Mat cutting help.

[Fred_G]

I have 5 pictures to mat and frame this weekend. The frames are aluminum, and I have all the stuff for that. My problem is the mat cutter. It is an old, probably '70 model Keeton. My mat cuts do not turn out straight. I can see the blade starting at the right point, and then hanging a left, leaving me with a curved mat cut.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

It has been a long time since I have been here, I forgot my password, so I made a new account. Years ago, Fred_G was fstop1 something or other, I forgot my screen name also. I have done very little photography in the last few years. Well besides my ramblings, thanks in advance for your help/advice, and have a good one!

E

[photophorous]

Hi Fred,

I'm probably not going to be of much help, but I'll give it a shot. I'm not familiar with the type of mat cutter you have, but I can explain what I do. I have a simple Logan push style mat cutter ($24 at hobby lobby). I have to measure and draw out all of the lines on the back of the mat board, then lay down an metal ruller, hold it tightly in place, push the blade down and slide the cutter along each side. I've learned that it's better to cut a little past each edge than to not cut far enough. If you can't get yours to work, you could try this. Good luck, and welcome back.

Paul

[freygr]

I have 5 pictures to mat and frame this weekend. The frames are aluminum, and I have all the stuff for that. My problem is the mat cutter. It is an old, probably '70 model Keeton. My mat cuts do not turn out straight. I can see the blade starting at the right point, and then hanging a left, leaving me with a curved mat cut.

Have you replaced the blade?? If you have not go buy packet of replacment blades. I have had that problem and replacing the backing (a peice of mat) and a new blade fixed the problem.

GRF

[Fred_G]

I love the portable mat cutters you mentioned! Unforfunantly, several of these are 32" to 36" mats. I am of course going to use new blades, and have seen that the depth of the blade can be an issue, so I am going to set that up properly also.

Thanks for your time.

E

[freygr]

I love the portable mat cutters you mentioned! Unforfunantly, several of these are 32" to 36" mats. I am of course going to use new blades, and have seen that the depth of the blade can be an issue, so I am going to set that up properly also.

Thanks for your time.

E

I just cut about a 8.25 by 36 inch opening in a 11 by 40 inch mat. I use a Logan Adapt-A-Rule and have cut much larger openings. I just have to use a much larger stright edge to draw the lines so I can line up the Logan Rule.

GRF

[Fred_G]

The blade in the mat cutter was out way to far, causing it to flex. I bought some new blades, got all my mats cut today. The mats looked very good, better than some from local frame shops. That is what I wanted!

Thanks for the replies, have a good one!

E