30 Days of Drawing: Mat Cutter Review

Yesterday was a valuable studio-learning day. I assembled the mat cutter Tommy gave me for Xmas. I have always wanted a mat cutter, but they can be pricey. Cutting mats using a hand blade is one of my most dreaded chores so I thought it was time to get one for my small drawings I'll be exhibiting in April.

The model I put on my Xmas wish list was the Logan Artist Elite Model 450-1. I wanted a cutter that included the beveled edge capability. It comes with an assembly booklet and an instructional DVD that gives great info. There is some minor assembly required but after that it’s easy to use.

Slide your mat under the rail guide and select the dimensions you want for the size using the measuring bar (looks like a ruler) on the lower right corner.  Then you run the straight cutter down the rail guide and cut.

Determine how wide you want your mat border to be and set to the mat guide to the appropriate measurement. Mine is 2” in this photo.

To cut the mat opening, place the mat under the guide rail, align the bottom to the squaring bar and the left side with the mat guide. Use the edge of the guide rail to draw your cut lines. Rotate and repeat for each side.

Before cutting with the bevel cutter place the slip-sheet under your mat.

Align the lines you drew with the one on the bevel cutter. Press the anti-crawl pin (top left) and press the blade down (then release the button). Pull the cutter till you reach your next cut line. Make sure to use enough pressure when cutting; I had to use both hands. Rotate and repeat for each side.

If you cut the opening correctly (and used enough muscle) the inside will pop right out.

If you didn’t use enough pressure, the edges will get stuck and you will get a torn mat that might look like this.

It took me a lot of cuts and many mats before I finally got some good results. The hardest part for me was using the right amount of pressure to get smooth edges but I think I finally got it. I can't wait to start matting all my drawings.

By the way here is where I left off on BABS… 

Thanks for reading and I'll see you next time!