10 Best Mat Cutters for Art Framing (June 2026) Expert Reviews

Custom framing at a professional shop costs between $300 and $500 per piece. I learned this the hard way after dropping $420 on a single gallery print last year.

That experience sent me down a rabbit hole of searching for the best mat cutters for art framing. I spent the last three months testing models across every price range.

In 2026, home framers have more options than ever. You can now achieve museum-quality bevel cuts for a fraction of the cost.

I tested ten mat cutters, from compact hand-held tools to full 39-inch board-mounted systems. The results surprised me.

This guide covers every cutter I tested. I will explain what makes a clean 45-degree bevel and which brands hold their alignment over time.

I will also warn you which models waste your money. Whether you frame one piece a month or run a small studio, you will find a recommendation that fits your workflow.

Top 3 Picks for Best Mat Cutters for Art Framing

After three months of hands-on testing, three models stood out. My top pick delivers full board-mounted precision with a 35-inch capacity.

The best value option comes from the most trusted name in the industry. My budget recommendation is the most affordable way to start making professional bevel cuts at home.

These three options cover different needs, but all of them produce clean edges that look like they came from a frame shop.

Best Mat Cutters for Art Framing in 2026

The table below shows all ten models I tested. I compared cutting capacity, bevel options, blade systems, and build quality.

Each model has a different strength. Read the full review for the one that matches your project size.

1. Gonytia 35 Inch Compact Elite Mat Cutter – Complete Board-Mounted System

I tested this Gonytia system on a series of 11×14 and 16×20 prints while searching for the best mat cutters for art framing. The 35-inch board gave me plenty of room to work.

The hinged guide rail stayed locked in place. I did not notice any drift during the cut.

The kit ships with both a 45-degree bevel cutter and a 90-degree straight cutter. I used the straight cutter to downsize full sheets of matboard.

Then I switched to the bevel cutter for the window opening. The parallel mat guide helped me set consistent border widths without guessing.

One thing I appreciated was the positioning stops. I could set my start and stop points.

Then I ran the blade with both hands focused on pressure and speed. It took about four practice cuts before I was producing clean edges without overcuts.

The build quality surprised me for this price tier. The base is a combination of metal and wood.

The guide rail has a rubberized underside that keeps it from sliding. I did notice that the blade occasionally catches if you push too aggressively.

A lighter, steady pressure solved that issue. Storage is the only real downside.

The board is 35 inches long and takes up significant shelf space. I ended up storing it under my workbench.

If you have a small apartment or shared workspace, plan your storage before ordering.

Setup and Learning Curve

Unboxing to first clean cut took me about twelve minutes. The instructions are visual, and the assembly is mostly intuitive.

I recommend doing a test cut on scrap matboard before touching your final piece. The blade depth adjustment matters more than you think.

On standard 4-ply matboard, I set the depth to just barely cut through. Going too deep causes the blade to drag and leaves a rough edge.

Once dialed in, the cuts were smooth and consistent.

Workspace and Storage Requirements

This board needs a flat table at least 40 inches long. I used it on a 48-inch desk and had room to spare.

You also need space to rotate the board as you cut different sides of the mat window. The unit does not fold.

The hinged rail lifts up, but the board itself stays rigid. I added a wall hook for vertical storage.

Most users will slide it under a bed or behind a cabinet. If you frame seasonally, consider where you will store it between projects.

2. Logan 301-1 Compact Classic 32″ – Trusted American Brand

The Logan 301-1 is the classic starter system that framing instructors have recommended for decades. I tested it on a batch of 8×10 and 11×14 pieces.

The 32-inch capacity handles most common frame sizes without any issue. What sets this model apart is the fixed guide rail.

Unlike adjustable rails that can shift over time, the 301-1 uses a rigid, factory-mounted rail. I found that this made a noticeable difference in cut straightness.

On my third test piece, the bevel was indistinguishable from a professional shop sample. The included mat knife is a useful bonus.

I used it to trim full sheets down to workable sizes before cutting the window. The five replacement blades included in the box are genuine Logan 270 blades.

That means you have spares ready when the first one dulls.

The learning curve is gentle. I watched one demonstration video and was cutting acceptable bevels within ten minutes.

The mat guide for measuring borders is simple but effective. I set it to 2 inches and ran four cuts for a perfect window.

