Mat Cutters

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M

MsD

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I have just found the Board and am really impressed with the quality of information sharing going on here. We have a new framing business for about 6 mos now. Christmas was fun and real, but it wasn't real fun. However, we are are enjoying it.
I would like some response as to mat cutter preferences. We bought used equipment and are seriously considering replacing the mat cutter. It just seems there should be something easier to use and something which would do a neat job of cutting the windows.
I realize mat cutting is basic, especially to you who are experienced. Any insight would be appreciated.
 
Don't forget to use the search function to find old threads dealing with this subject.

search on "mat cutter matcutter" please don't use the quote marks.


Welcome to The Grumble.

framer
 
Welcome to the business: and cheerfully, we'll all agree that sometimes it's NOT real fun, but it sure does have its moments. You will find lots of info here, and that Search function is invaluable. Now that the Chiefs have stanked up another Sunday, I can go back to the real world of my job, and not have to slowly die through a play-off game: which they would have lost anyway had they not saved us the trouble by stinking up today. Frameguy has yet one more weekend to go!

P.S. You'll get answers from others, but I like C&H cutters.
smile.gif


[This message has been edited by MerpsMom (edited 01-02-2000).]
 
Do use the search feature and you will get a lot of opinions since there are many out here (both opinions and cutters).We just bought a Fletcher to replace our C&H and we can tell you good things about both but the reasons for the change were the metal base and the bearings in the head as well as the blade magazine and the more stable guide bar.
But opinions are personal and therefore subject to error and everyone has one and this is just mine.
BUDDY

[This message has been edited by BUDDY (edited 01-02-2000).]
 
With complete and utter respect for MM, I would point you toward a Fletcher. However, you should test drive each (at a framing school perhaps), because you will find (do that search) that this is a personal matter.
 
I like the Fletcher. I've used several different cutters including C & H and others, but find the Fletcher to be the most comfortable and accurate available. However,I believe computorized mat cutters are the way to go, especially if you do volume.

Bruce
 
I have used a 60 x 40 Speedmat for the past 10 or so years after using a C & H for a few years. The Speedmat is much much easier and faster to use and is mounted vertically so it only occupies a floorspace of about 6 ft x 1ft. The matboard remains in one position while the cutting head moves around so your dark colours do not get scuffed by rotating them on a table.
A raw beginner can be taught to cut perfect mats in 10 minutes.
The only better machine would be a computerized matcutter, in my opinion!
 
For a manual cutter my first choice is the Fletcher 2100, but that's just my 2¢. I like the ease of the blade magazine, and the locator pin system, and the metal base. It took me a while to get past the feel of the bearings, but now I wouldn't switch back (was a loyal C&Her for many years)

But, if you're planning to upgrade, check out show specials at upcoming trade shows. You can sometimes get a cutter that's been out of the box for three days for $100s off.
 
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