How To Make Your Own Mat Cutter

If you re using a mat cutter tool it will be a sliding attachment with its own ruled edge to ensure that the cutter doesn t slip.

How to make your own mat cutter.

There might be options of just buying 4 x4 but i couldn t find that near me 4 x4 is slightly smaller than the longest side of the two mats since there is an 1 2 edge around each cutting mat. Step 2 make a grid on the plastic using the permanent marker. The materials needed to frame artwork with your own mat board include. I somehow made due with the use of one of my own rulers but there you have it my only logan mat cutter complaint.

Once i had my mat cut to size i adjusted the guide so that my mat border all the way around would be 2. The piece of lumber should be longer than the photo mat being cut. The logan mat cutter i use runs about 50 for the guide and cutting handle. Based on your measurements draw cut lines on the back of the mat board.

Follow instructions that come with the cutter and it will handily draw a straight line as a cutting guide. Fiskars cutting mats sandpaper get your wood and get it cut to 4 x4. The grid should consist of 1 inch squares. Cut out your mat using the ruler and exacto being careful not to cut past the lines you have drawn.

Cut one piece of 2 by 6 inch lumber to the desired length. Another reason to do your own mat cutting is that for the first time a truly professional type of cutter is available for under 100. Typically if you cut 2 3 of your own mats your tools will pay for themselves. Use an x acto knife and a metal ruler to cut through the mat board.

Attach the large aluminium l bracket to the wood using a clamp. Before you begin cut your mat board to the size of your frame. If you angle the blade it will give you a beveled look like a mat cutter would. Cut the piece of self healing plastic to the size you want the mat to be.

Take the razor box cutter or mat cutter tool and line it up with the edge of the ruler. Cutter i used is listed at 79. All arguments aside the best reason to cut your own is because it s fun to do. However a mat cutter can be built at home to cut custom mats that will ensure more of a proper fit.

Measure the reveal area you want around your art. Some mat cutters like the one pictured have a built in ruler pencil mechanism that makes this easy. Measuring and cutting your own mat board doesn t necessarily mean you will need to break the bank when purchasing all of the materials needed. I bought my wood at a place that cut it for me.

Some of these materials you might already have on hand at home. Make sure the cutting edge is flush with the ruler. The cost of this product has increased to 109 95 since this segment first aired.