Manual mat cutter problems

Joined
Feb 7, 2002
Posts
16
Loc
Collierville, TN
Help!

The C+H Advantage mat cutter at work is not cutting the mats in a straight line.

To clarify, the mat cutting lines are drawn using the mat guide. Next the we attempt to cut the lines, the cut starts out straight but as the cut proceeds it deviates further and further from the cutting lines.

Can anyone suggest what the cause may be and how to fix the problem?
 
Check the guidance system, I have a Keeton and every so often the same thing happens and I have to re-align the guide (loosen and re-tighten screws.) To check if it's the guide, draw your mat lines, set at 2" on a 4" strip of board. Flip this 180 degrees and re-draw your line. If they are the same, your problem lies elsewhere; if they are widely divergent- VOILA!

Hope this helps, and thanks for asking a LOWtech question!

PS, Frameshop Elf, My customers have always assumed that I have one or two of you tucked away in my shop to do rush orders on evenings and weekends. Welcome to the Grumble!!!
 
Welcome too, Elf! Glad to have you!
 
Years ago we had the same type of problem. Our problem was that our cutter had a little piece of matboard stuck on the underside of the back. Try this test, place a strip under your cutter and see for yourself.
 
UPDATE! I have solved the problem.

I tested the alignment with a 4" mat strip as you instructed. The bar and pencil line didn't meet.

The problem was: the razor was put into the mat cutter with the wrong side facing out.

Fortunately it was a training issue and not an equipment issue. Thanks for all of the advice. I'll keep it in mind for future reference.

I do have an unrelated question though.
1-where can I purchase the substance (forgot the name) that is applied to the mat cutter after it is cleaned with lighter fluid?
 
Hi elf,

I bought a half dozen cans of Carithers Mat Cutter lube about 7 years ago, not knowing how little you use to lubricate the slide bars on your mat cutters. I still have 3 cans left. I bought them thru UMS but I don't think they carry it anymore.

I also use Boeshield T-9 lubricant on all my equipment. You have to be careful with any aerosol lube on a mat cutter that you don't get a bunch on the mat cutter table or anywhere the parts touch mats. The lube will stain mats in a heartbeat.

Teflon spray is also good for mat cutter bars and heads.

Framerguy
 
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