Matting: Is it worth the effort to learn to cut and mat photographs and framing? I can go to Home Goods, Hobby Lobby etc., but I sometimes want more than what is available. I have...

Davet Loc: Fort Myers, Florida

Is it worth the effort to learn to cut and mat photographs and framing? I can go to Home Goods, Hobby Lobby etc., but I sometimes want more than what is available. I have never done this, but maybe it's time to learn.....Any suggestions?

buckwheat Loc: Clarkdale, AZ and Belen NM

Since I have trouble cutting a straight line on a table saw, I was always intimidated by the thought of mat cutting. I bought a Logan cutter, and produced a flawless mat the first time. (After watching the instructional video) I think it saves about 75%.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

You just need a great deal of patience and attention to detail. And also, be careful if you buy "scraps" as the edges often aren't straight - and then all your measurements will be off :)

MDI Mainer

Learning to cut good mats is not difficult, provided you have a board-mounted mat cutter which includes a "squaring edge."

You certainly don't need a pro or quasi-pro model, the Logan 350-1 or 450-1 are fine as long as you're not cutting hundreds of mats per week.

The key is to get a model with "production stops" to prevent over cutting, which is easy to do if you're working with heavy weight, premium mat board.

http://www.logangraphic.com/products/boardmounted/

Davet Loc: Fort Myers, Florida

Does the instruction video come with the purchase?

buckwheat wrote:

Since I have trouble cutting a straight line on a table saw, I was always intimidated by the thought of mat cutting. I bought a Logan cutter, and produced a flawless mat the first time. (After watching the instructional video) I think it saves about 75%.

Photographer Jim Loc: Rio Vista, CA

Davet wrote:

Does the instruction video come with the purchase?

Most of the Logan cutters, when bought new, will come with the instructional video. The videos are also available on the Logan website as well. Thus, you have the option of seeking out a used cutter for less money and still have access for the tutorials you need.

MDI Mainer's suggestions are on the mark. A 350 or 450 are excellent models for those not doing high volume work. I hardily agree with the suggestion to aim for a model with a squaring arm and production stops (the 350 and 450 have both). They make the process much easier. Learning to cut perfect mats is not difficult if you have the right tools for the job.

The advantages of cutting your own mats is that you can save good money as compared to buying precut mats or having them cut in an art or framing store, and you are able to cut mat windows to fit your print size as opposed to making the print size match a prefab window.

Lastly, it's fun. Go for it.

Darkroom317 Loc: Mishawaka, IN

Yes!!!! It is well worth if you are serious.

Davet Loc: Fort Myers, Florida

Thanks Jim

Photographer Jim wrote:

Most of the Logan cutters, when bought new, will c... (show quote)

:-D :-D

MDI Mainer

I would also add that you can save on framing, since, if necessary, you can adjust the width of the mat borders to look good and fit a standard size frame, which is less costly than if you need a custom size. That can make cropping for the image proportions you want much easier.

Photographer Jim wrote:

Most of the Logan cutters, when bought new, will c... (show quote)

Mark7829 Loc: Calfornia

Davet wrote:

Is it worth the effort to learn to cut and mat photographs and framing? I can go to Home Goods, Hobby Lobby etc., but I sometimes want more than what is available. I have never done this, but maybe it's time to learn.....Any suggestions?

I love my Logan cutter. I can quickly cut and put a form board self- adhesive backing on my pictures. And most of the time, that's all I need to display. Because I have a cutter, I have no wait, can do it at midnight if I want. I can cut for friends and family.

GC-FineArt Loc: WDC

Davet wrote:

Is it worth the effort to learn to cut and mat photographs and framing? I can go to Home Goods, Hobby Lobby etc., but I sometimes want more than what is available. I have never done this, but maybe it's time to learn.....Any suggestions?

If you think about it, theres nothing really to learn. After all, youre just cutting a uniform window in a piece of cardboard so I think the decision is what and how much you want to invest upfront in the proper tools.

My guess is that a decent freehand cutter like a Dexter and a good, metal T-square -- the minimal gear required for any hope of success -- could well end up costing about as much as a lower priced Logan. Free handing it, however, is a royal pain in the butt so I have no hesitation in joining the chorus of Loganites. Ive been using a no frills (a 301-1 type) Logan for years.

Mark7829 Loc: Calfornia

I am sure you can find a Logan used and cut your costs among other things.

MDI Mainer

Not to mention that if you're like me you would quickly waste more money on ruined mat board than you saved on the tools ;-)

GC-FineArt wrote:

If you think about it, theres nothing really to l... (show quote)

GC-FineArt Loc: WDC

MDI Mainer wrote:

Not to mention that if you're like me you would quickly waste more money on ruined mat board than you saved on the tools ;-)

LOL ... you too?

fstop11 Loc: Huntington Beach Ca

If you live in Naples Long Beach Ca. go to Aaron Brothers or Art Supply Warehouse in Westminister. Choice of Matting is good.