Cutting Window Mats with the Logan Mat Cutter
by Jeffrey Sward
 
  1. Marking and cutting is done on the reverse with the obverse facing down
  2. Note the width of each edge in the middle of each edge. This will making setting the guides faster.
  3. Make marks on board using decimal inches and one of the clear rulers marked in inch tenth. Do not try to convert to English fractions.
  4. Mark three dots for each edge. Connect the dots with a straight edge. The square isn't. The dots tend to be more accurate.
  5. When step three is done the reverse will show a rectangle with the lines overflowing the corners.
  6. Use a backing board. Make sure the actual board is aligned in the cutter. The backing board should be offset in both directions so it does not touch the guides.
  7. Use white eraser to prop up the floating end of the mat board.
  8. Follow directions on making cuts.
  9. The guide can be aligned to the decimal parts with the clear ruler lined up on an whole inch mark.
  10. It is better to convert the English decimal unit to metric using excel. The mat cutter has a metric scale which should more accurate than English fractions.
  11. Make each cut three times without moving anything. Especially make sure the corners are being cut at both ends.
  12. Move the board clockwise for each next cut. ("to the right.")
  13. If the center does not fall out on its own something bad happened. Minor problems can be fixed with a #16 exacto, but it might be better to start over.
 
Photo corners
  1. If necessary, cut an oval out of the extra large corners to facilitate print insertion.
  2. Mark the board with the locations.
  3. When marking the marks allow for the thickness of the blue line. The blue line centers are at the one inch mark. Some additional slack for print insertion is likely necessary, either when making the marks or when placing the corners in the next step. Insert a blue 5x8 card in the corner and paste one at a time. The use of the card allows for slack. The edges of the 3x5 car align to the marks on the board. Align one edge of the card to one line, followed by the other edge of the card with the other line, while keeping the glue part of the corner in the air. Keeping the card steady, lower the corner into place.
 

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