When comparing the differences mat cutters, the questions you want to ask are: What do you want your mat cutter to do? and Is it right for you? Let’s take a look at the choices.

Logan Platinum Edge Mat Cutters, Models C850 and C860

Built entirely of aluminum for the highest level of durability, the Platinum Edge Mat Cutters incorporate ball bearings, allowing the cutting heads to glide with a minimum of resistance, reducing hand strain and preventing wobble and slop due to wear. The micro-adjustable magnetic stops provide extra precision in starting and stopping each cut to insure flawless corners. And the quick change magnetic blade cartridge makes blade changes a snap.

What does this mat cutter do?

The Platinum Edge can straight cut and bevel cut 4-ply and 8-ply (double thick) mat board, and comes with a removable 32″ squaring arm for accurate sizing of full size sheets of mat board and foam board. The base is wider than on other mat cutters, allowing for a lay-flat experience regardless of the size of the board. The Platinum edge is also available in a 60″ version for larger format mats. For the ultimate in precision, versatility and ease-of-use, the Platinum Edge is the right choice.

Who is this mat cutter for?

If you are going into a framing business and seek a superior mat cutter, or if you are contemplating large volume contract frame jobs of more than 100+ mats, the Platinum Edge is right for you.

The Logan Platinum Edge Mat Cutter Features…

∗ All aluminum construction
∗ Ball bearing guided cutting heads
∗ Heavy duty guide rail with hold-up feature
∗ Micro-adjustable magnetic stops
∗ 12” wide base
∗ Quick change magnetic blade cartridge
∗ 8-ply cutting ability
∗ Foam board cutting ability
∗ 32” squaring arm
∗ Start-position stop
∗ Guide rail stop
∗ Squaring arm stop
∗ Mat guide
∗ 40” or 60” cutting capacity
∗ Bevel cutting and straight cutting ability

Read more and see the video on the Logan Platinum Edge Mat Cutters

Logan Framer’s Edge Elite Mat Cutters, Models 650-1 and 660-1

Built to take the wear and tear of 50+ mats a day, the Framer’s Edge has a ¾” thick MDF base and heavy duty guide rail. With ball bearings for a smooth glide which virtually eliminates slop and wobble, the Framer’s Edge enjoys some of the same advantages as the Platinum Edge but at a lower price.

What does this mat cutter do?

The Framer’s Edge can straight cut and bevel cut 4-ply and 8-ply (double thick) mat board, and comes with a removable 32” squaring arm for accurate sizing of full size sheets of mat board and foam board. The Framer’s Edge is available in a 60″ version for larger format mats.

Who is this mat cutter for?

If you are contemplating branching out from matting and framing your own work to doing it for others, the Framer’s Edge is right for you. It will provide superior ease of use and versatility and can stand up to rigorous use as your volume grows.

The Logan Framer’s Edge Mat Cutter Features…

∗ ¾” MDF cutting base
∗ Heavy duty guide rail
∗ Ball bearing guided cutting heads
∗ Optional extension board to widen base
∗ 8-ply cutting ability
∗ Foam board cutting ability
∗ 32” squaring arm
∗ Start-position stop
∗ Guide rail stop
∗ Squaring arm stop
∗ Mat guide
∗ 40” or 60” cutting capacity
∗ Bevel cutting and straight cutting ability
∗ Glass, Plexi and V-Groove cutting ability (with accessories purchased separately)

Read more and see the video on the Logan Framer’s Edge Mat Cutters

Logan Simplex Elite Mat Cutters, Models 750-1 and 760-1

Versatility is the key with the Simplex Elite Mat Cutter. Designed to provide photographers and artists with a host of desirable functions but without the bulk and durability necessary for production runs, the Simplex is multi-faceted without being pricey.

What does this mat cutter do?

The Simplex Elite can straight cut and bevel cut 4-ply mat board and foam board, and comes with a 27” squaring arm and production stops for accurate sizing of full size sheets of mat board and foam board. With the accessories provided the Simplex can also cut glass, Plexi, paper and double-thick (8-ply) mat board. The Simplex is available in a 60″ version for larger format mats.

Who is this mat cutter for?

If you are a photographer or artist who needs to cut mat board, glass, Plexi and paper but don’t need to cut more than 25 mats a week on an on-going basis, the Simplex Elite is right for you.

The Simplex Elite Features…

∗ 27” squaring arm
∗ Start-position stop
∗ Guide rail stop
∗ Squaring arm stop
∗ Mat guide
∗ 40” or 60” cutting capacity
∗ Bevel cutting and straight cutting ability
∗ Foam board cutting ability
∗ 8-ply cutting ability (with accessory included)
∗ Glass cutting ability (with accessory included)
∗ Plexi cutting ability (with accessory included)
∗ Paper cutting ability (with accessory included)

Read more and see the video on the Simplex Elite Mat Cutters

Logan Simplex Classic Mat Cutters, Models 550-1 and 560-1

The same in all particulars as the Simplex Elite except that it does not include the accessories for cutting glass, Plexi, paper and 8-ply mat board. The Simplex Classic is strictly a tool for cutting 4-ply mat board and foam board.

