Opinions Wanted Opinions-Logan 850 Platinum

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MLee

Grumbler in Training
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Mar 24, 2007
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Hi
I've searched the web for articles, but can't seem to find any reviews or opinions on the Logan 850 Platinum mat cutter. I am a amateur photographer who would like to cut my own mats. It may seem to be a bit of overkill, but I just want to buy one mat cutter and be done with it. I'd appreciate hearing from anyone with an opinion on this on any other comparable machine.
Thanks in advance
Mike
 
I would seriously consider finding a good used Fletcher,or C&H if I were you.I think there are some mat cutters in the Sale section here...Or try www.pictureframingequipment.com Good source. I don`t know about the Logan you speak of,only that Logans aren`t generally thought of as high end as far as durability,and quality.Not that they aren`t useable,just not as well regarded. L.
 
MLee said:
...I just want to buy one mat cutter and be done with it...
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If you want to buy one mat cutter and be done with it, buy a good one. Buy a mat cutter used by professionals who depend on it in their work.

For a couple of decades the most popular manual mat cutting machines in the framing industry have been the Fletcher-Terry F-2000 series. In my shop we use an F-2000 that is probably 15 years old. The F-2100 is a newer model, and the current design is model F-2200.

Aside from being durable and well-built, these machines are available from most framing distributors. Blades, accessories and parts for them are, too.

(I am a Fletcher-Terry consultant)
 
I am not a Fletcher Terry consultant, but with today's economy and shops closing- there is a plethora of used professional equipment out there that can probably be purchased for the same price as a Fletcher-wanna be (LOGAN).

Plus, you will find great support for using professional equipment on this board and at mat cutting classes at the framing shows. Doubt seriously that if you have a problem with a LOGAN, there are as many on this board who could help you. The advice you can receive is worth the price difference!

I second the notion that a good used Fletcher 2100 (or 2000) is the way to go. The LOGAN at 40" is about $650+ on sale. A good used Fletcher at 48" is around $700 - $750 and will run circles around anything Logan makes. (Guess that eliminates my chances of being a LOGAN consultant :).

Buy a professional matcutter - even used. You won't regret it.
 
i have a logan i bought in 1976. It cuts square & is a has been very dependable cutter. Logan has given me replaced bearings three times no charge over the three decades I have had it I still use it to cut my blanks & trim boards.....

So as far as reliablity I would rank it high. Maybe it is all how you take care of the equipment.

If I were to buy a new cutter today I am not sure which one I would buy due to the fact I own a Wizard CMC.
I have been impressed with Keencut Ultimate Gold http://www.keencut.com/ultimat_gold.aspx

But most are good I even like the Altos EZ mat cutter it will cut up to a 40 x 60 with just a 1'x3' foot print.
 
WELLL

This is the first time that I have seen the Platinum cutter, it looks eerily similar to a Fletcher 2100! It may be a great machine, but you could find a just as good machine used, for possibly even less.

A friend of mine bought a 60" for $300. It was in great condition and I was kicking myself for not buying first.

*Currently I own a Logan intermediate cutter, a different animal than the guy you're interested in. It's primarily suited for a student or artist that is looking to make their work presentable. The machine layout is not very efficient, but it functions. It is "okay" and not much more.
 
I have a used C&H and it is wonderful. I picked it up 4 years ago for $500.00. The economy was much stronger 4 years ago than now, so you might be able to pick one up for even less.

The C&H mats are much better than the hand cutting I was trying to do 40 years ago.

I have found that many framers who are using older equipment swear about using either C&H or Fletcher. If you have a chance to get a used one of either, you would be happy.
 
Before I purchased my new C&H last week, I've been using a Logan. Have had it for 6 years and had no issues or prolems at all with either the company or the machine. Logan has sent me replacement parts for no charge and even talked me through the process of replacing said parts. I was looking at the new Platinum before the C&H went on sale. Check out M&Ms site for the prices, not sure what they are now.
http://www.mmdistributors.com/
Hope this helps, I know it helped me.
 
