oval mat cutter

[Rosalyn]

I want to purchase an oval mat cutter. I've been considering the Logan three-step for something that looks simple to use and will do small to large ovals/circles. I'd like to hear some other opinions and what others are using and like or dislike, would buy again knowing what you know now . . . etc.

[Alan Sturgess]

I suggest you go to an old thread 8 Feb 2002 Fletcher Vs Logan.

Fletcher vs Logan Thread (http://thegrumble.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=002517)

Alan

[B. Newman]

Thanks Alan, I knew I touted that Gene Green machine somewhere, but couldn't remember where!

Betty

[MAX]

. . . Or get (lease) a CMC . . .

[Peter Bowe]

Manual oval cutters of all types are quickly becoming obsolete as many of us switch to CMCs. It is a buyers market - you might want to check with your reps or local distributors.

I would think you might be able to get your choice at .10 to .20 on the dollar.(that's what I figure my ovalmaster buried under a workbench is worth)

Peter Bowe

[Rosalyn]

So if hardly anyone does ovals why do I want an oval cutter?

[B. Newman]

I used to never cut ovals either - until I got an oval cutter.

Although some people think it makes things look like "a bullseye" there are times that an oval, or even a circle is just the thing.

I might agree that one is not needed IF you have a cmc. Otherwise, I'm sure not giving mine up.

Betty

[Bill Henry-]

In addition to simply cutting ovals, you will be able to cut circles, which with a little imagination and in combination with regular and offset mats, will vastly open up your range of designs.

http://home.earthlink.net/~maltwit/Roman.gif http://home.earthlink.net/~maltwit/Victorian.gif

http://home.earthlink.net/~maltwit/Persian.gif http://home.earthlink.net/~maltwit/RosePetal.gif

By all means invest in an oval cutter, but make sure it's big enough to allow you to cut circles and ovals at least up to 20 x 24.

[ 09-24-2003, 11:10 AM: Message edited by: Bill Henry ]

[Rosalyn]

Thank you Bill Henry. Those examples are exactly why I would be interested in the cutter. BUT are they difficult to do? What is a CMC, any way?

[John Ranes II, CPF, GCF]

Rosalyn,

Those mats are wonderful that Bill Henry provided. They illustrate some great options of combination cuts that have real application.

Many framers simply do not display any oval samples, and yet two of the most popular mediums framed are: Photography and Needlework. Both of these mediums lend themselves to oval openings.

Although you could cut Bill's mats with a Logan three-step cutter, it would be difficult if not a real struggle. This would be true with any of the hobbiest oval cutters, (Fletcher-Terry and Alto included.)

The most accurate professional (manual)oval cutter is still the Fletcher F-1100, or an older model F-1000. Next in line would be a Gene Green Oval Machine. You could probably find one of these used from a multitude of framing distributors. (They may not have one, but their reps would know of someone who has one for sale.)

BTW, a CMC = Computerized Mat Cutter, which of course can be a very accurate oval cutter. with little if no limitations.

John

[iceref]

Can anyone post a link for the Gene Green Oval cutter? I'd like to see one and get a price since I am currently thinking of purchasing a used oval cutter.

Thanks
Mike - St. Louis

[Rosalyn]

Well, I guess I don't want an oval cutter since I don't have the $1600+ for the Fletcher 1100. . . but I really appreciate every one's input. And on a little different subject. Some of you talk about a Rep. Where do I find a Rep? Once I talked to Cresent about some mats and they said I had a Rep he'd be right out. Never heard from him but talked to his voice mail several times but that two years ago.

[Bill Henry-]

BUT are they difficult to do? Not particularly.

The most difficult thing in the “soft corner” designs is getting all of the bevels (straight and circle cuts) both equidistant and parallel when cutting double or triple mats. It mainly just takes a bit of practice, but the arithmetic can be bothersome, too, at times.

It bothered me so much that I bit the bullet and bought FutureBasic (a now defunct programming language … I also invested in Enron) and designed my own software to process those pesky calculations. My straight mat cutter is an old C&H 4060, but it has a set of angle plates and a “D-stop” which allows me to cut the mats without laying out any of the designs in pencil beforehand. A real time saver. My oval cutter is a C&H Oval Master without any frills.

I would offer to share the program, but I wrote it for my Macintosh; so if you have a PC, it won’t work for you, I’m afraid.

