For the past couple days I've been busy matting and framing three pieces for the ARTsisters group exhibit at Viking Culinary Arts Center . It was my first time using my new Logan mat cutter (Model 301-s Compact) and it took quite awhile for me to learn how to properly make triple layer mats.
I had to miss a town meeting regarding improved recycling that I had wanted to attend, and still, I was up until 2:30 AM Monday evening. But I finally completed my task and just about one hour before hanging deadline on Tuesday, I was finally finished and pleased with the results.
But it sure took awhile for me to get the hang of it. Partly, it just takes practice. I found that the more I practiced using the two blades (one for straight cuts and one for beveled edges), the better and smoother I cut. After having used a little portable cutter that cuts along your hand-held T-square, this was a great improvement!
If you're an artist who is considering buying a mat cutter, I'd recommend this model, although there was one very important imperfection with this one. I found that the measurement guide was off by one-sixteenth of an inch. That led to some frustrating moments and wasted boards. I kept remeasuring things, thinking it was a math mistake on my part. I finally figured it out that it was simply that the sticker with the measurement increments printed on it must have been adhered to the machine in the wrong position. So I would just add 1/16" when cutting each border.
Since it was a kind of pricey item, (in the $100 range) that seems to be a pretty important mistake. I hope that the Logan company caught it before too many were produced. Then again, how would they know about it unless we users speak up about it! I think I'll contact them about it.
Anyway, I hope to see you this Friday at Viking!
Click here for First Friday details!