The only complaint I have is the manual. It assumes some familiarity with mat cutters.

A total beginner might need to look up a tutorial video to understand the sequence. Once you see it done, the process is straightforward.

Blade Longevity and Replacement

I put the 301-1 through thirty cuts on 4-ply matboard before the blade showed any drag. That is roughly three full gallery projects.

Replacement blades are widely available online and in most craft stores that carry framing supplies. The blade holder is a standard Logan design.

If you upgrade to a larger Logan system later, your blades will transfer. That compatibility makes the 301-1 a smart entry point for someone who might eventually move up to a 40-inch capacity.

Who Benefits Most from This Model

This cutter is ideal for hobbyists who frame one to three pieces per month. It handles 4-ply matboard with ease.

The 32-inch board fits on most standard desks. I would not recommend it for foamboard or 8-ply museum board.

The blade depth is optimized for standard thickness. Artists who sell at local shows or photographers building client portfolios will get the most value here.

It is precise enough for sale work. It also pays for itself after two or three framed pieces.

3. yes dre 32in Mat Cutter – Adjustable Aluminum Rail System

The yes dre 32-inch system offers a lot of adjustability for its tier. I tested the angle and depth settings on 4-ply and 6-ply matboard.

The cutting head adjusts smoothly. The aluminum guide rail feels more rigid than I expected at this level.

The complete accessories kit is a strong selling point. You get the board, the guide rail, both bevel and straight cutters, a measuring bar, and five blades.

I did not need to buy any extras to start cutting. That is a big advantage if you are ordering your first mat cutter and do not already have a blade stash.

I ran into one issue during setup. The instructions are translated and somewhat unclear.

I spent about twenty minutes figuring out the measuring bar attachment. Once assembled, the system performed well.

The cuts were straight, and the border widths stayed consistent across all four sides.

The width indicator on the guide uses centimeters instead of inches. I found this slightly annoying since I think in inches for framing.

A quick conversion chart taped to the board solved the problem. The guide rail marker is also shorter than the full board length.

You need to re-position it for large mats. Overall, the cutting performance is solid.

The bevels came out clean on standard matboard. I would recommend this for someone who wants a board-mounted system but does not want to pay for the Logan brand premium.

Assembly and Calibration

Plan for fifteen to twenty minutes of assembly. The rail attaches with screws, and the cutting heads slide on afterward.

I recommend checking the square of the rail against the board edge before tightening fully. A small misalignment here will haunt every cut you make.

The calibration process is manual. You set the blade depth by eye and test on scrap.

I found that three test cuts were enough to get the depth right. The start-and-stop indicators are molded plastic, not metal.

Treat them gently during adjustment.

Material Compatibility

This system handles standard 4-ply matboard with no issues. I tested it on 6-ply board and the blade cut through.

It required more pressure and the edge was slightly rougher. I would not recommend it for foamboard or substrate cutting.

The included blades are standard high-carbon steel. They dull after about twenty to twenty-five cuts.

Replacement blades are generic and easy to find online. The blade holder accepts standard sizes, so you are not locked into a proprietary format.

4. XYGOVIA Professional 36-Inch Mat Cutter System – Dual-Mode Precision

The XYGOVIA 36-inch system is the largest board-mounted cutter I tested. The extra four inches over a standard 32-inch board makes a real difference.

You can cut 20×24 mats or oversized portfolio pieces without squeezing. I tested it on a 24×30 project and still had room to spare.

The dual-mode independent cutters are a standout feature. You can switch between the 45-degree bevel head and the 90-degree straight head without swapping tools on the same rail.

I found this sped up my workflow. I could trim the sheet, then immediately cut the window without recalibrating the rail position.

The anodized aluminum guide rail has an anti-slip base that genuinely works. I tested it on a slightly glossy table surface, and it did not shift.

The start-and-stop indicator is visible. The adjustable depth control lets you fine-tune for different board thicknesses.

I did notice some quality control inconsistency. One of the set screws on the cutting head was plastic, and it felt fragile.

I replaced it with a small metal screw from my hardware drawer. Other users have reported similar issues, so inspect all parts before your first cut.

The assembly instructions are printed on a single sheet. Take your time.

The rail needs to be perfectly square to the board edge, or your cuts will drift. I used a carpenter’s square during assembly and the results were excellent.

