FrameCo Mat Master 560B System System manual

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FrameCo
MAT MASTERTM SYSTEMS
#14225 BEVEL MOUNT CUTTERS
FrameCo - Australia
10 Monomeeth Drive
Mitcham VIC 3132
Freecall: 1800 033 619
Ph: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
FrameCo - U.K.
4 Pauls Hill, Penn,
Bucks UK HP10 8NZ
Freecall: 0800 389 0767
Ph: 01494 816 397
Email: [email protected]
FrameCo - U.S.A.
3850 Ramada Drive D-1
Paso Robles, CA, USA 93446
Freecall: 800 682 1222
Ph: 805 434 0912
Email: [email protected]
COPYRIGHT © 2005
MADE IN AUSTRALIA
OWNERS MANUAL & OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Mat Master™ 560B System
Mat Master™ 860B System
Mat Master™ 1060B System
Mat Master™ 1260B System
Mat Master™ 1660B System
Welcome and thank you for purchasing a FrameCo Mat Master System.
Through these instructions we will endeavour to show you the benefits of
the system and how easy it is for you to cut and decorate your own mounts.

perfect bevels everytime
Schematic Diagram
The Cutter can be used without installing the Right squaring Arm.
The mount cutters come fully assembled apart from attaching the
Right hand Squaring Arm. The plastic bag contains two screws,
two nuts and one allen key.
Fit the two allen screws and nuts into the two holes in the end of
the squaring arm.
The two nuts fit into the slot located in the base, and the end of
the squaring arm fits neatly into the recess.
Align the squaring arm so that it is parallel to the border width
gauge, by placing a straight edge or ruler across the base.
Tighten the two screws with the allen key provided.
The Squaring Arm can be removed for storage, and to help
reposition it next time, mark its position with a pencil line.
It will then be easier to calibrate when you reassemble the
machine.
Setting up the Squaring Arm
Anodised Extruded Aluminum Base
Slip Mat
Bevel Cutting Head
Hinged Cutting Rail
Right Squaring Arm (not included in 560B)
Measuring stop
Arm Hinge
Border Width Gauge
Production Stop
Border Width Arm
Arm Hinge
Slip Mat Stop
Attach screws and
nuts onto arm Turn arm over and align
with aluminium base Place arm in to base Use a metal ruler to align arm parallel with
border width gauge
1

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Speed Stop Pin
cm
graduations
A new approach for accurate settings. Sometimes it is difficult
to set the Border Width Guide exactly on the rule markings you
require. With the FrameCo Speed Stop it is easy to have
accurate and repeatable settings everytime. The pin holes are
set at 1cm or 1” spacings. For sizes between these settings the
measuring block is used. Set the pin into the hole opposite
the size required. Slide the stop along the guide until you feel
it touch the Pin, then lock the Border Width Mat Guide into
place. fig. 1
fig. 1 Slide the stop
along until it
reaches the
Pin
inch
graduations
Accurate settings are also required for double mats. The Measuring
Block option allows you to make these settings easily for double and
single mats. The blocks are in metric and imperial sizes and have sides
of different widths. ie. 3mm, 4mm, 5mm and 7mm, or 3/16”, 1/4” and
5/16”. To cut a mat with an outside width of 6.5cm the Block and Pin is
placed in the 6cm locater hole with the block set on the 5mm side...
thus a total width of 6.5cm. The Block is especially valuable when
cutting double mats. It is better to use the Speed Pin and Block to cut
a 3mm increment rather than rely on settings made manually.
Double Mat
Measuring
Block
cm
graduations
inch
graduations
Double Mat Block
& Pin located on
Border Width Guide
Speed Stop System
Standard on the 860B, 1060B, 1260B & 1660B

