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

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

"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

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

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

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 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

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

"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

"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