I have had the new Platinum 855 (48") for about 3 weeks now. I'm loving it. I got it for around 650.00 through Decor. Logan has not been known as a high end mat machine in the past, but that will begin to change. I've been using the framers edge 60" cutter for a while and making great cuts, but I knew there were more solid machines out there. I though I would get a Fletcher next as I know they are highly regarded and I have their 3100 cutter and love it. The Platinum is solid, aluminum, perfect squareness. Cuts are perfect and smooth, NO hooks of any kind. All stops, guides, and depth of cuts have simple effective micro adjustments. So it up to you to fine tune to the perfection you demand. Most everything feels user friendly except for the metal tightening knob for the end stop, but they just sent me a plastic one that works for me. They were nice about my feedback and sent the knob right away no charge. I buy a lot of good equipment used, but I wanted to buy a mat cutter new. If you have any question I will check back.
 
FrameArt said:
I have had the new Platinum 855 (48") for about 3 weeks now. I'm loving it.
...
If you have any question I will check back.
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Hi FrameArt. Sent you a PM with a question about the Platinum. Just got one too and am generally quite happy with it, except for one little thing (see my PM).

Thanks
 
For those of you that don't recognize the Logan Platinum line; Logan bought the Phaedra Chronomat line after Phaedra closed its doors.

The Logan Platinum line is the Chronomat mat cutters with a slightly different look - graphite look instead of brushed aluminum look.

The 860 looks almost identical to my 60" Chronomat and I'm told that the parts for the 860 will work with my Chronomat.

If the quality of the Logan is as good as the Chronomat I would recommend it.
 
BTW, Everything that everyone has said about the Logan line being less than profession quality is absolutely true for all their other mat cutters. I have used several of their low end cutters and the quality isn't there.

Until we have a report on the quality of the Platinum line, we can't make the same generalization about this line. The quality of the Platinum line may be as good as Phaedra's and may be Logan's attempt to get into the professional mat cutter business.
 
Update Please...?

Hello - I'm considering the purchase of the Logan 850, but would like to hear from someone who actually owns one before purchasing.

FrameArt, Karsten - what are you thoughts?
(good/bad)

Thanks in Advance,
Steve
 
I just got my Platinum 850 mat cutter a few days ago. I would like to know

how long do the 267 blades last (a somewhat nebulous question, right?) What I mean is, how many bevel mats can I cut (minimum) with an opening of 13 x 19" (actually 12.75 x 18.75 inches( in a 4 ply mat before I should consider replacing or reversing the blade? These are Bainbridge Alphamat Art Care boards... not rag boards. What are the indications that the blade will need to be changed fairly soon. I don't want to waste a board by having a rip or rough cut on the colord side of the mat. I'd like to change my blade just before it does any damage to a board. Thanks.







0.
 
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Save some of your mat opening fallouts and do test cuts on those before cutting your new mats. Use fresh slip sheets (or at least reposition them) under the mats when you are cutting. Also, ensure that the blade is sharp, the depth properly adjusted. These steps will help you get clean cuts every time.

:cool: Rick

P.S. Everyone has different standards about what is sharp enough. Some people change blades before cutting a particularly expensive board, no matter what. Alphamats cut pretty easily, so I'm guessing at that kind of size you can get maybe 6 to 8 mats before changing. Don't quote me on that though.
 
Thank you so very much!

Rick Granick said:
Save some of your mat opening fallouts and do test cuts on those before cutting your new mats. Use fresh slip sheets (or at least reposition them) under the mats when you are cutting. Also, ensure that the blade is sharp, the depth properly adjusted. These steps will help you get clean cuts every time.

:cool: Rick

P.S. Everyone has different standards about what is sharp enough. Some people change blades before cutting a particularly expensive board, no matter what. Alphamats cut pretty easily, so I'm guessing at that kind of size you can get maybe 6 to 8 mats before changing. Don't quote me on that though.
Click to expand...

Thank you!
I just wanted to make sure that I don't change blades much more often than needed. I used to have the Logan 301 compact and then the 650 framer's edge. It's just that THIS cutter is new to me and is so far ahead of the two I just mentioned.. I will do test cuts on this new model over this weekend using scrap mat pieces. Thanks again.
 
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