perfect bevels everytime
Ideal for measuring and cutting border widths up to 40cm (16”).
The scale and gauge is also very useful when cutting multi
opening mounts. Pack contains 40 cm gauge and accessories.
Two 30cm (12”) support arms. The arms act as a support
for the mat board when cutting large pieces. Pack contains 2
support arms and all accessories.
To cut accurate mats with a wider offset base, quickly and easily. The spacer
bar is placed in the cutter between the Border Width Gauge and the edge of
the mat board to be cut. To mark out and cut a mat with 6cm border top and
sides, with a 7cm base, the Border Width Gauge is set at 7cm. Draw the line
and insert the 1cm Offset Spacer Bar, then draw the remaining lines, this will
reduce the border width size to 6cm. Then repeat this step by cutting with
the Mat Master™#201 Bevel Cutter. Quick, easy and more convenient than
changing settings for each cut.
Offset Spacer Bar - 5 + 10mm Offset Spacer Bar - 15 + 20mm
Option for: 860B, 1060B,
1260B & 1660B Option for: 860B, 1060B, 1260B & 1660B
Border Width Extension Kit Mat Board Support Arms
Option for: 860B, 1060B,1260B & 1660B
Offset Spacer Bars
Mat MasterTM Deep Cut Blades Mat MasterTM Circle Cutter
Mat MasterTM 90OStraight Cutter - Deluxe Model
The FrameCo Circle Cutter is an innovative new tool, which
utilises many of the existing FrameCo mat cutters. The Circle
Cutter Arm consists of a swivel point, calibrated scale and
turning handle.
The kit includes all the fittings to attach the FrameCo #201
Bevel Cutter, for cutting bevelled circles and arcs.
Attachments are also available to mount a pencil or coloured
pen and the GrooveMasterTM for making circular V-Grooves.
The standard #201 blades cuts bevel mat board 2.2mm thick.
As most mat boards on the world market are only 1.4mm
thick this blade is quite sufficient. To achieve the long deep
bevel cuts required for wrapped mats, the base mat needs to
be 3mm to 5mm thick. Our new Deep Cut Blade will cut a
crisp, clean bevel in 3mm or 5mm fome board.
Mat Master™90º Straight Cutter attaches to the rule for safe and
accurate cutting. The cutters main feature is a retractable blade
and is also fully adjustable with settings to cut paper, Mat Board,
3mm and 5mm Fome Core board.
9

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Mat MasterTM #101 Straight Cutter
Cutting Mount Board to Size
Blade Retaining Screw
#201 Blade
Start/Stop line
Polycarbonate
Wear Strip
The Mat Master™ #201 Push style Bevel Cutter features a
new easy grip, designed handle for comfortable and
effortless cutting.
The bevel cutting head attaches to the rule for accurate cutting everytime.
Start/Stop indicator line, adjustable blade depths, retractable blade and made
from precision machined aluminium and anodised blue.
Mat Master™ #201 Bevel Cutter
#201 Blade
Blade Retaining Screw
Finger Grip
Our standard pull style cutter is included with all
FrameCo board mounted cutters.
Consists of three blade depth positions. Top hole
position for storage and safety. Middle position,
the blade is set to cut standard mat board. The
lower position is cutting depth for 3mm fome core
and thick cardboards.
1. First we will need to measure the artwork, and determine the width
of the border.
Example: Artwork size = 400mm x 300mm
Border size = 60mm - all sizes
Overall size = 400mm + 60mm + 60mm = 520mm
= 300mm + 60mm + 60mm = 420mm
The overall size of the blank mount board should be 520mm x 420mm.
2. To cut down a piece of mount board lift up the hinged cutting rail and
remove the slip mat. Position the edge of your mount board under the rail
(face down) and up against the squaring arm. Sliding the mount along until
you reach 420mm, and lock the stop to this position. Bring the cutting rail
down on top of the mat.
3. Position the Straight Cutter onto the cutting rail - Cut by pulling the cutter.
4. Turn the mount board and repeat for the short side ie. 520mm.
Note: You can also cut the board down to size using a knife and straight edge.
fig.1
fig.2

