andy
Nov 27, 2019 00:40:48 #
bleirer wrote:
If you cut your own mats what tools do you use and what is your process?
In school many years ago I cut my own, but the photo/art department had an expensive device that made it easy. Now i see there are mat cutters such as Logan that are not very expensive, are these worthwhile?
In school many years ago I cut my own, but the photo/art department had an expensive device that made it easy. Now i see there are mat cutters such as Logan that are not very expensive, are these worthwhile?
Logan has some nice ones and I use them too amongst others!
Nov 27, 2019 06:31:52 #
Rongnongno wrote:
I am not a mat cutter.
I leave that to professionals who know not only how to cut a mat but can do the job properly, meaning that everything image, mat frame and environment match. I more than one way they are artists in their own way.
I leave that to professionals who know not only how to cut a mat but can do the job properly, meaning that everything image, mat frame and environment match. I more than one way they are artists in their own way.
That would be my route. I think some of these guys would do as good a job. They seem to know what to do.
Nov 27, 2019 06:44:24 #
I do cut my own mats. I started out with an inexpensive Logan cutter that did the job, but with a number of random errors. I have settled into a procedure of making a V cut in anything larger than 11x14 (8x 10 photo). This prompted the purchase of a Logan Elite 350-1 on sale for a little less than $100. I would suggest that anyone interested in doing their own cutting skip the frustration of an inexpensive cutter and go for this model at the start. It makes the cutting of mats, backing and plexiglass so much faster, easier and more accurate that its worth the price in the number of frayed nerves eliminated.
Nov 27, 2019 06:52:35 #
bleirer wrote:
If you cut your own mats what tools do you use and what is your process?
In school many years ago I cut my own, but the photo/art department had an expensive device that made it easy. Now i see there are mat cutters such as Logan that are not very expensive, are these worthwhile?
In school many years ago I cut my own, but the photo/art department had an expensive device that made it easy. Now i see there are mat cutters such as Logan that are not very expensive, are these worthwhile?
I cut my own and yes some are well worth it. Do not have mine out at this moment but was not expensive and does very well.
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