Many years ago I learned to cut mats by hand. After advancing to LF photography, I continued using a Logan cutter calibrated to avoid over or under cuts, and a marvelous 24-inch straight edge obtained from Light Impressions long before they descended into mediocrity. These two items are pictured below. Unfortunately, I did not have the foresight back then to buy a longer straight edge … at the time I never imagined I would one day move to LF and corresponding bigger prints. I’m now needing to cut mats larger than 24 inches on the long side, and basically have two options: I can buy a fancy machine such as the Fletcher 2200, or I can continue to cut mats by hand provided I am able to find a longer and reliable straight edge. Because I get off doing things the old-fashioned and familiar way, I prefer to try using the hand held Logan for this task, but I will need a 36-inch straight edge to do that because the 24-inch I have is too short. I post this message to ask for opinions and recommendations on suitable straight edges. (1) Can anyone tell me whether phenolic straight edges are as trustworthy as their makers would have prospective buyers believe - meaning are they sufficiently durable and straight to within measures of .001 to .003 inches over the entire length of the material; and (2) regarding alternative metal edges, namely steel or aluminum with a minimum thickness of 2mm and similar measures of straightness, is there a certain brand ideal for the use I have in mind? I am looking at Fowler in particular (http://www.fowlerprecision.com/Produ...524800600.html), but I am open to any and all possibilities that will satisfy my need for a non-slip material having a true straight edge. Regarding the non-slip part of this conversation, the great thing about the LI edge is that it has a recessed cork bottom that makes it quite stable when pressed against museum boards. Thanks in advance for all responses.
N. Riley
http://normanrileyphotography.com
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