perfect bevels everytime
Marking Out the Mount
1. Set the Border Width Gauge to the 60mm mark.
Place the mount under the hinged cutting rail and align it up against the Border Width Arm.
2. Draw a line from top to bottom using a 2H pencil.
3. Rotate the mount board 90Oclockwise and draw the next line.
4. Repeat until you have marked all 4 sides (see fig.3).
Note: (i) Use a 2H pencil for fine light lines. Carry the line to the outer edges of the board
- this makes cutting double mounts easier.
(ii) You can also use the production stop - see “Cutting a Single Mat using Stops”.
fig. 3 Use 2H Pencil
1. After marking out the mount, position the cutting head on the cutting rail (see fig. 6).
2. To begin cutting, align the start/stop silver line on the cutting head just before the start
(or bottom) border line.
Press the blade into the board and push the cutter away from you up towards
the finish line. With practice you will be able to eliminate any over cuts or undercuts
(see fig. 7). - See tip on overcuts and undercuts page 7.
3. Release the handle and the blade will retract from the mount board.
Rotate the mount anti-clockwise and repeat for the other three sides.
Cutting a Single Mount using “Pencil Lines”
Cutting a Single Mount using “Stops”
An alternative method for cutting a single mount is to use the production stop and the cut marks
as start/stop reference points. This is a faster and more convenient method.
1. Insert the mount, face down, under the cutting rail and position it against the Border Width
Arm as before. Rule a single line top to bottom on the mount (see fig. 9).
2. Move the production stop to the bottom of the cutting rail. Rotate the mount 90Þ so that the
single pencil line is now across the bottom ie. at the start position. Fit the cutting head to
the rail, and align the start/stop mark with the pencil line. Slide the production stop up until
it touches the bottom of the cutting head, and lock it into position (see fig. 10).
3. To start - Firstly Rotate the mount 180Þ so that the single pencil line is now at the top, ie.
finishing position (see fig. 11).
4. To begin cutting, position the cutting head down against the stop, push the blade into the
mount and cut up to the finish pencil line (see fig. 12).
Rotate the mount clockwise, cut from the stop position to the cut line, just made from the
previous cut.
fig. 6
fig. 7
fig. 8
fig. 12
fig. 11
fig. 10
fig. 9

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Smaller Border Sizes
Maintenance
Squaring & Alignment Testing
If you wish to cut a border size less than 4cm (11/2”) an
additional spacer needs to be added between the Border Width
Arm and the mount.
Cut a slip of mount board 20mm or 1” and insert this between
the Border Width Arm and the mount to be cut.
Set the Border Width scale out that additional measurement.
A second method for cutting narrow board widths, is to cut the
mount larger than required, then to trim off the excess, thereby
reducing the mount to the required size.
1. Cleaning - Keep your cutter clean and dust free. Clean the base with a solvent such as methylated spirits or lighter fluid.
Do not oil the guide rail or the cutting head. FrameCo makes a dust cover for the cutters which will keep them dust free.
2. Do not screw or attach your mount cutter to a bench. Excess heat can cause the cutter base to warp.
Always place the cutter on a firm solid table. Do not store the cutter in the upright position.
A simple exercise to check that the Mat Master machines are cutting square.
1. Take a sheet of mount board approximately the length of the mount cutter and
approximately 30cm (12”) wide, and place it in the machine, so that the guide rail is
approximately in the middle of the board.
2. With a sharp knife make a cut about 25mm or 1” long, one at the top and one
at the bottom.
3. Turn the mount board over from left to right (ie. upside down), and align the bottom cut
mark exactly to the edge of the cutter rail. Make a new cut at the top of the board. If the
top two cut marks line up, the machine is square ie. the cutting rail is parallel to the
Border Width Arm.
4. When the cut marks do not line up, you will need to adjust the Border Width Arm by half
the distance between the cut marks as follows.
Adjustment
5. Loosen the squaring arm and move downwards out of the way.
6. Loosen the outer screw in the base of the Border Width Gauge, then gently tap the housing
up
or down to realign the Border Width Arm.
7. Reposition the Right Squaring Arm and align it with the aid of a straight edge.
Loosen Right Square
Arm and move
downwards or remove
Remove the guide rail arm
Loosen outer screw in the
base of the gauge
To make sure the Mount Cutter is
cutting square both cuts should align
when the mount board is flipped over.

