Logan Mat Cutters ... Modifying the Logan mat cutters
Many people will start with Logan cutters because they are affordable and very serviceable. I also started out with Logan cutters and still use them. I haven't made enough money yet to advance to some of the more expensive cutters. This being said I can tell you I know their cutters very well. I currently use the Logan Intermediate, the Simplex 750, and the Framer's Edge 650. I also use their circle-oval cutter and the V groove attachment for the 650. My first Logan cutters were the "adapt-a-rule" systems.
  This system works but it will take you lots of practice. If you want to start framing more than one picture every half year you must move on to a system that is easier to use. The next system up with Logan cutters is the "Compact" cutter. It is a 32" cutter and sells around $80-$100.00. I would just skip this cutter and spent a few more bucks for the "Intermedate" cutter which will cut up to 40". I think Framing4yourself has this for $149.00. You can also find them on ebay and craigslist.Whether you get the "Compact" or the "Intermediate" there are some modifications that will make these cutter much easier to use. I will show you these modifications using the "Compact" mat cutter and you can apply these modifications to the larger "Intermediate."
  One of the first things I did was extend the board the cutter is mounted on. Get a piece of plywood or the cheaper pressed board that is the same thickness as the mat cutting board. Size this board so it is 3 to 4 times the width of the cutting board and 2 inches longer as in the pictures. Align the Logan board to the left side and cut another board that will sit right next to the Logan board with the width and length as the remaining bottom board under the Logan board as in the picture on the right and the next picture below ...
Now clamp the Logan board onto the bottom board and screw them together from the bottom (not pictured) The top board aligned next to the Logan board can be screwed from the top (countersunk) to the bottom board. We are making a large level surface. Professionals have special tables made with a sunken area to drop the matt cutting board into. This method is much cheaper and semi-portable...a table mounted mat cutter is not.
Notice the countersunk screw left of the vice. It will take several wood screws to firmly attach the bottom board to the top board. In the second picture you see the countersunk screw and the Logan board sitting a bit higher that the board we put next to it. This works out perfect to lay down some mat board to make it level and to make a soft smooth surface for the top ...
I lay down a piece of matboard right next to the cutting board and it is flush. I could use a much wider piece of mat but I have lots of pieces I need to use so I am using wide strips. I use double stick tape to hold down the mat. I figure the top mat will wear and it will be easy to lift it off and put a new mat on at a later time... Continue to the next page
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