Matt Cutting Notes

When you cut your matboard to size, cut it a smidgy less (maybe about 1/32-1/16 less) than standard frame size so your mat has room to expand & contract. Also standard frames may not be exact. See pp.70-72 of Mat, Mount and Frame It Yourself by M. David Logan (ISBN0-8230-3038-5) for excellent directions with pictures on how to size matboard. It even has a diagram that shows you how to get the most blanks from a standard size matboard.

Cutting the Mat Window. See chapter 5 starting on p. 83 of Logans book.

• Always start with a brand new blade and use a slip sheet when cutting bevel edges
  
• Can use the side of the mat cutter to mark mat window consistently
  
• Indicator lines help you determine where to start and end the cutting
• 1st you pivot the blade down, then you pull it smoothly while holding blade down firmly. Hold the bar down so your mat doesn't move while cutting.

I really like my Logan mat cutter. It made very nice mats quickly and easily.