How to Cut a Mat With a Logan Deluxe Pull Style Cutter

Add creativity to the mats you cut.

Cutting your own mat has become much easier and less expensive with the advances in Logan hand-held mat cutters. The Logan Deluxe pull-style cutter, has simplified the process of marking and cutting mats without the need for large pieces of equipment.



Understanding a few basic principles for any mat cutting project and the workings of the Logan Deluxe are the key to successful and satisfying matting of your favorite pictures or artwork.

Things You'll Need

• Logan Deluxe Pull-Style mat cutter (No. 4000)
• Mat board
• Large "T" square
• Flat, hard work surface
• Sharp utility knife (optional)

Instructions

1. Calculate the width of the border of the mat. For example, an 11-by-14-inch picture is normally put into a 16-by-20-inch mat board. The border width for the long side is figured out by subtracting the long side of the picture from the long side of the mat board: 20-14 = 6. Divide the 6 in half: 6/2 = 3. The border width is 3 inches for the long sides.

2. Calculate the width of the short sides: 16-11 = 3; 3/2 = 1 1/2. The border width of the short sides is 1 1/2 inches

3. Adjust the length of the marker bar on the mat cutter. It is the extending arm with the pencil lead in the end. Tighten the knob to keep it in place. For the long sides, adjust the arm to 3 inches.

4. Lay the mat board with the colored side face down on a flat, hard surface with a scrap piece of mat board under it. Put the edge of the mat cutter against one of the long edges with the marker bar extending over the mat. Press lightly on the marker and pull the cutter the length of the board. Repeat for the other long side.

5. Adjust the marker bar to 1 1/2 inches, tighten the knob and put the cutter against the short sides and mark the lines. Start and end the lines so they cross over the lines on the long sides.

6. Position the long arm of a "T" square along one of the lines in between the line and the outer edge of the mat board. Hold it firmly in place. Put the blade cutter edge of the Logan against the straightedge.

7. Align the "start-stop" mark found on the other side of the Logan cutter with the perpendicular line at the far end of the one to be cut. Rotate the blade down into the mat board by pushing on the front of the blade handle. Keep steady pressure on the handle while pulling the cutter toward you. Stop the cut when the "start-stop" mark reaches the perpendicular line closet to you and raise the blade.

8. Turn the mat a quarter turn and repeat the same process for the three remaining sides. Turn the mat over and remove the center from the mat.

Tips & Warnings

• The same formula works for any size picture and mat.

• If the corners were not completely cut, use a sharp utility knife to carefully cut the small tabs holding the corners.

• If the corners are over cut or under cut, adjust the depth of the blade. This is done by turning the screw on the bottom of the Logan cutter. Increase the depth by turning the screw counter-clockwise. Decrease the depth by turning it clock-wise.

• Use caution when working with sharp tools.

• If a scrap piece of mat board is not used under the one you are cutting, the blade and cutting surface will be damaged.

References

• Logan Deluxe Pull-Style Mat Cutter