Mat Cutter

[Wakahisa Shinta]

I've been an amateur photographer for a long time before picking up woodworking as a hobby. I rarely print my photographs, but have recently been thinking about reversing this trend. When I printed my photographic work, I matted and framed it myself. I use a Dexter mat cutter, but it is a challenging tool to master if one does not cut a lot of mat. I looked at the Logan line of mat cutters and thought what if I build one myself with my woodworking tools. Out of curiosity, has anyone attempted such a project? Would you mind sharing so that I may learn from you?

Thanks!

[Jeff Bratt]

I've been making my own mats for years - the cutting system has definitely paid for itself. Matboard is cheap, custom cut mats are way too expensive. I don't think trying to make a cutter head would be worth it, but you could make the guides. You need to get your guide rails VERY straight and square. And make them out of a stable material that won't warp. Especially cutting double mats, even small deviations from perfect will be painfully obvious.

I believe that the Logan cutter heads "lock" into their rails. Altos (http://www.altosezmat.com/), another system, has cutters (http://www.altosezmat.com/products/M45/M45_cutter.htm) that slide next to the guide rail. You might be able to better use these with guides that you make yourself.

[Mark Patoka]

I recently picked up the Logan Adapt-A-Rule and glass cutter at Michaels using their 50% off coupons so it makes the price much more bearable. If/when I need the mat cutter, I can use it with this. Haven't considered making my own cutter system mostly because of time but suppose it could be done.