Cutting mult. mats on CMC's

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Sherry Lee

SGF, Supreme Grumble Framer
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Phoenix, Az.
This is a CMC 101 question.

I'm gathering data to determine if a CMC is right for us. I wonder.....if I want a double or triple mat cut, are they atg'd togther on the 'easel' and cut just like on the tabletop matcutters, or are they cut individually and then VISUALLY/MANUALLY stacked and attached to each other?

A nearby 'colleague' cut a double mat and put the two pieces together manually. I was floored! I just can't believe they can't be cut on the 'easel' to ensure proper allignment.
 
Sherry, you cut each layer separately and then stack them. The blanks are all cut the same size, but you have a "registration corner" that is lined up if the boards are a little off, so getting the mats even is not a problem, even with a Mat Maestro.

In fact, the accuracy of the window cuts is independent of the size or squareness of the blanks - unlike a manual cutter.
 
We use the Wizard and the mats are cut individually and then stuck together manually quite easily. We have found that one of two things must be done to make it easy. Either the Wizard must cut the OD’s on both mats or they must be cut at the same time on the wall cutter then marked as to their common edges. Then it’s usually as easy as applying ATG to the back of the top mat, lining up the edges like you’re sorting papers and pressing together.
 
We use the Fletcher. Put the first layer on the board and cut. Put ATG on that mat and attach the second mat. Cut. do it again for the third layer.
 
We gang cut double mats on a Fletcher all the time for an automotive client. 6 11x14's from a shingle sheet, ATG'd in the CMC and cut down to size on our Fletcher 3000.
 
Ditto with the Eclipse. The blanks can be sized in advance and then cut. Like Ron said, use the "registration corners" to ensure accurate alignment.

You can also choose to have the machine cut the outside dimension for you for perfect alignment regardless of the number of layers.

One thing I like to do is cut my top mat first (face down) or bottom mat first (face up) using a pre-sized blank. Without taking the mat or the dropout out of the clamps, I ATG the subsequent layer to the first mat and cut. The ATG will hold the second mat in place and ensure alignment accuracy.
 
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