Check out used oval mat cutters. I picked up my Oval Master at a trade show. It was the demo unit which they didn't want to ship back to headquarters. I got it for half price.

[Merlin Framers]

Do you guys not have Keencut over in the states. Or are they not rated too highly with you..
I use their oval cutter and it is very good. Well I think so anyway..
The Lease for a CMC over here is way too much..

[B. Newman]

About that Gene Green, when I bought mine, Mr. Green was selling them himself. I read somewhere that another company was selling them now, but I can't remember who. I've checked Decor Sources, but to no avail.

For some reason the name "Global Art" sticks in my mind, but I'm not sure that's who it was. I have seen ads for them in the trades, the next time I see one, I'll make a note of it.

Betty

[GUMBY, GCF]

iceref

Gene Green Oval Machine.
Ask for Bob Mayfield He is the Manufacture of the Gene Green Oval Machine. He was at the show in Atlanta.

His phone number is 330-677-6955

[ 10-01-2003, 12:25 PM: Message edited by: GUMBY ]

[iceref]

Thanks Gumby, I'll give it a shot.

[printmaker]

Originally posted by Bill Henry:
[QUOTE] .

My oval cutter is a C&H Oval Master without any frills.
I also have an old C & H Oval Master (Sr.).

We cut a lot of circles and ovals!

For (multiple) simple circles and ovals, the C & H cuts cuts far faster, and usually better, than any CMC I've tried... I won't bother arguing this point; this has been my experience.

Even now that we have our own CMC, when it comes to cutting larger volumes of circles or ovals, I'll still be using the C & H.

[Reynard]

I would use the keencut oval cutter over any of the others.I have seen plenty of them demonstrated and the keencut ,to me,is a better machine.

I have a completely ancient machine by some outfit called accurite.They are an American firm,or were...

Its pretty basic to be honest but it does all i need it to do as I don,t offer any of the fancy stuff.I tend to feel that it takes away from the artwork rather than enhances it.Just my opinion but there you go.

Do any of the computerised cutters make a good crisp bevel or do they all look slightly "raggy".I can tend to spot one a mile off because the bevel is not as clean as a manual cutter.I have no intentions of buying one anyway but I just wondered.

[Bill Henry-]

I don,t offer any of the fancy stuff.I tend to feel that it takes away from the artwork rather than enhances it. Kenneth,

Some of the artwork that we deal with needs an inhancement! ;)


I've seen a few mats cut with a CMC and, like you, have noticed that the bevels are "ragg<u>ed</u>y" (the more generally accepted American term). Without having any first hand experience with CMCs, however, (I may be way off here), I suspect that the result of the "raggy" cut is not the fault of the CMC but, rather, the operator doesn't change the blade often enough.

[Alan Sturgess]

Reynard - for your info the Accurite is the forerunner to the Fletcher F1000/1100. Fletcher purchased the patents etc, retooled the machine and out came the Fletcher Oval Cutter.

Alan

[BUDDY]

Please excuse any repetative comments i may make since i have only quickly passed over this thread. But something i think that needs mentioning is that No CMC that I know of is yet able to cut GLASS as the typical oval mat cutters (regaurdless of the brand) I 'd love it if tey could .
Still another small feature is that the gene Green machicne is more adept at starting and stoping cirluar cuts in combinations with others . I know it can be done with over cuts and some times with great diligence but it's much easier to do with the Green mahine. however if you ever want to save the center drop the Green machine has an inherent problem of haveing holes in them.
Just thought I put my 2cents in .
BUDDY

[Merlin Framers]

Reynard
Thankyou for answering my question. Was beginning to think I was talking to myself..
Re Keencut Oval cutter..
I take it they are not known across the pond.

[GUMBY, GCF]

More Bang for your buck Gene Green Oval cutter.

[Reynard]

Ahh cheers Alan!

I always wondered what the machine I had was all about.I inherited it when my boss retired and I know that he got it second hand before I ever started framing with him.So the machine must be around 18-20 years old I reckon although it looks older.

Its pretty accurate still but its hard to set up properly.I have spent days before fine tuning it to make it work properly.

I think the Keencut machine the blade stays still and the table rotates?Wheras on mine the blade moves in the oval or circular motion.

I will hang on to it in case it becomes an antique then.