Diy Mat Cutter

I plotted in pencil using the mat guide as a rule.

Diy mat cutter.

A cutting mat should be made of self healing plastic which prolongs the life and improves the quality of the mat itself. 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. I don t care for the wood grain loo. It is reasonably simple to install and use.

If you don t own a mat cutter you can cut your mat window with an x acto knife but you won t achieve a good clean bevel. Things you ll need 1 piece of 2 by 6 inch wood 1 large l bracket 1 small l bracket 4 small bolts 1 16 inch 2 large heavy bolts 3 16 inch measuring tape power drill router t square saw. Mats provide a sturdy surface for cutting fabrics and craft materials while protecting the table they rest on. A cutting mat is a must for an avid craft lover or sewer.

The cost of this product has increased to 109 95 since this segment first aired. The logan mat cutter i use runs about 50 for the guide and cutting handle. Cutter i used is listed at 79. Then it s just a matter of cutting the bristol board to fit the frame.

Typically if you cut 2 3 of your own mats your tools will pay for themselves. Take the frame apart and use it s existing mat as a tracing guide. Overall the 301 1 cutter is ideal for low volume cutting tasks preferably for diy framing projects. It accomodates up to 20 inch mat board.

I ve seen a lot of pricey craft mats out there but i ve not been overly fond of their price or they way they were made. The base is 24 x 25 x 9 16 inch plywood. Once i had my mat cut to size i adjusted the guide so that my mat border all the way around would be 2. This simple mat cutter can be improvised with basic tools and perhaps scrap material.

Then instead of cutting any additional hole for the art piece to sit behind i just use double sided tape to stick down my art piece right onto the bristol board itself centered obviously.