perfect bevels everytime
fig. 4 Anti-clockwise to lower blade
fig. 5 Ideal blade depth
Changing & Adjusting the Blade Depth
Cutting Position
Over & Under Cuts
fig. 41
fig. 42
Changes to the Depth Adjustment Screw moves the depth stop..
ie the blade travels further. It does not actually lower the blade.
1. The blade is held in place with one central screw.
2. Release and remove the used blade by removing the central screw.
3 The blades are packed in packs of 5 and can be used both ends.
4. Fit a new blade into the handle with the sharp edge down.
5. Replace the central screw.
The cutting depth of the blade can be adjusted using the allen key supplied.
Rotate the depth adjustment screw, located in the base of the cutting head, anticlockwise
to lower the blade (see fig. 4). One full turn lowers the blade by approximately 0.1mm.
The blade should only just protrude through the mount board for a clean and easy cut.
Measure the depth against a sample of the mount board as shown in fig. 5.
Note 1: When using the bevel cutter on your machines always have a slip mat in position under
the mount being cut. Use a piece of standard mount board cut to size.
Note 2: Hooks - If the blade is set to low it may flex and cause a small “hook” at the start of the
cut. Set the depth correctly - see fig.5.
Cutting a new mount takes very little effort.
The way you hold and push the cutting head is important as it effects the quality of the cut.
To start cutting, push the blade firmly into the mount board so that the blade penetrates all the
way through the mount board. Before starting to cut, lower your arm, so that you are cutting
along the line, rather than pushing downwards (see fig. 41).
If you find that cutting is hard work review your cutting position and lower your arm a little
to make it easier.
Always practice on a spare board before making your first cut, or after changing the blade depth.
Do not use self healing plastic mats under the cutting rail. Strips of standard mount board are
best suited as slip mats. An ideal size is
Make sure you are not cutting into old cuts in the slip mat as these may cause the blade to cut
away from the rail. The slip mat stop (see fig. 42) can be located into any slot so that different
sized piece of mount board can be used under the cutting rail.
The stop can be located in any one of the grooves in the base board.
Over Cuts
If the blade depth is adjusted correctly, any over cuts will be due to you travelling too far past the finishing line or starting too early
before the line. Adjust your starting and stopping position to eliminate these over cuts.
Under Cuts
If the drop out does not fall out after cutting your mount, do not push it out as this may tear the corners. Take a spare blade and
extend the cut so that the centre piece falls out. The ideal is to have the centre fall out each time with no over cuts and no
undercuts. As with over cuts, if you find that the mat is undercut then simply adjust your starting and stopping position relative to
the start and stop lines ie. start a little earlier and finish a little further. You have to find the ideal start and stop position relative to
the size pencil you use (2H is ideal), and how you draw the line (holding the pencil close against the rail is ideal).
7
fig. 40
Slip Mats

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Cutting a Double Mount
A Double or Triple Mat on an image will add more interest to the design of your framing.
By choosing colours that compliment the picture, the image will be enhanced and become
sharper. These colours will also help lead the eye from the frame into the picture, which is
the central focus.
The “secret” to cutting double mounts, so that the inner mount is exactly parallel to the
outer,
is not to cut two separate mounts! You can achieve perfect double mounts every time
by following the method below.
The best way, is to cut the top first, stick the two together,
then cut the bottom mount.
Here is how to do it: -
Example: 20cm x 30cm double mount with 5cm border.
1. Cut the blank for the top mount (black) 20 x 30cm. Cut the blank for the bottom mount
(white) a little smaller - 19 x 29cm (see fig. 13).
2. Cut out the window in the top mount (black) with a 4.5cm border, keep the fallout
(see fig. 14).
Note: (I) As we are cutting a double mount the top border size needs to be 5mm
smaller to show the bottom mount.
(II) Remember, we cut all mounts from the reverse side - so all our pencil
markings are on the back of the mount.
3. Place the top mount face down on your table top. Replace the drop out back into the
hole (see fig. 15).
4. Apply strips of double sided tape to the back of the mount, plus an extra piece in the
centre of the drop out. Then attach the bottom mount (white) face down to the rear of
the top mount (see fig. 16).
5. Now mark out on the back of the bottom mount (white) for a 5cm border - from the
outer edges of the top mount and cut the mount window in the normal way (see fig. 17).
The reason for cutting the bottom mount smaller is to ensure that you use the top
mounts outer edges for both border measurements. That way the sides of the double
mount will be parallel .
Hints: (I) To cut a triple mat repeat the procedure used on the bottom mat, you are only
limited by your own imagination.
(II) The cutting head should always be inside the window you are cutting.
A new mat blade is cheaper than new mat board so always use a sharp blade.
fig. 13
top mount
bottom mount
fig. 14
fig. 15
fig. 16 Apply double sided
tape to back of mount
fig. 17
Stepped (Offset)
Combination Mount
Inset Mount
Double Mount
Combination Mount
Stepped (Offset) Mount
Single Mount
X

