Diy Mat Cutter

This simple mat cutter can be improvised with basic tools and perhaps scrap material.

Diy mat cutter. Overall the 301 1 cutter is ideal for low volume cutting tasks preferably for diy framing projects. A cutting mat should be made of self healing plastic which prolongs the life and improves the quality of the mat itself. The base is 24 x 25 x 9 16 inch plywood. Mats provide a sturdy surface for cutting fabrics and craft materials while protecting the table they rest on.

Typically if you cut 2 3 of your own mats your tools will pay for themselves. 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. Take the frame apart and use it s existing mat as a tracing guide. The cost of this product has increased to 109 95 since this segment first aired.

Cutter i used is listed at 79. It is reasonably simple to install and use. A cutting mat is a must for an avid craft lover or sewer. It accomodates up to 20 inch mat board.

Once i had my mat cut to size i adjusted the guide so that my mat border all the way around would be 2. I started by cutting a piece of mat board using the straight edge and mat knife to the dimensions of one of my frames. 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 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.

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. I don t care for the wood grain loo. Size and material aren t critical. 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.

Then it s just a matter of cutting the bristol board to fit the frame.