Matte Cutting

[ejwebb]

Any suggestions for decent matte cutters and where to buy them? I looked around on the web last night and found a few but can't tell how good they are - or how they work. I hate to invest in something like this sight unseen with no recommendations. I saw prices from under $100 to over $1000 - I like the lower end of that range but don't want to buy junk either.

I did see the large matte boards and it looks like you get your money back for the cutter very quickly. Acid-free 32X40 matte board on one site was $8 and I think it would yield 4 - 16X20 mattes or 16 - 8X10 mattes. Is this thinking correct?

Can you use the matte cutter to cut the large baords down to size or do you need a separate cutter for that as well? Also, any recommendations for a photo trimmer to prepare the photos for matting and tape for matting?

I know this is a lot to ask but I have spent some time searching and can't seem to find much information that is directly useful, particularly recommendations of cutters. Thanks!

[Scottes]

I did see the large matte boards and it looks like you get your money back for the cutter very quickly. Acid-free 32X40 matte board on one site was $8 and I think it would yield 4 - 16X20 mattes or 16 - 8X10 mattes. Is this thinking correct?

A matte for an 8x10 photo with a 1.5" border would be 11x13. A matte that is 8x10 on the outside would generally fit a 5x7 photo.

Just to be clear...

[ejwebb]

Duuhhh! Good point, Scottes - I thought those numbers were big. I worked out those numbers very late last night and was obviously not thinking clearly! At those sizes I could get 6 - 8X10 mattes (11X13) & 5 - 5X7 mattes (8X10) out of a single sheet with very little waste.

What is the normal matte size for 16X20 prints? Most likely i think I could probably get just 2 - 16X20 mattes from a sheet - with some smaller mattes from the left over, depending on size.

Thanks for clearing this up for me. I still think it might be a good investment if I decide to try to sell some prints in my wife's craft booth this winter.

[Scottes]

I would think that the "normal" size would vary depending on size. Like 1.5" borders on 5x7 & 8x10, up to 2" borders on 16x20. But the nice thing is being able to do what you want.

I did a quick look on the net and found this place - http://www.logangraphic.com/. Definitely designed for do-it-yourselfers. Looking at things you might want to look at their 700-s Simplex. Small but looks decent, does straight and beveled cuts, and "is designed for photographers."

Here's some prices for Logan gear - http://www.artsupply.com/logan/matcutter.htm. They seem quite affordable. The 700-s Simplex Studio at $165 looks like a winner to me.

Mind you, it's been 10+ years since I've cut a matte... Hopefully someone with more experience will see this topic.

[CyberDyneSystems]

I've not used a mat cutter yet..
Back in art school... our drawing teacher used to make us cut our own mats using a straight edge and razor knife (X-acto?)

This is certainly the cheapest tool to use.. but you can waste a good matt if you blow it! :shock:

The biggest advantage, cost aside,. to cutting your own is that .. especially in the digital print era... we tend to output odd sized prints.

For these standard frames will work just fine,. but it requires a non standard mat to make it all come together.

:)

[ohenry]

I'm using a Alto's 4505 system and it works great, very simple to set up and use. For cutting the board to size, I simply use a T-ruler and a sharp box cutter style blade. I often buy scrap board from my local arts store when I don't want a full sheet.

Cutting your own mat will more than pay for itself quickly over either precut mats (which don't fit many of our shots) or custom cut.

[who10]

Cutting your own mat will more than pay for itself quickly over either precut mats (which don't fit many of our shots) or custom cut.

I second "ohenry's" observation - and have cut enough mattes by hand with an Exacto and t-square to appreciate good cutting jigs...

As a user of the 750 simplex, I would recommend any model in the series.

David

[ejwebb]

Thanks! I came accross the Logan cutters and artsupply site but was looking for personal experience. You are right about the odd size issue - no more cutting off the ends of the frame for standard sizes! I had not thought about that, either.

[ejwebb]

I also came accross the Altos series and wondered about their quality as well. I may visit one of our local art stores and see if they have one(any brand) I can handle to see how they work. Thanks, again.

[robertwgross]

My two tools are the Exacto knife and a single-edge razor blade.

---Bob Gross---

[ejwebb]

Bob - I considered this as well but how do you ensure straight lines and exact measurements? How about beveling the edge on the interior cuts - do you not worry about it?

Another (cheaper) good suggestion! Thanks.

[jgbeam]

Here's one I use. Works great.

[/url]http://www.pictureframes.com/html/procutter1.html[url]

Jim

[robertwgross]

Bob - I considered this as well but how do you ensure straight lines and exact measurements?

This is a trick question, right?

Try a long ruler.

How about beveling the edge on the interior cuts - do you not worry about it?

Anything that holds the cutting tool at a 45 degree angle will work. I have a small clamp that works.

---Bob Gross---

[ejwebb]

Not a trick question - just seems imprecise - at least in my hands. But I suppose if I practiced and was careful and really took my time it would work. Worth a try for the cost anyway. Thanks.

[CHILKATEAGLE-2]

Hello EJ;

Here is the info regarding mat cutters. I have been a professional matter and framer for 17 years and there are only two mat-cutters you want for professional results: Fletcher or C&H. Both are professional mat-cutters and come in sizes from 24" to 72". Both have as many attachments as you would ever need, including stops. When you buy one I recommend the 48" size, it allows you to buy 32 x 40 inch matboard and cut it to whatever size you need. Regarding your question about output; here it is, a 32 x 40 inch mat gives you 4--16 x 20 mats, you can then cut 4--11 x 14 mats from these and 4-- 8 x 10 mats from these. That gives you 4 top mats for 11 x 14 inch images, 4 top mats for 8 x 10 inch images, and 4 top mats for 5 x 7 images. This way there is no waste whatsoever. Alternatively, if you go into production of say 5 x 7 prints, you can cut 16 top mats from one 32 x 40 inch matboard. For the best results you should double-mat your images. Cost-wise, plan on spending about $1,000 for a new 48" model of either make or about $500-$600 for a good used one. They will last for 15-20 years or more depending on your work volume. My 48" C&H matcutter is now 17 years old and still works beautifully--I average between 800-900 matted images per year, mostly 5 x 7 and 8 x 10 inch sizes. If you have a wholesale art supply store near you you can usually order one through them. You can also check with any local framing studios in your area for information. Good luck---it will be the best $$ you ever spent if you sell your images matted.

DAN

[RoB_m]

i use a 2" border for the left right and top edges. 2.5" for the bottom. you don't want the bottom of the matte to be the same as the other sides. adding a little to the bottom makes it more appealing to the eye. use a 45° bevel cutter for the inside edges to reduce shadows left by the board. and yes, you can use the matte cutter to cut the board down to size but you'll want a straight edge cutter for that, not the bevelled/slanted cutter.

DO NOT USE AN EXACTO KNIFE. that just screams unprofessional. if i tried to present my work like that even in my photo class i'd get laughed at.

luckily i have all th matting equipment i need at the lab for free use. i'll check tomorrow to see what brand we use.