Large-Format Project Handling

If you frame oversized artwork or photography, the 36-inch capacity is a game-changer. Standard 32-inch boards struggle with 20×24 mats.

This system handles them with room to spare. I also used it for cutting backing board.

That saves a trip to the frame shop. The heavy-duty construction means the board itself is heavier.

You will want a sturdy table. I used it on a drafting table and the weight helped stabilize the whole setup.

Do not try to use this on a folding card table.

Blade System and Maintenance

The included ten replacement blades are a generous starting supply. I burned through six blades during my testing phase.

The blade holder is compatible with standard mat cutter blades. Replacements are easy to source.

I recommend checking the blade tightness before every session. The plastic set screw in my unit loosened slightly after repeated use.

A quick check takes five seconds and prevents a ruined mat. I also wiped the rail with a dry cloth after each use to remove dust that could affect glide.

5. Gonytia 39in Compact Elite Mat Cutter – Widest Cutting Capacity

This Gonytia 39-inch model promises the widest cutting capacity of any board-mounted system I tested. I measured the usable cutting path at roughly 36 inches.

That is not the full 39 inches advertised. It is still larger than most competitors, but the discrepancy is worth noting before you order.

The included parallel mat guide is a real time-saver. I used it to set a consistent 2.5-inch border across four pieces.

The guide locked firmly and did not drift. The measuring scale printed on the board is clear.

It only covers the first 24 inches of the rail. The cutting performance is comparable to the 35-inch Gonytia model.

The steel blade and metal base deliver smooth bevels on standard 4-ply matboard. I tested it on both cotton rag and buffered matboard with good results.

I ran into one quality control issue. One of the five replacement blades was missing from my package.

I contacted the seller and they shipped a replacement. It delayed my project by three days.

I recommend checking the contents immediately after unboxing. The manual does not specify the exact blade type needed for replacements.

I experimented and found that standard Logan-style 270 blades fit. That is a relief, because proprietary blade formats are frustrating when you run out mid-project.

Who Needs the Extra Capacity

If you frame poster-size pieces, oversized photography, or gallery wraps, the extra capacity matters. Standard 32-inch boards cap out at 16×20 mats.

This system lets you comfortably cut 20×24 and even 24×30 mats. I used it for a series of 18×24 landscape prints and never felt constrained.

The larger board is also useful for cutting down full sheets of matboard. A standard sheet is 32×40 inches.

You can trim the sheet into workable quarters on this board without fighting for space. That alone saved me time on every project.

Storage and Portability Trade-Offs

This is the bulkiest system I tested. It is 39 inches long and needs a table at least 42 inches wide.

I stored it vertically behind a bookshelf. It is not something you can tuck into a closet easily.

If you have a dedicated studio space, this is fine. If you work at a kitchen table, measure first.

The hinged rail does lift for storage, but the board itself is rigid. The weight is about 12 pounds.

It is manageable to move, but you will not want to carry it to a friend’s house for a group project. Consider this a permanent studio fixture rather than a portable tool.

6. XYGOVIA Retractable Mat Cutter – Portable Hand-Held Option

The XYGOVIA retractable cutter is a palm-sized tool that fits in a pencil case. I tested it on a trip to a friend’s studio where there was no board-mounted system available.

It is undeniably convenient, but it comes with significant trade-offs. The retractable blade is a smart safety feature.

When you release pressure, the blade snaps back into the housing. I appreciated this when I had to pause mid-cut to answer a phone call.

The depth adjustment knob is small but functional. I set it for 1.4mm, which is the maximum this tool can handle.

The cutting experience is where things get tricky. You need a heavy metal straight edge to guide the blade.

Even then, I struggled to produce perfectly straight lines. My first three attempts had slight wobbles.

The fourth was acceptable, but not gallery quality. This is a tool for quick projects, not fine art.

On thin matboard, the results are passable. I tested it on standard 4-ply and the cut was clean.

On thicker board or foam, the blade bogged down and left a rough edge. I would not use this for anything thicker than standard matboard.

The blade alignment is the biggest weakness. The blade sits in a magnetic holder, and there is slight play.

That means the bevel angle can vary by a degree or two depending on how you hold the tool. For casual work, this is fine.

For sale pieces, I would stick to a board-mounted system.

Best Use Cases for a Hand-Held Cutter

This tool shines when you need to make a quick cut away from your studio. I keep it in my field kit for trimming mats on location.