perfect bevels everytime
GrooveMaster™
V-Grooving with GrooveMaster™
GrooveMaster™ is a revolutionary new hand tool for cutting decorative V- Grooves into all types of
picture framing mount board. V-Grooves add a stylish look to all your framing. It is that creative
touch that gives your picture a professional finish.
Marking out the Mount
1. A V-groove can be located anywhere on the mat face. But as the main function of the
V-groove is to guide the viewers eye into the picture it is best placed on the outer or inner
edge of the mat and not in the middle. This is what we have found to be visually more
pleasing. Remember that there is no one correct position. We normally recommend to locate
the V-groove 1.5cm (1/2") from the bevel edge of the mount - position #2 on the gauge.
Cut the mount opening first – then cut the v-groove.
2. Use the Corner Gauge to mark out the start and finish lines on the front surface of the mount.
The slots in the gauge are approx. 1cm apart and you can use the top or bottom
of the slot. Just remember to use the same position on each corner. (fig. 29)
We recommend position #2 on the gauge. Draw short "light" lines on the surface of the mount
making sure the ends of the lines meet. These are your start and finish positions.
Setting up to V-Groove
3. Place the mount face up under the cutting rail. It may be more convenient if you detach
the Border Width Arm from the machine as this will not be used. Position the mount down
against the squaring arm so it does not move while making the V-Groove cut.
4. Attach the Groove Master to the cutting rail. By moving the mount, position
the GrooveMaster over the first set of corner lines, checking that the blades are aligned with
the downward line. (fig. 30)
Now move the GrooveMaster to the bottom set of lines. Align the blades over the lines by
moving the mount under the rail. Repeat the process making sure the mount is in the correct
position. This process will ensure you cut a straight v-groove.
5. Starting at the top position, press the blades into the mount and with a smooth constant
pressure pull the cutter downwards to the finish position. (fig. 31)
Stop when you see the intersection line appear in the sight hole. Remove the GrooveMaster
carefully so that you do not tear away the waste material.
More control and smoother cutting is obtained if the 3rd finger is located in the index hole,
rather than the 2nd finger (see figure. 35)
6. Rotate the mount clockwise ready to cut the next side. Position the mount and the
GrooveMaster on the next set of corner cross lines and cut down to the first groove. Repeat
for the third and fourth side.
Note: We have found for best results to cut from
the reference marks down to a groove.
fig. 29
fig. 30
fig. 31
fig. 32

