going to look at a C&H matcutter - advice?

B. Newman

SGF, Supreme Grumble Framer
Joined
Sep 5, 2001
Posts
4,855
Loc
Kodak, Tn. USA
I have an opportunity to purchase a used C&H matcutter. Anyone got words pro or con? What should I look for (beware of) with a used product. I'm usually only a "new purchase" person.

I did a search, but didn't really find any info in this particular forum.

Advice?

Betty
 
Why is the seller selling? If you don't know, you'll wanna ask.

I sold a C&H cutter to a hobbyist after I pretty-much wore it out. I would have felt guilty selling it to a professional framer.

For what it's worth, I also wore out a Logan and, try as I might, I have been unable to wear out my Fletcher, though I've replaced a few parts.

Check for wobble in the cutting head. To some extent, you can adjust it out, but only to a point.
 
This guy is closing and selling everything. He's got a Framesquare saw, C&H (60" I think) matcutter, some sort of drymount press, and asundry other things.

I forgot to ask him if he had a v-nailer, which is what I really want next. I had planned on holding on to my Logan 650 until I moved either to a Fletcher or Eclipse. But he only wants $400 ea for the matcutter and saw. I wasn't real interested in the press. I only mount conservatively ya know... (in other words, a press scares me...)

Betty
 
Pro 60 for $400 is a good price, like Ron said check for head wobble. A 4060 for $400 is too much.

4060 is their old model, basically has a wood look base. I sold mine for $150 and bought a Pro 48. The 4060 was still in daily use, I just didn't like the "feel" of it!

Any parts needed can be bought from United, or other sources, but these beasts are hard to wear out beyond repair. (sorry Ron no insult meant!)
 
I wasn't real interested in the press. I only mount conservatively ya know... (in other words, a press scares me...)

Betty, a drymount press is useful even if you don't mount customer's artwork. I use mine all the time and wish I had a larger one. Mine is 20x24 or something like that. It was on all day yesterday as I prepared for a show.

As an example, I love linen laminate on cheap posters. It looks great and is safe in children's room and businesses.

Nancy
 
Betty,

For what it's worth, I have used a C&H Advantage for the past 16 years. I haven't had any bad experiences with it, haven't worn out any parts, (still have the original blade installed!!) :cool: , and have had to adjust the bushings on the cutter head only once.

Any piece of equipment will be as good as the maintainence done to it. I am very diligent about keeping all my equipment calibrated, lubed, and cleaned at all times.

Both the Fletcher and the C&H are dependable professional cutters and you should check the overall appearance of the cutter to ensure that the owner took reasonable care of it. (You can tell by looking at its general condition.) Check the cutter head for sideways movement by twisting it opposite the direction of cutting. If the bushings are loose or worn, there will be some movement in the head. There is always a little bit of movement or the head would be too tight to slide on the cutting bar but you should be able to tell if it is excessive.

I would be more attracted to the FrameSquare saw if I were closer to your area. I like my Phaedra but the saws are very noisy and my dust collector behind the saws is marginal at best. It is one of the few pieces of "homespun" equipment I built for my shop that didn't turn out like it looked on paper.

Framerguy
 
Bob, my C&H was purchased in 1977. I think it was hand-made by Herb Carithers and, trust me, it was worn out when I sold it.
 
Well, I looked at the equipment. The mat cutter looked a little skuzzy, beat up and stuff, but the saw looked pretty good with all sorts of gizmos, arms and channels protruding from it in all directions. I may call him back on the saw. It said (I think) model 1886? on the side, and he told me that he had a extra set of blades for it. There was a ton of cardboard, foamcore, matboard, etc too.

The press was a Seal, and it looked huge. There was a lot of boxes and stuff sitting on it, so I didn't have the lady move it. (She wasn't the owner, just a "neighboring business/sitter" for the owners today until they got there. They were running late, so I got there before they did.

Jerry, if you're interested, I'll e-mail you their phone number. This shop is located in Gatlinburg (amongst the 100 or so other frame shop/galleries) but their phone number is a different area code - 828 if that helps. (I haven't taken time to look up the location.)

I do truly appreciate all your all's input. Maybe I can return the favor some day...

Betty

PS I just went to the framesquare site and this looked like the deluxe model. It was on a big cabinet/base thing. Think I ought to go back after it?
 
Betty,

This is hurtin' me bad!! REAL bad, gal!!

That saw is such a steal that I am having chills just thinking how I could work out getting it down here! (AND pay for it.)
shrug.gif


BTW, did you ask if he had a v-nailer?? :eek:

FGII
 
I found out this morning that the next door neighbor bought the whole shooting match. (I told you she was amongst 100 other shops...)

So, she may eventually sell me the saw, but I couldn't use it for a couple of months anyway, so this may work out even better!

("All thing work together for good..." doncha know! ;) )

betty
 
Originally posted by Ron Eggers:
Bob, my C&H was purchased in 1977. I think it was hand-made by Herb Carithers and, trust me, it was worn out when I sold it.
Ron,
I think the previous owners of my shop had the mate to your mat cutter. It too was warn out but still functioning (I know how it felt!). The head had a little wobble in it and had been replaced once already, the base was pretty "chewed up" by the 30+ years of mat blades gouging it slowly, but yeah know that hold down bar stayed flat! None of the springiness that I experienced in my newer C&H.

Got rid of it mainly because I wanted to be able to do v-grooves. Since selling it I really haven't done a lot of v-grooves, but the control I feel with teh newer C&H has defintely been worth the price I paid. ($808 with squaring arm and production stops)
 
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