Photo mount cutting

What is recommended for a home photo mount cutting kit.

I am thinking of putting a or some shots into the camera clubs competitions, so looking at what other people use.

Regards

A steel ruler and a Swan-Morten Scalpel blade. Awfully sharp!

I have got those but a friend uses the "Logan" system, so thinking about something like that.

Regards

Ah, you're talking about window mounting. Tricky thing that needs practice, but it's much easier with a steel rule (24") and the push-type of Logan cutter.

Don't waste your money on the expensive systems with guide rules included, they are just too difficult to handle easily.

The alternative is to use 3M Photo Mount spray (red can) and just surface mount your prints. Works fine and it is after all the image that counts.

It's not that expensive to get your local picture framers to do it for you. Plus you won't have to pay for wastage and failed attempts!

Or print to standard pre-cut mount sizes

Found some inexpensive W.H.Smiths small stamp mounts that enables removal of pictures leaving the mount reusable.
Works fine for me and acceptable for competition use.

regards thoramay

Thanks for all the information, will have a look in our local shops to see what is on offer.

This is the one I use Colin link I got mine at a local art shop. Its easy to use though I little practice on scraps of card first always helps, the secret is not to skimp on the blades and keep them sharp. If you decide on one of these or a similar brand drop me a PM and I'll give you some tips on using it.

As for mounting card I'm sure members of the Camera Club can point you in the right direction for somewhere that can supply it cheaper than the local craft/hobby shop, My supplier cuts me an A0 sheet into four 500x400 mounts, there is a little waste and it works out to around £1,30 per piece.

hi colin
our camera club gets ours from here
neil
http://www.cotswoldmounts.co.uk/

If you visit the Focus on Photography Exhibition at Birmingham in March you should be able to see a number of mount cutting equipment types being demonstrated.
Lion Picture Framing in Birmingham supply all types and budgets of mount cutters.
Lion and Paper Spectrum of Leicester will deliver packs of 10 off 50 x 40 cm mounting board.

I have a large aluminium mount cutting jig that I bought from Lion. When I want a window mount, I take the time and use this. However, when I am in a hurry, 3M Photo Mount Spray and surface mounted prints, are quite acceptable.

I use a Logan cutter with 24" "Adapt-A-Rule". It is really easy to use and works well for me.

Small tip tho' (and this might work for other cutters too). I now use it on top of a piece of scrap backing card as my cutting mat seemed to break the tips off the blades.

I have found using a piece of laminate underlay works very well as a cutting mat.

John

Thanks to everyone for the tips and suggestions, will look at all options to establish which is the best option for my needs.

Regards

I'd recommend a 32 inch Logan Compact 301S, Easy to use and accurate. Tried other hand held with ruler etc wasteful and dangerous. this system was recommended to me.

Cuts bevels and straights, accurate and quick. My first attempt was a complete success, watch the video on youtube, you will see how easy it is.
Comes with DVD and a good manual.

got mine from.

http://www.greatart.co.uk/LOGANCOMPACT301S-mountcutters.htm

Great service.