Customer Reviews

Compact 32 Inch Mat Cutter

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I bought this about a year ago to save on framing our wedding pictures. I knew less than nothing about mat cutting, but the directions were clear and the process was fairly intuitive.
The good:
Simple to operate, good instructions. Great for smaller, pre-sized pieces. Offers the opportunity to save money and be more flexible with mat designs.
The Bad:
No squaring arm for cutting down full mat sheets. This is a real drag as full sheets are the most economical way to go. Since it has the straight cutting head, I assumed it would make provisions for cutting large pieces. In addition, the straight cutting head pivots somewhat on the guide rail, leading to slightly wavy cuts. I became aware of this and am now careful to try and avoid it, but its been a consistent problem. If one cut is off, especially when making complex or multi layered mats, the whole thing will be off. Finally, the mat width is limited to 4.5 inches. Yes, its plainly noted on the box. I thought that would be plenty. It isn't. This isn't a flaw in the product, more of a heads up to potential buyers.

Overall it is a decent product. I understand its more of an introductory model, but the manufacturer seems to have skimped in some areas that in my opinion are crucial to the success of the eventual user.
If I had it to do over again, I'd spend the extra money and go for a slightly larger model with a squaring arm and more professional features.

Logan mat cutters have been the standard for a very long time, and with good reason. I have cut many mats with my model 301 and as long as I do my part, the tools do theirs. Yes, it is best to start with a mat sheet close to your final size, but that is to be expected at this price point.

Another good feature is that when not in use all the components go back into a nicely made box for compact and sturdy storage. Personally I like to have complete control of the framing process and this lets me have just that. Saving money compared to having a frame shop do the work is an added bonus.

I bought this mat cutter because I wanted to mat and frame photos that were not standard sizes, like panoramas. The cost of custom mats was prohibitive, so I decided to give it a try. I followed the instructions and practiced a few times on scraps before making my first mat. I was very pleased with my results! I matted and framed some of my photographs for gifts and put several up in my home.

This was my first mat cutter (no experience cutting mats) and I have been very happy with my results -- my mats are as professional looking as what I used to pay for at the frame shop. You do have to pay attention and work carefully. My biggest problem came from not changing the scrap mat underneath the mat that you're cutting. If you cut over a previously cut section, the blade may not go entirely though the mat or the cut will be rough. I change the blade frequently and keep one hand near where the cut ends so that I can more accurately stop the blade at the end of the cut. And the blade should be set a little deeper than the thickness of the mat. The only minor complaint is the length of the cut you are limited to, but that's probably a marketing decision to get you to buy a larger model. When I buy mats at the frame shop, they will usually cut them down (squarely) to a more manageable size for no charge. I've cut enough mats now to pay for this at least a couple of times over. I don't know if this is allowed, but this mat cutter can be found at stores like Michael's and with a 50% off coupon, you can get a pretty good deal.

I received this as a Christmas gift and I love it. I take a lot of photographs and frame many of them. This will save me a lot of money on matting!! I found the device very easy to use and it works GREAT!! I was very happy with the precision of the cuts and the professional look of the matt that I cut. I think this is a must have for anyone who enjoys matting and framing photographs or old pictures!!

Got this for my sister in law who is "an artist with a day job". Well made and durable.