rond-photography Loc: Connecticut

I have a Logan Simplex 760. Main problem is it is huge. Get one of the smaller ones because setting up requires a lot of space for mine.

It is tricky at first to cut bevels cleanly. Logan has a great book on cutting mats.

Finally, if you are using standard cuts (the mats that are readily available for order - 8X10 window in 11X14 mat for example), you can get them cheaper on line. I order "Redi Packs" from RediMat in California and even with exorbitant shipping from there to Connecticut, I get them at about half the price I can locally or making them from large mats that I cut. I would love to shop locally, but you can't charge double for something and expect people to buy it when they can get it so much cheaper elsewhere!

D74M

Recently purchased the Logan 450-1 Artist Elite as opposed to the 350-1 for its ability to handle standard size mat board (32 x 40). Excellent investment and glad I spent a bit more to get the larger size.

turp77 Loc: Connecticut, Plainfield

I started with the Logan 301 and really liked it for easy setup easy stowage. We had a flood and it was destroyed. I then found a 450 on EBAY. I like the 450 also but it is heaver stowage takes up more room. The pluses for 301 is very easy to learn and easy set up and to stow and will meet the needs of most photographers and lower cost. CON doesn't take a full sheet of matting but I don’t think it is an issue for the majority of photographers. Good luck

AzPicLady Loc: Behind the camera!

I bought a Fletcher about 30 years ago. It has seen heavy use and still works perfectly.

TreborLow

Forgot to mention that I got 450-1 at Michaels with a 40% coupon discount! Yes, the size is a bit of a problem. I installed the two parallel guide tracks and then sliced slots in the carton so I can store it, and all the other parts and the meter stick, in the box with those two guides sticking out.

Old Coot

As an ex Custom framer, the only mat cutter we would ever use is "Bainbridge" all the rest are inferior

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

Matt Cutter? He's the son of Doris and Frank Cutter, isn't he?



Regarding mat cutters, I used several different ones many years ago, doing framing professionally in a shop.

The hand-held type sold by Dexter take some practice to use very well. Even then, they aren't easy and don't do a particularly good job.... Or, to be fair, maybe it would be more accurate to say that it's very easy to screw up mats with them.

Something like the Logan cutters, with an integrated straight edge guide, such as their Artist Elite and Simplex Elite, are a bigger investment and require a larger work space, but do a much better job. These models cost approx. $200 to $300 and have capacity up to 40", which is the typical long-side dimension of most mat board. There are smaller sizes, accommodate about 30 or 32" (typical short-side dimension of most mat board), but to work with them you'll need to buy smaller boards, or possibly have the seller cut them down, or do a rough cut to be able to work with the board on the smaller cutter.

In the shop I used something like a Fletcher mat cutter, which I remember cost well over $1000 even many, many years ago. I don't recall the model or brand (might have been a Fletcher), but it was a wall mounted-unit... a permanent installation in one of our back rooms where we stored mat board and frame materials. We didn't cut or store glass because there was a shop right next door that supplied it to us.

Frankly, any more I just buy ready-made mats and frames. Much cheaper than I could do similar quality myself at home without a very big investment of money, space and time.

Matcutter.com is one of my best sources for bulk purchases of mats. They'll cut custom sizes if you want them... and they stock a lot of standard sizes. Good value when you buy in bulk.

Custom frames and cut glass are even more expensive than custom mats. So I buy ready-made frames locally... Aaron Bros. mostly, occasionally Michael's or other shops. Aaron's has occasional 1 cent sales, when you can buy a second frame for a penny, when you buy another of the same or high price. I stock up during their frame sales.

Aaron's and Michael's sell ready-made mats, too... But only in fairly limited standard sizes (which I try to use as much as possible). Aaron Bros. usually has a much better selection and higher quality than Michael's.

Another option are modular frames (from various sources), when some size is needed that's not standard. However, in non-standard sizes those will require having glass cut and, usually, a custom mat. There's a pretty good variety of standard size mats and frames available, and it's often possible to print to fit one of those.

TonyBot

Brian - the key here is how much you intend on using it. If for only a few occasional mats, it'd probably be less expensive to buy them. Several sources have been mentioned, but googling "pre cut mats" will show you a range of companies - from meh to great.

The Logan Compact is a decent cutter at about $100, but for twenty bucks more, I would say get the "elite" version instead, if only for the squaring arm. As noted by others, the largest width it can cut is stated to be 32", but realistically, it is only 28". It is reasonably portable and easy to set up.

For quite a few mats, a better (and much larger) Logan would be the 750 Elite - full 40" width, production stops (for consistent repeatability), and all the cutters (except for V-grooves) you'll probably ever need. The 750 will set you back to the tune of $300 plus. Not so portable, and if you've got to break it down between uses ('cuz it takes a lot of real estate), it'll take 20 minutes or so to set it up properly.

If you're gonna do a lot of mats (like, dozens a week), one of the wall-mounted units such as the Fletcher might be worth the investment.

I'd see if a friend has one or the other, so you will be able to get an idea if you want to spend the bucks. There is a learning curve, be prepared to ruin a few mats at first, but like printing your own prints, there is no greater satisfaction.

Good luck in your decision!

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

I was using a 301, it worked but I upgraded to a 450 and it immensely speeded up my workflow.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

Cherihorn Loc: Toledo

That's what the space under the couch is for!! I put my Logan Elite on a rug, and slide it under. When my kids get this house they better search everywhere for my treasures :)
I have a hard time storing the great mat board I found for 90% off at Hobby Lobby. It's too big to hide under the couch, or even behind it, and it wants to bend. Not to mention all of the great frames I found at Goodwill... So my spare bedroom is now my framing room. No one stays here anyway... Now I just need to add some walls down the middle of my rooms to hang up my great photos since the photo contests are on hold.

BlackRipleyDog

Quite true. I can rip 40x32 mat board in half in both dimensions with mine.

cytafex Loc: Clarksburg MA

I use a Dexter Mat cutter and T square, it's simple, inexpensive, and makes nice cuts!

nadelewitz Loc: Ithaca NY

You don't need a "machine" to cut mats. Why, back in the "old" days, you cut mats with a sharp utility knife and a steel straight edge, on a wood surface!

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

I did plenty of that. So I know that the money I used on the Logan Elite 450 was money well spent.