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#1
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Mat cutter recommendation?
Hi,
I'm looking for a mat cutter recommendation. I have a small mat cutter that requires use of a ruler and pencil markings, and you have to hold the ruler while you make the cut. I would like a real mat cutter that has stops for both dimensions, will clamp the mat and hold it while the cut is made between the two stops. I have no idea of what models work well. I've been spending time google searching, but don't know if I'm missing a good one. Any recommendations for one that will do print sizes of at least 16x20, and perhaps 20x30, or 30x40 (frame size would be larger). Roger |
#2
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Mat cutter recommendation?
Roger,
I used to have a Fletcher MatMate 40" cutter, but I plan on framing at a professional level, so I bought the Fletcher 2200. It is a professional unit and has a lot of add-ons. It is the standard cutter used in picture framing businesses and is the "L glass" of manual mat cutters. Be sure to get the measuring stops and clamp lifters with it if you plan on using it every day. I got the 48" unit. It is a beast to move around (40+ pounds), so it is a good idea to have table it will stay on. The 48" one is the mid size and it is 60" long so you need at least a 5 x 3 foot table. Plan on spending around $1,300 on the 48" with clamp lifters and measuring stops. Another good cutter is the Valaini Astra. It comes with most options you'd have to buy with the Fletcher. It cost much less. I heard good reviews about it and it looks well made, but I have no direct experience with it. There are other cutters around such as Logan and C&H. They would probably do nicely, but after reading posts on www.thegrumble.com many ended up with the Fletcher or bought a CMC. If money is no object, Get a computerized mat cutter (CMC). Many pros claim it eliminates the need for an employee but expect to part with at least 16 grand. I plan on entering the retail framing market and may have to do this. BTW, www.framingsupplies.com is a great source for framing supplies and equipment. I used them a couple times to buy my equipment. They ship fast and pack well. Prices are very good. And best of all, you don't have to be a business to buy from them. -S "Roger N. Clark (change username to rnclark)" wrote in message ... Hi, I'm looking for a mat cutter recommendation. I have a small mat cutter that requires use of a ruler and pencil markings, and you have to hold the ruler while you make the cut. I would like a real mat cutter that has stops for both dimensions, will clamp the mat and hold it while the cut is made between the two stops. I have no idea of what models work well. I've been spending time google searching, but don't know if I'm missing a good one. Any recommendations for one that will do print sizes of at least 16x20, and perhaps 20x30, or 30x40 (frame size would be larger). Roger |
#3
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Mat cutter recommendation?
"Roger N. Clark (change username to rnclark)" wrote in message ... Hi, I'm looking for a mat cutter recommendation. I have a small mat cutter that requires use of a ruler and pencil markings, and you have to hold the ruler while you make the cut. I would like a real mat cutter that has stops for both dimensions, will clamp the mat and hold it while the cut is made between the two stops. I have no idea of what models work well. I've been spending time google searching, but don't know if I'm missing a good one. Any recommendations for one that will do print sizes of at least 16x20, and perhaps 20x30, or 30x40 (frame size would be larger). Logan. You can get them at AC Moore, and crafts stores. I use an old version of the "Compact" model... set me back about $60, six or seven years ago. Best $60 I ever spent. http://www.logangraphic.com/products/boardmounted/ rafe b www.terrapinphoto.com |
#4
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Mat cutter recommendation?
My local art supply store has that computerized mat cutter and it's
fantastic. You just key in the sise(s) and locations and away it goes. Bob |
#5
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Mat cutter recommendation?
In article ,
wrote: My local art supply store has that computerized mat cutter and it's fantastic. You just key in the sise(s) and locations and away it goes. Bob if you can afford them great, probably beyond most photographers budgets. -- "To announce that there must be no criticism of the President, or that we are to stand by the President, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public."--Theodore Roosevelt, May 7, 1918 www.gregblankphoto(dot)com |
#6
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Mat cutter recommendation?
SimonLW wrote:
Roger, I used to have a Fletcher MatMate 40" cutter, but I plan on framing at a professional level, so I bought the Fletcher 2200. It is a professional unit and has a lot of add-ons. It is the standard cutter used in picture framing businesses and is the "L glass" of manual mat cutters. Be sure to get the measuring stops and clamp lifters with it if you plan on using it every day. I got the 48" unit. It is a beast to move around (40+ pounds), so it is a good idea to have table it will stay on. The 48" one is the mid size and it is 60" long so you need at least a 5 x 3 foot table. Plan on spending around $1,300 on the 48" with clamp lifters and measuring stops. Another good cutter is the Valaini Astra. It comes with most options you'd have to buy with the Fletcher. It cost much less. I heard good reviews about it and it looks well made, but I have no direct experience with it. There are other cutters around such as Logan and C&H. They would probably do nicely, but after reading posts on www.thegrumble.com many ended up with the Fletcher or bought a CMC. If money is no object, Get a computerized mat cutter (CMC). Many pros claim it eliminates the need for an employee but expect to part with at least 16 grand. I plan on entering the retail framing market and may have to do this. BTW, www.framingsupplies.com is a great source for framing supplies and equipment. I used them a couple times to buy my equipment. They ship fast and pack well. Prices are very good. And best of all, you don't have to be a business to buy from them. Thanks for all the input. I have learned a lot. Normally, I have a print shop mat my prints, as I do not have time (in general to do it). But with this Christmas season, I had to get several prints framed and the print shops are fully booked. I was thinking of going for a high end model like a Fletcher. A friend has a 3000 series model that I have seen him use, and it is real nice. But I needed delivery immediately, and I found a logan 750 simplex in town, so it will have to do for the moment. If I decide to do my own matting and framing, I'll probably get a Fletcher. Thanks, Roger |
#7
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Mat cutter recommendation?