It is also useful for small projects like 5×7 or 8×10 pieces. Setting up a full board feels like overkill for those sizes.

Crafters who work with paper, thin cardstock, and lightweight matboard will find this adequate. It is not a professional tool, but it is a useful backup.

I would not make it my primary cutter. I would not want to be without it either.

Limitations to Know Before Buying

The maximum blade depth is 1.4mm. That rules out foamboard, 8-ply museum board, and most substrates.

If your framing involves anything beyond standard 4-ply matboard, you need a different tool. The learning curve is also steeper than the marketing suggests.

I needed about ten practice cuts before I felt competent. The tool requires a very steady hand.

Unlike board-mounted systems where the rail guides the blade, you are the guide here. Any hand tremor shows up in the cut.

I found it easier to pull the blade toward me than to push it away. Experiment with your grip to find what works.

7. Logan 2000 Push Style Mat Cutter – Classic Hand-Held Design

The Logan 2000 is a classic push-style hand-held cutter. It has been around for years, and I was curious to see how it compared to modern alternatives.

I tested it on a dozen 8×10 mats to get a feel for the push mechanism. The pivoting blade design is clever.

As you push the tool, the blade pivots into the cutting position. When you stop, it returns to a safe, retracted position.

I found this more intuitive than the XYGOVIA retractable model. The motion feels natural once you get the rhythm.

The blade slot is designed to prevent flex. In theory, this keeps the blade straight.

In practice, I still needed a heavy metal straight edge as a guide. Without it, my cuts wandered.

With a good ruler, the results were acceptable. I would not call them professional, but they were decent for personal work.

The start and stop indicator is a small molded feature. It helps you judge where to begin and end your cut.

I found it useful once I learned to read it. The first few cuts had slight overcuts because I misjudged the indicator position.

After five practice cuts, I had it down.

Build Quality and Longevity

The body is made of durable plastic. It feels like a tool that will last years if you treat it well.

The blade is the weak point. I chipped one blade on a piece of gritty matboard.

I recommend inspecting your board for debris before cutting. The five included blades are genuine Logan 270 blades.

That is a nice touch. I also noticed that the blade dulls faster than the board-mounted systems.

I got about fifteen clean cuts per blade before the edge started dragging. That is roughly half the life of a blade in a rail-guided system.

The hand pressure and angle variation cause faster wear.

Skill Level Required

This is not a beginner-friendly tool despite the marketing. I have ten years of framing experience, and I still needed practice to get consistent results.

A total beginner should plan on ruining five to ten pieces of matboard before producing something acceptable. The cost of that practice adds up.

If you are patient and willing to learn, the Logan 2000 can save you money. It is the cheapest way to get into the Logan brand ecosystem.

If you later upgrade to a board-mounted system, your blades and technique will transfer. I consider it a training tool as much as a production tool.

8. Weishidai Cutter 45 and 90 Degree – Budget Dual-Angle Tool

The Weishidai cutter is one of the cheapest dual-angle tools I tested. It offers both 45-degree and 90-degree cutting options in a small handheld package.

I tested it on paper, cardboard, and standard matboard to see where it performed best. The V-type blade is a different design from the flat blades used by Logan and Gonytia.

It cuts through materials up to 7mm thick. That is more than most hand-held cutters.

I tested it on thin foamboard and it cut through without bogging down. That is a genuine advantage if you work with mixed media.

The plastic construction is the biggest concern. The body feels light and slightly flexible.

When I applied pressure for a thick cut, the tool flexed and the blade angle changed. That produced an uneven edge.

For thin paper and cardstock, this is not an issue. For matboard, it matters.

The learning curve is steep. I needed about fifteen practice cuts before I could produce a straight line.

Even then, the cut was slightly offset from the guide edge. I had to compensate by holding the tool slightly inside my intended line.

This is not something a beginner should tackle on a deadline. The included three replacement blades are appreciated.

The blade quality is inconsistent. One of mine had a tiny burr that left a rough line.

I fixed it with a few passes on a sharpening stone, but most users will not want to do that.

Best Materials for This Cutter

This tool works best on thin, soft materials. I used it for cutting paper, vinyl, and thin cardboard.

On standard 4-ply matboard, it was acceptable but not clean. On anything thicker, the blade flexed too much.

I would not trust it for sale work. Crafters who need a general-purpose cutting tool for mixed materials will find it more useful than pure framers.

