Fletcher 2100 mat cutter

[Rick]

For those who own or have used the Fletcher model 2100 48" mat cutter, how did you like it? Can I assume this will be the first and last mat cutter I'll ever have to purchase because it's a beautiful machine and works so well?
The best price I've been able to find is from DickBlick for approximately $1400, and the squaring arm and stops seem to be additional accessories. Has anyone found a better-priced source?
Thank you in advance for your time.

 

[dphphoto]

Hi: if you can afford one of these, they're the best. I think the stops are worth it: handy and easy to use, they of course prevent overcuts. I was fortunate enough to inherit one from a framer who passed away. It was totally out of square, scratched up, filthy dirty, and took about a dozen sheets of board until I got the stops set up properly. Since then...well, I couldn't live without it. Good luck with your purchase. Dean

 

[aterlecki]

Rick,

Are you buying new? If so then the 2100 has been superseded for a while now by the 2200. I've had a 2200 for about a year and it is a superb cutter favoured by a good deal of frame shops who haven't gone with a far more expensive computerized cutter. Yes this will be the last mat cutter you will ever need and I've found support by Fletcher-Terry to be exceptional.

Although I bought mine in the UK I did look at US sources and framingsupplies (http://www.framingsupplies.com) seemed to have one of the best deals. My 2200 came with production stops, clamp lifters, and a right hand squaring arm so check when you order about this so you don't accidentally order a second set of these. Buy lots of blades (I prefer to .012" for everything) - very important to change frequently.

Anyway I'm delighted with my 2200 (and I've spend much time, effort and money in the past with other, cheaper products only getting mediocre results). There's nothing nicer than seeing your hard work finished off with a quality mat and frame.

Tony

 

[Shadow Images]

Have used Fletcher brand mat cutters for years and the 2100 is an excellent machine. Don't use the stops as I find they slow me down, have been doing professional framing for many years and will cut runs of 250-300 mats at a time and never had a problem with this mat cutter. The 2200 has superseded the 2100. I would try and find a good used 2100 first and save some money.

 

[Rick]

Thanks everyone for the insight. I do have a Logan, the model escapes me at the moment, but I seem to always have a concern for the cut corners. I hate having to go in with a blade afterwards to clean them up. For me, the sign of a professional mat cutting job is how well the corners are done. They always seem to get the attention of my eye! Hopefully, a 2100 or 2200 will end the corner problems.

 

[Joe Symchyshyn]

I have a fletcher 2100 that I picked up used... I had previously used them at 2 different shops and think it's a great machine.

I have the stops but don't use them either...

If you do buy this or the new version, it will be the last cutter you ever buy. It is true... you get what you pay for.

Good luck,

joe

 

[Micky]

ressurecting an old thread here, but I have a couple of newbie questions:

1. Is the cutting device incorporated onto the cutter, or do I need to buy a hand held cutter in addition?
2. Can I use a 2100 to cut foamcore backing at around 5mm thick?

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Micky]

Thanks Greg, well I'm off to buy one then.