Mat Cutting Tip

Less

SGF, Supreme Grumble Framer
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Jun 23, 2002
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Mat Cutting Tip

Maybe this has been talked about before, but it seems a difficult search.

I have an old C+H 60” model 6000.
I have solved the old hooker and fuzzies problems, but I have had a slight grove on the face of the bevel at the end of the stroke side of the mat.

I finally figured out the cause.
I have been using Fletchers single edge blade # 05-016.
I started to lift the bar before allowing the blade holder to release to remove the blade from the mat, and bingo the mark was gone.

Apparently when the blade holder was released, the front edge of the blade was scoring the face of the bevel.

I’ll test other blades and let you know what happens.
Any similar experiences or advice would be appreciated.
 
This could be the same problem a few of us discussed with John Ranes at the NY show. From the description it sounds like the arced line at the end of the cut which can be remedied with a bone. If so, John suggested a similar solution but it also involved removing the blade quickly, if my memory serves me well. We were discussing a 2100. I hope John reads this and comments.
 
Some batches of blades can do this more than others, a quick "nudge" with a fine file on the end helps also.
 
I had the same problem. I found that if I retracted the blade before I got to the end and avoided a dead stop, that seemed to do the trick. It sounds like the same effect as lifting the bar - but I'm less coordinated than Less. :D
 
Al,

Indeed, we did discuss this at the New York show this past year. It was first brought to my attention about 5 years ago by a Fletcher distributor in the UK (Lion), who was examining some of my mats, and pointed out this phenomenon.

less and Eric, Yes the release can definitely help avoid this little flaw in the results of hand cutting. It is caused by the fact that the blade is not held parallel to the clamp - almost, but not quite. Both C&H and Fletcher, (and others I would guess), design a slight skew to help hold the blade to run towards the clamp as you pull it through the mat. Dependent upon "play" at the end of the cut, and release technique a small mark can appear on the bevel. As Lance states some blades are more prone to show this mark, in particular, Single Edge blades!

John
 
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