Mat cutter - which one should I buy?

[Henrie]

Can anyone here recommend a mat cutter sturdy enough to cut 4-ply museum board at a 45 degree angle? I only have a small X-Acto board cutter made of plastic, and that doesn’t work – partly because I don’t have a decent ruler.

I can get Logan board cutters in Denmark, but don’t know which one to choose or if they are any good. I won’t be cutting a lot of mats, but would like a professional looking result – and to keep all my fingers.

All I know about mat cutters is to always use a sharp blade, so any advice is greatly appreciated.

[christine]

I bought my husband a Logan Intermediate 360 a few years ago for Christmas and it has done a great job with most 4 ply boards. They can be expensive, I believe I bought it at AC Moore when they were offerening a 40% off coupon.

The 360 has stop pins so you don't over cut the corners -- it comes with an instruction video and some scraps for practice.

You might try ebay, sometimes you can bid on one cheap and as long as you have sharp blades you should be all set.

Sure hope it's okay to mention store names here -- not sure if it's against any rules? Guess I'll find out if it is.

[Henrie]

Thanks for replying, chebert01!

Stopping pins sound like a great idea, I’ll keep that in mind. I know the Logan cutters are somewhat expensive, but it’s cheaper to buy one quality product than three mediocre ones.

And don’t worry – as far as I know, mentioning store names won’t get you into any trouble :) .

[Debee]

Henrie, Logan has come out with some "professional" style of framing equipment for the artist. I haven't used them, but they seem to be good products. I do believe though if your gong to frame your own work (or for others) just like art supplies. buy the best you can afford. $800 to $1200 for a professional cutter will pay for itself. How quickly will depend upon how nuch you use it. I purchase a C & H pro about 7 years ago and never have regreted it. I AM NOT well off financially either. I have been able to frame for profit with it. 4 years ago I purchase a use Fletcher wall cutter, to size my boards and cut my glass for $700. Worth every penny I spent on it in time and in keeping my mats square.
I would proably start with the Logan and then when you have the need for something to increase your quality and quanity go professional.

[Henrie]

Thanks Debee’! Your post has been a great help! I think I’ll get the Logan 650 (Dick Blick offers 40% off at the moment which makes it a lot cheaper than in Europe). I did some quick math and after 50 (16 in. x 20 in.) mats it should have paid for itself. That sounds like a fair bargain.

[Dawn]

I agree with Debee, get yourself a C & H they are the best. I taught a class a few months ago to a group of calligraphers. They told me many of the members had mat cutters so I would be demonstrating on them.( I am a former picture framer) It was frustrating. I realize that with time anyone can make them work but with a professional one you will be cutting great mats in no time. It will also last!!!!

[Henrie]

Hi Dawn,

Thanks for posting, and sorry I didn’t respond sooner, but I have problems getting email notification.

I decided that $ 800.00 or more was a bit much for my needs and ordered the Logan 650. It should be here tomorrow – if the snow doesn’t close the roads. I will post to let you all know how it works when I have had a chance to try it.

[Henrie]

The Logan 650 finally arrived yesterday evening. It is easy to assemble and use and stays firmly in place during use. So far I have cut two mats using the bevel cutter and production stops, and got sharp, clean corners both times. Bear in mind, I have nothing to compare it to, but I’m very happy with it. The only slight problem was storage; it has to be stored flat, so for now it resides under my bed.

[bmac]

Henriette, Where did you end up ordering it from? Glad to hear you like it. I need to get one some day.

[Henrie]

Hi Beth!
I ordered from Dick Blick. (They still offer 40% off http://www.dickblick.com/zz171/25/ ). Including shipping costs and taxes, I still saved at least $ 200.00 compared to European prices. To celebrate my great bargain I went and bought a full set of Rembrandt pastels. Well, it makes perfect sense to me :D .