Mat cutting table

[O'Kane]

Hi folks,

I'm new here. I just bought a 60" Fletcher 2100 and I need to make a table for it. Not knowing anything about this sort of thing (!), I was wondering if anyone had any advice on how to make the right sort of table?

thanks,

Dermot

 

[Puppyraiser]

Two Dermots? Well, I suppose anything can happen....

Welcome, Dermot the Second.

The best thing to do with a mat cutter is to build a table that has a place for the mat cutter to be inset. That way you have a large flat surface for the matboard to sit level as you cut. Your bevels will be better quality.

Make sure the table is tall enough, so you don't break your back. Make sure you can reach the side of the cutter so that when you are cutting the 60" length, you can access the head at the beginning of the cut. You don't want to have to climb up on the table to start your cut!

Hope this helps....

 

[BILL WARD]

d2--

I have used 2 folding tables for 4 yrs----just a little short for my 6'5" but works well AND the price was right! have to bump up the one with the cutter but that's easy. covered the other with that self healing matting--also use it as an assembly table when the bigone is full up

 

[Dermot.]

Dermot...

Welcome...........

The type of table you build will depend on the space you have..........

Anyway the first thing most carpenters build is a work table.........this link should give you some ideas........ http://bushcaddy.com/en/Drawingfiles.htm

This book is available from the PPFA which covers shop layouts and storage etc. you might also get some ideas from it.... http://services.pmai.org/online/core/orders/product.aspx?catid=1&prodid=336

And this book is super.... http://services.pmai.org/online/core/orders/product.aspx?catid=1&prodid=298

Good luck

Dermot...

 

[O'Kane]

Thanks for the info guys. Think I'll check out that book recommended by my namesake.

Dermot

 

[artfolio]

Yep, you absolutely must have a level surface extending from the baseplate of the cutter as far to the right as space will allow. If space is tight a hinged folding extension works well. First time you try and cut a 5' matt you will make this discovery.

I built a large table for my Fletcher then made up two flat trays which filled in the space between the baseplate and squaring arm. I found the best height was about level with my belt buckle. One vital point with any matcutter is that it deserves its own piece of real estate where it can be left set up undisturbed. If you keep moving it it will never stay square.

 

[Maryann]

Dermot,
I have a table for sale - very well built, offset for a mat cutter, storage underneath. I can email you pictures if you're interested. I don't know where you're located, your profile doesn't say. It would be for pickup only because of the size and weight. I'm going to list it on the Grumble for sale in the next day or two ~ as soon as I take the time to figure out how to post pictures.