Cutting Out Mountings

[cliff123]

I'm trying to cut out mountings for some pictures, which are 38cm x 24cm. I have a mount cutting tool, which is supposed to make the job nice and easy, giving me the 45 degree angle cut. However, I'm finding it near impossible. Whats the secret? Am about to say sod it and give them straight edges, but would prefer the angled ones. Words of advice required, and quickly. Thanks.

[simpo two]

What kind of mount-cutting tool is it?

[cliff123]

Hard plastic, fist sized thing, with a blade which you can push down in the centre.

[te51cle]

1 - Are you using a spare (sacrificial !) piece of mountboard underneath the board you are cutting ?

2 - Is the surface you are cutting on truly flat ?

3 - Does the cutter have a groove that locks in to a special ruler without wobbling at all ?

4 - Is the blade really sharp ?

Pictures of the problem may help with diagnosis.

[simpo two]

I haven't used one of those but you normally cut the board face down, with a spare bit underneath to stop ragging out. That means that the cuts will cross over by a few mm, but will be correct on the good side.

I trust you're using a suitable solid straight-edge?

NB I saw that The Range now sell mounts, if you still get stuck.

[nick francis]

we use a Keencut ultimat gold .. you can't get a better manual mount cutter. At around a grand tho its a bit dear for the occasional user

>> Edited by nick francis on Wednesday 8th March 00:16

[_dobbo_]

Is it the same as the one I used here?

If so there's a bit more info here also which may help you. I find it pretty good but it is a slight learning curve. Once you've worked out the snags you should be able to cut pretty useful mounts with it.