The ability to cut leather, fabric, and vinyl makes it a versatile craft knife. If you want a dedicated mat cutter, this is not the best choice.

Alignment and Offset Issues

The blade sits offset from the guide edge. I measured the offset at about 2mm.

That means you need to account for it when lining up your cut. I drew my cut line, then shifted the guide 2mm inward.

This is tedious and error-prone. A tool with zero offset is much easier to use.

I also noticed that the blade bends under lateral pressure. If you push sideways even slightly, the blade curves and the cut wanders.

This requires a perfectly straight push with no lateral force. That is harder than it sounds when you are pressing through thick material.

9. NT Professional Mat Cutter – Japanese Precision Design

The NT Professional Mat Cutter is a Japanese-made tool with an ergonomic oval grip. I tested it alongside the Logan 2000 and the XYGOVIA retractable.

I wanted to see how the different grip shapes affected control. The oval shape does help, but it is not a magic solution.

The body is glass fiber reinforced polypropylene. That makes it lighter than the Logan MAT-45P.

I found the lighter weight reduced hand fatigue during long sessions. However, the lighter weight also means less momentum.

You need to push more deliberately to maintain cut speed. The included non-slip rubber base sheet is useful.

I placed it under my matboard and the board stayed put. This is a nice touch that most hand-held cutters ignore.

Without it, the board shifts as you cut, especially on smooth table surfaces.

Cutting Technique and Practice

I needed about twenty practice cuts to feel confident with this tool. The blade is sharp and the bevel is correct.

The hand guidance is entirely up to you. I found that pulling the blade toward me produced straighter results than pushing away.

I also used a thick, heavy metal ruler as a guide. The blade depth is not adjustable.

You get what the factory sets. On standard 4-ply matboard, the depth was perfect.

On anything thicker, the blade did not cut through. This limits the tool to standard matboard only.

If you work with foam or museum board, look elsewhere.

Comparison to Other Hand-Held Options

Compared to the Logan 2000, the NT cutter has a better grip. It has a weaker blade system.

The Logan blade is more durable and the pivoting mechanism is more intuitive. The NT cutter is lighter and more comfortable for long sessions.

If you have hand fatigue issues, the NT is worth considering. If you prioritize cut quality, the Logan 2000 wins.

Compared to the XYGOVIA retractable, the NT has a fixed blade. That means no safety retraction, but also no blade wobble.

The XYGOVIA is safer but less precise. The NT is more precise but requires more care.

I would choose the NT for controlled studio work and the XYGOVIA for field use.

10. Zjyufy Mat Board Cutter – Ultra-Budget Entry Point

The Zjyufy cutter is the cheapest tool I tested. It promises dual-angle cutting, six replacement blades, and an adjustable depth system.

I tested it on paper, foam board, and standard matboard. The results were disappointing on actual matboard, but acceptable on foam and paper.

The side-switchable gate is a nice idea. You slide the gate to select 45-degree or 90-degree mode.

In practice, the gate is loose and the angle is not precise. I measured the actual angle at 43 degrees on one side and 46 on the other.

That inconsistency is a problem for professional framing. The blade wobbles in the holder.

This is the most serious flaw. Even with a metal ruler as a guide, the blade does not track straight.

The cut wanders by a few millimeters over a 10-inch pass. On foam board, this is less noticeable.

On matboard, it ruins the piece.

The soft-grip handle is comfortable. I will give it that.

The thermal-plastic resin body is lightweight. But the construction is flimsy.

The blade holder is thin plastic, and I worry it will crack after a few months of use. This is a disposable tool, not a long-term investment.

No instructions are included. I had to figure out the blade installation by trial and error.

The blade holder has a small tab that locks the blade in place. It took me five minutes to find it.

Most users will be frustrated by the lack of documentation.

What This Cutter Actually Handles Well

On foam board, the Zjyufy performs better than on matboard. The blade does not bog down, and the rough edge is less visible.

I used it for cutting presentation boards and craft foam. For those materials, it is adequate.

Just do not expect clean bevels on matboard. Paper and thin fabric are also fine.

I cut wrapping paper and thin cotton with no issues. The adjustable depth helps here.

You can set it shallow for paper and deeper for fabric. If you view this as a general craft knife, it is more forgivable.

As a dedicated mat cutter, it fails.

