Comments about Dexter Mat Cutter:

The size and general shape of the Dexter mat cutter gives support to the arthritic joints in my hands. It also allows me to cut free-form curves in mat board that I use in making mat board sculptures. By adding two washers from the hardware store to the back end of the bar that holds the blade and then tightening the screw cap, I am able to fix the blade in a vertical, ninety degree position that easily cuts the desired curves.

The Dexter that I had forty years ago and have lost in moving had a taller or longer screw cap and no washer were necessary. I don't remember where that edition was made, but I definitely regret losing it. The one I ordered this year was made in China and I had to add washers to get it to complete the desired tasks.

I wish I could order the baldes in packages of twenty-five rather than five. Consider it. Also, note that the blades from the Logan curve cutter that only cuts forty-five degree angles do fit the Dexter. The Logan cutter is smaller, not as easily controlled as the Dexter, and definitely is not a friend of arthritic joints. The Logan blades also come only in packages of five.

Comments about Dexter Mat Cutter:

Wow, I have used bevel mat cutters many times before and got beautiful results but this mat cutter sucks! The first time I used it, three of the blades broke and I got terrible results. The cutter did not cut smoothly and I hate how you have to cut on the front of the mat board to get the beveled edge. It is also poorly designed in that it cuts 1/8th of an inch off the straight edge. I would never recommend this to anyone. :(

Comments about Dexter Mat Cutter:

This is a really great mat cutter. I was trained on a professional cutter in a museum, so transitioning to this type of cutter was easy for me. It is the best deal for the price. Someday I'll invest in a large table cutter, but for the time being, this is perfect. The only problems I have with it is that sometimes if there isn't sufficient weight on my straight edge, my cut is wobbly. This problem only occurs when I am cutting large mats (and often leaning over my table to reach, etc, not the cutters fault really). Having to factor in the 1/8 inch into my calculations for centering the cut can be confusing, mostly because I am dyslexic. I often get it backwards. Either way, I get better and better at it each time I use it. I work with many artists that can't afford professional mat cutting (technically I am professional because I was trained in a museum...) but I know that it definitely helps with the presentation of prints and other artwork. This is BY FAR the easiest tool to use to avoid the biggest mistake of mat cutting: over-cuts.

Comments about Dexter Mat Cutter:

I've been using a Dexter matte cutter for years, but it does require some care in getting straight, accurate cuts. One annoyance is measuring and marking the offset - your cutting guide must be about 1/4 inch from your cut-line, but it's not exact - mine comes out to about 7/32" - not a convenient measurement to make and draw. That offset may vary depending upon the angle the blade is set at.

I take a piece of clear plexiglass with a straight edge (a drafting square is convenient), determine the exact offset desired, then make a score on the plexiglas at that distance from the straight edge, with a very sharp point. Draw the exact outline of your cutout on the back of your matte board. Assuming you're right-handed, lay your plexiglass down, aligning the score exactly on the left-hand perimiter line of your cutout with the straight edge to the left of that (outside the perimeter of your cutout). Now place your cutting guide flush against the edge of your plexiglass. Keeping the guide firmly in place on the matte board with your left hand, remove the plexiglass. Now run your matte cutter along the guide, and make your cut.

You've now made a precise cut without making a bunch of additional measurments and markings.

Comments about Dexter Mat Cutter:

I bought this to replace one lost after years of use. I did fine tune it by sanding the base with 220 grit sandpaper on a granite surface, then 400 grit and finally 1500 grit. This cuts down on surface marring of the mat board. Cut from the back side of the mat. I tried the new Logan brand single push cutter model 2000 and it slid under my t-square, causing bad cuts. This Dexter Mat cutter has a vertical surface to 1" made to align and slide along a reference rule. If this cutter had a solid base with more surface to slide on a mat it would be better but at a much higher cost. Dexter's conformal shape fits nicely into your palm and this is a nice long term plus when cutting lots of mats. Logan's extruded aluminum does have rounded corners but are harder on the hands. This mat cutter can be used with a simple t-square or any 1/8" thick aluminum cutting guide. Great for larger mats which don't fit in Logan's mat kits. Adjustable angle and depth of cut. Angle may change if not tightened properly. Requires custom Dexter #3 brand blades. Bottom line: I used my first Dexter cutter in college 35 years ago and bought this when I needed to replace a great tool.

Comments about Dexter Mat Cutter:

I've been using Dexter mat cutters for 40+ years. You need a heavy straightedge to hold the line when you cut, but the angle is consistently perfect, you cut on the back side so there are no marks, and you can achieve a level of precision that matches and exceeds the really expensive mat cutter systems. Great teaching tool.

Comments about Dexter Mat Cutter:

This is a perfect mat cutter for the do-it-yourself person to use for their own projects. The only thing to be careful of is the blade. I would recommend a piece of styrofoam to set the cutter on when not using. Otherwise, it cannot be set blade down as that will damage the blade.
A Tsquare is necessary to get perfectly straight lines.