Question manual mat cutter vs cmc

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sandybaham

Grumbler in Training
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Jun 22, 2010
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starting up a new frame in Central America
no previous frame shop exp. trying to decide on manual mat cutter(speed-mate) or cmc (wizard)?????
this is not going to be a high production shop
any thoughts or opinions???
 
Welcome Sandy.

You havent given enough info here for any of us to help you.

If you have no framing experience, I would suggest that you take classes from people that will help you get started in business. A good class will help you make informed decisions about the equipment you need to start out.

Are you in the states now and relocating to CA, or there now? Where abouts in CA?
 
I always start up my business with no experience that way I learn from my mistakes !
 
I invested in a Valiani CMC about 16 months ago, what a change that made to cutting mats, the quality and consistency of the work I can produce is fantastic in comparison to what I could produce on a manual cutter, and the speed I can now produce at is hugely better.

If you can I would advise you to get a CMC, one that will take the large board, if you have the space for it, you will be surprised by how often you will want to cut large mats once you see and understand what a CMC can do.

Any make of CMC will give a framing business a huge process improvement on a manual cutting system and can be operated by anyone once they can enter a few simple instructions into a computer.

Good luck with the venture.
 
Personally I'd go with a manual cutter. Speed mat is fine but I would also look at C&H MatPro 48 and Fletcher 2000, 2100, or 2200. The Esterly speedMat is made here inMaine and I have heard very good things about them, but you'll be in Central America, a long way for tech support. They also need to be mounted to a wall.

A CMC needs a computer to work. And a compressor. And electrical power. And tech support.

All of which you may have in Central America, and may have on a consistent every minute of every day basis, but I would want to keep it simple (KISS). I would want to be able to rely on myself and my "power" first and foremost. So I, personally, would opt for a table top high quality manual cutter. Preferably a metal based one (Fletcher 2200), as wood may warp in the humidity (C&H). And a smaller 48" model as opposed to a big 60" one.
 
If money is not an issue, I definitely would go with a CMC. Learning to cut complex mats is a craft that takes time to learn on a manual cutter. A CMC will eliminate that learning curve and give you a competitive advantage over shops without one.
 
If you have the resources to acquire a CMC, my suggestion is to do it. The advantages are obvious for a production framing business, but for small frame shops (like mine) a CMC still provides speed, precision, and profitable capabilities that a manual mat cutter can not match.

Gunnar, Valiani, and Wizard CMCs are all very good machines; all of which will cut and deboss any sort of shapes you can design in a CAD program. Valiani and Wizard will also draw using ordinary pens or pencils.

That said, you should still learn how to use a manual mat cutter in order to understand the fundamentals of the process. It's a good idea to keep a manual cutter on hand in the shop, for trimming and emergency use -- just as it's a good idea to keep a flashlight and candles in case the lights go out.
 
When I open my next shop I will not hesitate. A Wizard CMC is the next thing after the lease agreement for the store front.

Rent a Wizard CMC You can always Buy it or send it back............
Your mat cutting skill level will be professional from day one.
 
CMC could be a problem in Central America (where?).....tech support, power and air compressor required...plus you need a good backup manual cutter no matter where you are...so start with a manual and good luck in your venture.
 
Valiani support there machines all over the world including Central and South America and many other areas around the world even more distant from there manufacturing site in Italy.

And I’m sure the other manufacturers also support there machines in other areas of the world asides from North America

I’m in quite a remote area of Europe and have had no issues with support for my Valiani.
 
If I’m correct about where you are located ;) you might be interested in the CMC support group at the Framers Forum http://www.theframersforum.com/viewforum.php?f=25 and again if I’m correct about your location I don’t think the issue of a compressor or a computer should cause you any concerns.

BTW your wonderful area of the world is high on my wish list to visit some day.
 
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