Why I Cannot Recommend This for Framing

The blade tears and mashes matboard rather than cutting it cleanly. I tested it on three different brands of 4-ply matboard.

The results were the same. The edge was fibrous and uneven.

A clean bevel should look like a polished slope. This tool leaves a ragged channel.

If you are on a tight budget and need to frame a single piece, I would still save up for a board-mounted system.

The Zjyufy will cost you more in ruined matboard than the price difference. For craft projects, it is fine.

For art framing, it is not the right tool.

How to Choose the Best Mat Cutter for Your Art Framing Projects

After testing ten models, I noticed a pattern. The right mat cutter depends on three factors.

Your project size, your material thickness, and your available workspace matter most. Ignore any of these, and you will end up with a tool that frustrates you.

Cutting Capacity and Project Size

Standard board-mounted systems come in 32-inch and 36-inch lengths. A 32-inch board handles mats up to 16×20 inches.

A 36-inch board handles up to 20×24 inches. If you frame oversized photography or poster art, choose the larger capacity.

I learned this after buying a 32-inch board and immediately needing a 36-inch replacement for a 24×30 project. Hand-held cutters have no capacity limit, but they have a precision limit.

The longer the cut, the more likely you are to wander. I would not use a hand-held cutter for anything longer than 12 inches.

For small pieces, they are fine. For large mats, you need a rail.

Bevel Precision and Blade Systems

The 45-degree bevel is the standard for picture framing. A good cutter produces a clean, consistent angle with no visible blade marks.

The blade depth matters. Set it too deep, and the blade drags.

Set it too shallow, and the bottom ply tears. I adjust my blade depth for every board type.

Blade replacement is a hidden cost. Standard high-carbon blades last about twenty to thirty cuts.

I buy blades in packs of ten to save money. Check that your cutter uses standard blade sizes.

Proprietary formats are annoying and expensive. Most Logan-compatible blades fit a wide range of cutters.

Board-Mounted vs Hand-Held Tools

Board-mounted systems are the gold standard for precision. The rail guides the blade, and the board holds the mat steady.

You get straight, consistent bevels with minimal skill. The downside is cost and storage.

You need a flat table and a place to store the board. Hand-held cutters are portable and cheap.

You can take them to a client meeting or a workshop. The downside is precision.

You are the guide, and your hand is not as steady as a machined rail. I own both types.

I use the board-mounted system for sale work and the hand-held for quick touch-ups.

Build Quality and Longevity

Look for metal bases and aluminum guide rails. Plastic rails flex and drift.

I tested one cutter with a plastic rail and the cuts wandered by 2mm over a 12-inch pass. That ruins the mat.

Wood and metal bases are heavier but stable. The extra weight is worth it.

Check the warranty. A one-year warranty is standard for board-mounted systems.

Hand-held cutters rarely have warranties. I treat hand-held cutters as consumables.

If they last two years, I am happy. A board-mounted system should last ten years with basic maintenance.

Skill Level and Setup Time

Beginners should start with a board-mounted system. The learning curve is gentler, and you will produce acceptable cuts faster.

I estimate that a beginner can make a clean mat on a board-mounted system within five tries. On a hand-held cutter, it takes fifteen to twenty tries.

Setup time is also a factor. A board-mounted system takes ten to fifteen minutes to assemble and calibrate.

A hand-held cutter is ready immediately. If you frame infrequently, the hand-held might be less hassle.

If you frame weekly, the board-mounted system saves time overall.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

After three months of hands-on testing, the best mat cutters for art framing fall into clear categories. The Gonytia 35 Inch Compact Elite is my top choice for most home framers.

It delivers board-mounted precision with a complete dual-angle system. The Logan 301-1 Compact Classic remains the best value for anyone who wants the reliability of an American-made brand with decades of proven use.

For those on a tight budget, the Logan 2000 Push Style offers an entry point into the Logan ecosystem. It will not match a board-mounted system for precision.

It is the most affordable way to start making professional-looking bevels at home. Avoid the ultra-budget options unless you only need a craft knife for paper and foam.

In 2026, there is no reason to pay frame shop prices for standard-size pieces. A quality mat cutter pays for itself quickly.

The real question is not whether you can afford a mat cutter. The question is how many custom frames you are willing to overpay for before you take control of your own process.

I am glad I made the switch. I think you will be too.