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Changing Blades
GrooveMaster™ as a Carving Tool
Blades need to be changed once they have lost their sharp edge. We have noticed that the
waste cut out strip curls up more, once the blades lose their sharpness. So change the blade
once this starts to occur.
The correct setting of the blades is critical for successful v-groove cutting.
The blades need to be aligned so that the tip of the blades are touching and level,
but do not overlap each other.
Our suggestion method for setting the blades correctly is to firstly fit two new blades, but keep
the front locking blades loose.
Check the alignment of the blades.
The tips should be level - not overlapping and just touching.
Tips:
1. Always make a test cut on the waste board first.
2. If the blades are set correctly a business card can be just passed through the blades with
some resistance - not too tight; not too loose! (see figure 33 & 34).
3. More control and smoother cutting is obtained if the 3rd finger is located in the index hole,
rather than the 2nd finger (see figure. 35)
Turn your GrooveMaster into a versatile hand carving tool by changing the blade setting.
Remove one blade carefully, or position it so that it will not cut the board. Position the other
blade further out so that it cuts all the way through the board you are cutting.Ideas for cut outs,
come from stencils. Simply trace around the stencil onto the face of the mount board, then cut
out the pattern (see figures 36 - 39).
fig. 33
fig. 34
fig. 35
fig. 36 fig. 37
fig. 38 fig. 39

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FrameCo - Australia
10 Monomeeth Drive
Mitcham VIC 3132
Freecall: 1800 033 619
Ph: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
FrameCo - U.K.
4 Pauls Hill, Penn,
Bucks UK HP10 8NZ
Freecall: 0800 389 0767
Ph: 01494 816 397
Email: [email protected]
FrameCo - U.S.A.
3850 Ramada Drive D-1
Paso Robles, CA, USA 93446
Freecall: 800 682 1222
Ph: 805 434 0912
Email: [email protected]
#14201 Mat Master™ Model #201 Bevel Cutter
#14209 Mat Master™ Rule 66cm (26”)
#14211 Mat Master™ Rule 101cm (40”)
#14212 Mat Master™ Rule 150cm (60”)
#14217 Mat Master™ L Rule - 101cm (40”)
#14420 FrameCo LineMaker
#14222 Mat Master™ System 560B
50cm (20”) Cut, Hinged rail, Mat Stops, #201 Bevel & Straight Cutter
#14225 Mat Master™ System 860B
82cm (32”) Cut, Hinged rail, Sq. arm, Stops,#201 Bevel & Straight
Cutter and Speed Stop System
#14228 Mat Master™ System 1060B
100cm (40.5”) Cut, Hinged rail, Sq. arm, Stops, #201 Bevel & Straight
Cutter and Speed Stop System
#14230 Mat Master™ System 1260B
122cm (47”) Cut, Hinged rail, Sq. arm, Stops, #201 Bevel & Straight
Cutter and Speed Stop System
#14240 Mat Master™ Mat Guide Complete
Optional extra Mat Guide for 1260B, 1260-PRO & 1660B
#14233 Mat Master™ System 1660B
160cm (62”) Cut, Hinged rail, Sq. arm, Stops, #201 Bevel & Straight
Cutter and Speed Stop System
#14290 Mat Master™ 90º Straight Cutter
#14418 Line Maker™
#14419 Line Maker™ Metal Pen Head
#14718 Shadow Box Gauge
#14235 Border Width Extension Kit #1
#14233 Border Width Extension Kit #2
#14236 Mat Board Support Arms
#14237 Double Mat Spacer Block
#14238 Spacer Bar - 5 + 10cm
#14239 Spacer Bar - 15 + 20cm
#14422 Mount Embossing Tool
#14503 Coin Cutter
#14400 GrooveMaster V-Groover Kit
#14401 GrooveMaster Gauge
#14250 Mat Master
™
Blades x 10/Pk.
#14252 Mat Master
™
Blades x 50/Pk.
#14253 Mat Master
™
Blades x 100/Pk.
#23301 Logan #270 Blades x 100
#14404 GrooveMaster
™
Blades x 10/Pk.
#14405 GrooveMaster
™
Blades x 50/Pk.
#14406 GrooveMaster
™
Blades x 100/Pk.
#14245 Deep Cut Blades x 10/Pk.
#14246 Deep Cut Blades x 50/Pk.
#14247 Deep Cut Blades x 100/Pk.
#14513 Mat Master
™
Circle Cutter Arm
#14514 Mat Master
™
Circle Cutter Arm & #201 Bevel Cutter
#14515 Mat Master
™
Circle Cutter attachment for GrooveMaster
™
#14516 Mat Master
™
Circle Cutter attachment for Pencil Holder
Mat Master™ Products