hand-held mat cutter for curves

[MorelandBE]

Does anybody ever use a manual mat cutter for cutting curved mat openings? What works best? I do have an oval cutter, but it doesn't cut big enough holes (and these aren't really ovals). I don't expect many of these jobs. Thanks in advance.

 

[alacrity8]

You'd want some type of free hand mat cutter such as https://www.unitedmfrs.com/Dexter_Mat_Cutter_p/500.htm Dexter Mat Cutter
I've used a few like these over a decade ago, so I do not remember which worked best for me.
You'll have to get really good at cutting to your line.

 

[Nikodeumus]

I had picked up a used older version of that Dexter hand cutter.
I only tried it a few times and wasn't particularly impressed.
I don't know for sure, but suspect it would be quite difficult to follow a drawn curved path while simultaneously cutting through the full depth of a standard 4ply mat.
But at the low cost, it may be worth it to someone with more patience than I to learn to use it effectively.

 

[Rick Granick]

The best one, I think is the Dexter Mini. It works beautifully, is simple and easy to control. I don't think they are made anymore, but there is one on Ebay right now.

Dexter Mini Mat Cutter Model 054180 | eBay

<p dir="ltr" style="margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0;">Dexter Mini Mat Cutter Model 054180.</p> <p dir="ltr" style="margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0;">This is the mat cutter plus one blade. No box.</p> <p dir="ltr" style="margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0;">Mailed with USPS.</p>

www.ebay.com

Rick

 

[wpfay]

Try pushing the Dexter mini rather than pulling. I've had better results.

 

[Rick Granick]

That's what I've always done with it. I used to use it to cut my oversize mats with a clamped 60" straightedge before getting the Wizard. I still do that for mats larger than the Wizard can accommodate.
Rick