What does this mat cutter do?

The Simplex Classic can straight cut and bevel cut 4-ply mat board, and comes with a 27” squaring arm and production stops for accurate sizing of full size sheets of mat board and foam board.

Who is this mat cutter for?

If you are a photographer or artist who needs to cut mat board and foam board quickly and accurately but don’t need to cut more than 25 mats a week on an on-going basis, the Simplex Classic is right for you.

The Simplex Classic Features…

∗ 27” squaring arm
∗ Start-position stop
∗ Guide rail stop
∗ Squaring arm stop
∗ Mat guide
∗ 40” or 60” cutting capacity
∗ Bevel cutting and straight cutting ability
∗ Foam board cutting ability
∗ Glass, Plexi and V-Groove cutting ability (with accessories purchased separately)

Read more and see the video on the Simplex Classic Mat Cutters

The Logan Artist Elite Mat Cutter, Model 450-1

If you are an artist on a budget, the Artist Elite Mat Cutter provides you many of the features of the more versatile mat cutters listed above but at a lower price.

What does this mat cutter do?

The Artist Elite can straight cut and bevel cut 4-ply mat board, and comes with a 20” squaring bar and production stops. Note: The squaring bar differs from the squaring arm provided on more sophisticated models in that it is strictly a measuring feature and doesn’t provide the abutment for keeping the mat board square during sizing.

Who is this mat cutter for?

If you are an artist on a budget who needs to cut mat board with some degree of accuracy but won’t need to cut more than 15 mats a week on an on-going basis, the Artist Elite is right for you.

The Logan Artist Elite Features…

∗ 20” squaring bar (not a squaring arm – see note in text)
∗ Guide rail stop
∗ Squaring arm stop
∗ Mat guide
∗ 40” cutting capacity
∗ Bevel cutting and straight cutting ability
∗ Foam board cutting ability
∗ Glass, Plexi and V-Groove cutting ability (with accessories purchased separately)

Read more and see the video on the Logan Artist Elite Mat Cutter

The Logan Compact Classic Mat Cutter, Model 301-1

Designed to provide the greater accuracy and ease-of-use that is missing in hand-held mat cutters, the Compact Classic Mat Cutter is the lowest priced mat cutting system in Logan’s line.

What does this mat cutter do?

The Compact Classic can straight cut and bevel cut 4-ply mat board and provides a mat guide measuring system to provide a way of measuring in the mat cutter.

Who is this mat cutter for?

If you have struggled with hand-held mat cutters and are frustrated with the learning curve required, the Compact Classic provides an instant leap forward in terms of ease-of-use and accuracy.

The Compact Classic Mat Cutter Features…

∗ Mat guide
∗ 32” cutting capacity
∗ Bevel cutting and straight cutting ability
∗ Foam board cutting ability
∗ Glass cutting ability (with accessories purchased separately)

Read more and see the video on the Logan Compact Classic Mat Cutter

The Logan Team System Mat Cutters, Models 424 & 440

The Team System combines a bevel cutting hand-held mat cutter with a guide rail and allows the cutting head to ride on the guide rail to eliminate the problem of the two pushing against each other.

What does this mat cutter do?

For all intents and purposes, this is a glorified hand-held mat cutter and should not be mistaken for a mat cutting system like those listed above. While easier than a hand-held mat cutter, it still requires a learning curve to master. Available in two different sizes, with a 24” rail (424) or a 40” rail (440), it only cuts beveled windows in mats and cannot be used for sizing.

Who is this mat cutter for?

Anyone who wants to move beyond a hand-held mat cutter but can’t justify the expense of more sophisticated models.

The Team System Mat Cutter Features…

∗ Bevel cutting ability
∗ A rubberized guide rail

Read more and see the video on the Logan Team System Mat Cutters

The Logan Hand-Held Mat Cutters

With a hand held mat cutter you can cut a window as precisely as on the most expensive mat cutter – but you’d better be willing to devote the time. The learning curve on hand held cutters is long, because hand held cutters are difficult to manage.

What do these mat cutters do?

At bottom, a basic principal of hand-held mat cutting is flawed. To cut properly you must push firmly against the straightedge with the cutting head. But straightedges are not designed to be pushed against. They slip. And when they do the cut is ruined. It takes practice to get the feel of a hand held mat cutter – exactly how much pressure to apply to the cutter, to the straightedge and both, to avoid slippage.

Who are these mat cutters for?

Anyone who wants to bevel cut a window in a mat but wants to do so at the minimal possible expense.

The Logan Hand-Held Mat Cutters Feature…

* Bevel cutting ability

Read more on the Logan Series 4000 Hand Held Mat Cutter

Read more on the Logan Series 2000 Hand Held Mat Cutter

When comparing the differences between mat cutters, it’s best to consider your unique needs and whether the mat cutter is right for you.

See all the Logan Mat Cutters