Mat Cutter Recommendations

[ahgreenhill]

I want to start mounting and matting my work up to 16x20. I have seen Fletcher, Logan, Mat Master, and C&H on eBay with lots of claims about ease of use, nonwarpable base etc. I want one that is easy to use, will cut reliably, and has stops so that I can't mess up too much. I have been considering Logan 650, Fletcher 2000, Mat Master 47" and C&H Advantage Pro M60. Any suggestions or recommendations from personal experience?

 

[Daniel Grenier]

I use a Logan 450, which works OK for me as my mats do not exceeding an 8x10 opening. However, you would be better off with a 650, like you propose, as it has a straight edge to cut large boards down to size effectively and accurately. The 450 does not have that straight edge and, consequently, it is difficult to cut pieces of identical size - a serious drawback. I cannot comment on your other choices, but the Logan 650 would serve you well I believe.

 

[Tom Stanworth]

personally I feel you get a lot more when you pay more. If you can justify the extra, a Fletcher 2000 would be great. I have a Keencut Artist plus which is about £450, has all adjustments etc you could need andwould be about the same in USD if easily available (UK made, but Keencut trade in the US). If Fletcher do something as a budget version of their flagship (as teh artist plus is a budget version of the Ultimat Gold - Fletcher 200o competitor), that would probably offer all you need (perhaps best to go for US made for better support????). These models are super accurate and foolproof. You will be producing mounts that are effectively perfect with little practice. Some of the cheaper ones require real patience and skill, and sometimes a little luck. Dont forget errors get magnified the larger the mount. If you are talking about mounting 16x20 prints, I think you are going to need something very accurate. You will notice a wonky aperture even if out by about 1mm over its 20" length.!

 

[geraldatwork]

I use the $8 (on ebay) Dexter hand mat cutter. I purchased a heavy corked backed ruler from Light impressions for around $30 and I was in business. After about 3 or 4 semi failures I now cut almost perfect mats. I don't have to worry about border sizes as on some of the cutter models.

 

[Aggie]

I have the C&H M48 pro. It is a breeze to use. the M60 is way to big unless you are a large framing business with extra large mat boards. Most that you would use are in the 32x40" range. the M60 is overkill. Watch for a M40 or M48.

 

[Joe Symchyshyn]

I own a Fletcher 2100.

I've used this cutter in 2 different jobs BEFORE I bought one for myself. It was the mat cutter I wanted, period. So when a used but excellent condition one came my way, I bought it.

If you have the budget, and you are serious about cutting matts (both efficiently and easily) then a professional mat cutter is for you. The lack of hassle factor cannot be understated.

If the budget is not there, and you have all the time in the world. I suspect that "economy or consumer" mat cutters will do a decent job.

It depends on how you look at your tools.

joe

 

[gcoates]

I have the Dexter cutter and a Light Impressions straightedge as well. It works great for me after a bit of practice. The only thing that I don't like about it is that the bevel it cuts is not a true 45 degree angle. (In other words, the bevel is a little too straight up and down for my tastes.

 

[Bob Carnie]

My vote goes to Fletcher
Have been using the same unit for about 10 years , bought it used and was worth every penny

 

[geraldatwork]

I also find I can't make the Dexter a true 45 degree angle more like 50-55 degrees or so. But the mats still look good and are easy and fast to make.

 

[Melisa Taylor]

i am going to have to look at light impressions for this straight edge you guys speak of. I have the dexter mat cutter (just got it, haven't used it yet).

*runs off to light impressions site*

 

[WarEaglemtn]

The best from Logan is not as good as the worst from C&H or Fletcher. Keencut is supposed to be up there as well.

The good cutters made by C&H and Fletcher are the standard for custom framing shops. The logan is a lower grade.

If you get the better cutters you will buy only once.

 

[nsurit]

I use a Logan 650

I have the Logan 650 and decided on that model as it will handle the 8 ply mat board I prefer. It does a good job and I've been pleased with it. If you plan to use thicker board, I'd suggest you check and make sure the one you buy will cut it. Bill Barber