Does anyone here do their own mount cutting - and, if so, can they recommend any equipment?

Many thanks in advance, Euphrosene

Hi there

What is your budget like and how big do you want to go? I bought a simple 'Logan' cutter- about £20 I think, but I already had a parrallel motion drawing board which really helps. You can buy all sorts of kits. Mine works fine but I do have to change my blade after every aperture... which I guess is normal? I guess if I had them done professionally they would be better, but Im happy enough with the quality of the ones I do.

Jo

I hadn't thought of a budget till I checked out courses and peripheral costs - and then realised what I did *not* want to pay! However, I think I can pay a little more than £20. I just want something that is easy to work out for various sizes of paper.

How do you back them btw?

I've got a Madec mount cutter which cost about £50 I think, it's basically a long steel ruler which you can slot either a 90% or 45% cutter onto. I find the blades work quite a few times and you can turn them round and reuse them. It's easy to use but it doesn't do anything clever to help you, I just draw the shape in pencil then cut it. I'm sure you can buy more sophisticated ones but it's not worth it for me.

I tend just to use more mountboard to back them - there's probably a cheaper solution but I haven't found it, I don't do so many that it is a huge expense.

Elise

If this was visual, you'd see me with crossed eyes!

Although I am practical, I am not too hot with arithmetic. I can happily measure the outside height and width in mm and the aperture so translating that as simply as possible to create the mount is really what I need.

The other day I read one guide and got lost with something about the percentages...

It's not arithmetic dont worry!! 90% just means the straight edge for cutting the outside of the mount, 45% is the bevel edge for cutting the arpeture. You just need to put the bevel attachment on so the bevel slopes in the right direction. My instructions made it seem more complicated than it actually is, it's just a case of practice makes perfect. If you get it wrong you can always cut it again, the arpeture will just be a smidge bigger than you intended.

Elise

Ah okay, thanks Elise (and Jo).

Hi,

I've used a Longridge mountcutter that comes with a straight edge on a board. The mount slips under the board so it can be held in place while you use the cutter.
Like the one above it cut at 90 or 45 degrees.

They have a variety of types at http://www.longridge.co.uk/

Rob

Thanks Rob - I think I will go for the Longridge, although the Logan 450 seems to get good reviews too.

Euphrosene

Buy the best you can afford; check out http://www.theframersforum.com
sales & wants section & ebay. Fletcher are a good brand too.
The 'hobby' mount cutters are more difficult to use & can be a false economy, scuffed bevels & inaccurate angles can be expensive mistakes.
I've been a framer & gallery owner since 1980 & believe me, professionally presented artwork will always have a better chance of selling.
Blades should be able to cut more than one aperture before needing to be replaced...

Val

Thanks Val - I have yet another question! I have several paintings and cartoons which I want to mount to make it easier for buyers to find standard sized (ie easy to get) frames:

250mmx250mm
178mmx254mm
100mmx100mm
141mmx250mm
152mmx250mm
355mmx255mm
240mmx320mm

If it isn't too cheeky to ask, what sizes should I aim for with these?

Euphrosene

PS (Fletcher might be too expensive)

I buy mount ready made, and backs to go with them. I think its looks cheapskate to have work mounted but not backed - just add the cost to the sale prioce - it looks far better.
I bought a mount cutter, hoping to save money but found it impossible to use - i made a complete pigs ear of several before I gave up.I'd have corners not sharp, edges incomplete and the whole thing looked tatty and not what i want to show my work in... For some people like me its just NOT simple and rather than have substandard mounts I go for professionally done ones. there's loads of people around who do them, local shops and framers, ebay and online shops and also "spit" on the jeanniezelos.com forum who can do them to almost any size and shape. He does framing too and I and other members have had some of his work and can vouch for an expert job.

Hello Euphrosene

Are those the image sizes of the pictures ?

Val

Yes, Val. I seem to have bought really odd sized watercolour pads!

I know there has been alot of replies, but I buy my mounts ready cut in bulk (thats why most of my work is the same size) and have found "Carters Mounts" based in Grange over Sands very reasonable
Susan