Using The Mat Cutter

Line up the crisp folded edge to the bottom of your mat.

Using the mat cutter.

Mat board comes in sizes much larger than you ll need so use your dexter mat cutter to cut out an 8 by 10 mat. Don t attempt to tug or pull the center away. Measure the reveal area you want around your art. Always cut away from the important part.

The mat cutter s blade adjusts angles so turn the knob to 90 degrees to cut straight edges. Simply measure off 8 inches one way and 10 inches the other. We especially liked the pivot and pull blade coupled with the ergonomic handle making this mat cutter convenient and time saving. Cut the mat board to the size you need.

Line up your ruler with the folded edge using the lines to make sure it s straight. Use three light cuts to get through the board. A rotary cutter can cut fabric pieces with sharp edges and straight edges very easily when used in conjunction with the mat. The lines in the cutting.

A self healing mat is the best as the rotary cutter blades would not damage the mat. To make architectural models use the nt 45 degree bevel mat board cutter for straight lines and cut mat boards into 45 degree bevel edges to join the edges together for a neat corner. The square ruler s left edge should be near but inside the left edge of the fabric roughly where you will make your square cut. In this case have your ruler on the mat side and cut toward the center.

You can also use hard mats these do not self heal but most do not cut easily so the effect maybe the same. Use an x acto knife and a metal ruler to cut through the mat board. Step 1 take your fabric piece and lay it on your cutting mat so the raw edge is on the right side. To cut the mat sides repeat the steps described above.

Step 2 the first cut will be to the right edge to square up the fabric. It consists of a marker bar system that allows faster marking. Keep cutting light strokes with the ruler until the center comes away and drops out. Before you begin cut your mat board to the size of your frame.

Place the fabric on the cutting mat fold near the bottom edge side to be squared on the left. Line up the fold with one of the horizontal lines on the cutting mat or if your mat is unlined use a square rotary ruler. Logan s 4000 deluxe is the only handheld mat cutter that we have included in this list as it is the company s most advanced handheld mat cutter. The logan mat cutter i use runs about 50 for the guide and cutting handle.