Originally posted by JohnR:
Will these CMCs size the mat for you or just cut openings? Starting from sized mats, it takes me 2 or 3 minutes to complete a medium sized double mat. An experienced framer probably can do faster. Prior to having measuring stops, it took me much longer as I had to draw lines on the mat and carefully start and stop the cut.
JohnR, single opening, double mat with an equal sides/top/bottom.... is what I'm guessing you are doing in 2-3 minutes.... but I'd still like to see you do it.. especially if the outside is 28 3/8 x 21 1/4 . . .
But lets take a 11x14 outside, double mat with nine (9) opening in the top mat 8 which have curves in them, weighted bottom . . .
Lets walk through this on a Wizard:
Place matboard scrap in machine.
Change blade to fresh.
Open Design screen, choose double mat
type in all the dementions
Go to "Templets" and choose #412
Cut top mat (and size outside)
flip matboard to new mat area
cut bottom mat (and size outside)
cut one more sized blank board...
You're up to 5 minutes here.
roll glue on back of top mat and mount on bottom mat. Heat press for about 3 minutes. Have some coffee.
Put drop outs back in mat and ATG the bottom and top together... then place all the top mat drop outs back in and put tabs of ATG on them..
Carefully line up blank on top of mat sandwich and press down all over, bonding the little drop-outs to the blank.
Withdraw the blank with all the drop-outs on it. This is now your "Positive mould".
You're up to about 15 minutes now.
Carefully roll your Frank's Fabric Adhesive paying attention to covering in an even coat with no puddles. [A wad of waste cloth can be pressed onto the little areas that seem to collect excess glue that will bleed through]
Carefully lay fabric so that grain is perfectly aligned horizontally and vertically.
Start with your fingers in the opening, establishing the window bevel, then the fillet, then on up and into the multi opening.
Everything needs to be smooth and basically in place.
Place and position "possitive mould" back on and press into place hard. Remove and check all...
If everything is good, replace mould and place in press for about 5 minutes.
[Note: if you're in my class where we don't have a press, this is where I place it on the floor and use the 270lb press..... I walk on it.]
Remove mold and finish wrap as usual.
You're now up to about 20 minutes, and have a $120 killer fabric mat, made from scrap mat and fabric.
Class dismissed. Good job everyone.