"Roger N. Clark (change username to rnclark)" wrote in
message ... SimonLW wrote: Roger, I used to have a Fletcher MatMate 40" cutter, but I plan on framing at a professional level, so I bought the Fletcher 2200. It is a professional unit and has a lot of add-ons. It is the standard cutter used in picture framing businesses and is the "L glass" of manual mat cutters. Be sure to get the measuring stops and clamp lifters with it if you plan on using it every day. I got the 48" unit. It is a beast to move around (40+ pounds), so it is a good idea to have table it will stay on. The 48" one is the mid size and it is 60" long so you need at least a 5 x 3 foot table. Plan on spending around $1,300 on the 48" with clamp lifters and measuring stops. Another good cutter is the Valaini Astra. It comes with most options you'd have to buy with the Fletcher. It cost much less. I heard good reviews about it and it looks well made, but I have no direct experience with it. There are other cutters around such as Logan and C&H. They would probably do nicely, but after reading posts on www.thegrumble.com many ended up with the Fletcher or bought a CMC. If money is no object, Get a computerized mat cutter (CMC). Many pros claim it eliminates the need for an employee but expect to part with at least 16 grand. I plan on entering the retail framing market and may have to do this. BTW, www.framingsupplies.com is a great source for framing supplies and equipment. I used them a couple times to buy my equipment. They ship fast and pack well. Prices are very good. And best of all, you don't have to be a business to buy from them. Thanks for all the input. I have learned a lot. Normally, I have a print shop mat my prints, as I do not have time (in general to do it). But with this Christmas season, I had to get several prints framed and the print shops are fully booked. I was thinking of going for a high end model like a Fletcher. A friend has a 3000 series model that I have seen him use, and it is real nice. But I needed delivery immediately, and I found a logan 750 simplex in town, so it will have to do for the moment. If I decide to do my own matting and framing, I'll probably get a Fletcher. Thanks, Roger Roger, I believe the Fletcher 3000 machine you are talking about is a wall mount device for sizing mat board, foam board, cutting glass and acrylic. It does not do the bevel window cuts on the mat board. If your not familiar with framing, pick up a good framing book. While framing seems simple, it is an art in itself. It will show you the proper mounting techniques for the art media and how to deal with the plethora of materials you may use. -S |
#8
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Mat cutter recommendation?
SimonLW wrote:
Roger, I believe the Fletcher 3000 machine you are talking about is a wall mount device for sizing mat board, foam board, cutting glass and acrylic. It does not do the bevel window cuts on the mat board. I'll have to check. The model he has is wall mounted, and did the bevel cuts too. If your not familiar with framing, pick up a good framing book. While framing seems simple, it is an art in itself. It will show you the proper mounting techniques for the art media and how to deal with the plethora of materials you may use. I do have framing books, and have have been framing for years. I do know it is a art form, and a very time consuming one, especially if you don't have the top equipment. Thanks for the info. Roger Photos at: http://www.clarkvision.com |
#9
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Mat cutter recommendation?
"Roger N. Clark (change username to rnclark)" wrote in message ... SimonLW wrote: Roger, I believe the Fletcher 3000 machine you are talking about is a wall mount device for sizing mat board, foam board, cutting glass and acrylic. It does not do the bevel window cuts on the mat board. I'll have to check. The model he has is wall mounted, and did the bevel cuts too. Is this the machine? http://www.fletcher-terry.com/fletch...ly_id=73&tab=1 They are not specific if it does bevels, but would be cool if it could. It is my next purchase. If your not familiar with framing, pick up a good framing book. While framing seems simple, it is an art in itself. It will show you the proper mounting techniques for the art media and how to deal with the plethora of materials you may use. I do have framing books, and have have been framing for years. I do know it is a art form, and a very time consuming one, especially if you don't have the top equipment. Okay, I thought I mention that just in case and for the other folks out there. I've seen good art ruined by nasty framing jobs. Let me throw something else out the If you don't have a point driver and an ATG tape gun, those are huge time savers. Nailing hardwood moulding together was slow and aggervating, so I got a V-nailer and a set of miter vices. If you plan on 20 or more frames a year, I'd set aside or save up $5k and purchase a good set of tools. They will pay for themselves in just a few frames (vs. having them professionally done) and you'll wonder how you got along without them before. -S Thanks for the info. Roger Photos at: http://www.clarkvision.com |
#10
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Mat cutter recommendation?
"Michael Gardner" wrote in message
... In article , "Roger N. Clark (change username to rnclark)" wrote: www.framingsupplies.com Does anyone carry mat board 40"? I.e. 60" or more? mgg -- sig goes here You usually have to buy in bulk or be a business in order to get framing supplies at a good price. One of the big box craft stores that does framing may be able to get it for you. -S |
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