Trimming large prints

[ozimax]

I bought a stack of large frames last year at bargain price and I now have some large prints (A1 etc) ready to be framed with matts.

I have a couple of paper trimmers but they only go up to A3 size. I don't want to wear out my welcome at my local photo printer by using his large trimmer, and using my wife's dressmaking shears will not be tolerated.

Does anyone know where I can acquire an A1 photo/paper trimmer without having to sell the kids to do so?

Thanks.

Ozi.

[shutterbug]

Since you are putting it under matts does it really matter if the edge is not straight?

[Wocka]

Ozi,

When I trim my prints I use one of those hobby scalpels and a fresh new blade. A 1m metal ruler works fantastic as an edge.

Just be gentle when you place the ruler on the paper as to not to hurt the surface. Especially when you’re “cutting out” and the ruler is on the print.

I have never hurt my images by doing this. Just take your time.

Cheers

[ozimax]

Since you are putting it under matts does it really matter if the edge is not straight?

True enough.

I think I will try the hobby scalpel route and see how it goes. Thanks for the idea Wocka.

[Mr Darcy]

I use a 90 mat trimmer with a 1000mm straight edge. I forget the brand. Starts with M & is French though.
Cost was ~$100 for the straight edge(The cutter sits in a groove in the ruler so it doesn't wander, there are non slip grips underneath & it has a hardened steel edge on one side so blades don't wear it down ), and $50 for the cutter several years ago. As long as the blade is sharp, it does prints, mats, foam core etc like a dream.
Perhaps oddly, I use a different system for the bevelled mat cuts. That one is Altos.
Before I had the mat cutters, I used a wide Olfa Box cutter (L-1???). This also worked well, but not as easy for stopped cuts, and I had to pay attention, or I would wander away from the straight edge. Again, the blade must be "Scary-Sharp" or you risk tearing the paper.

HTH

[EveyOz]

I have found that large prints can sag over time in the frame, ask a framers how much to mount it on card for you. My framers would have charged more to trim that card and put it in a frame so I did that myself by using ths backing on the frame as a template to cut around with a modelling knife.

Good luck

[ozimax]

Thanks Evey and others.

Yesterday I went down to Bunnnnnings, saw a steel rule for $36 and passed on it. Then I picked up a 1m long aluminium edge for $8. Together with my Stanley knife, it worked a treat. Just have to be careful to make sure that the aluminium is completely dry and not sweaty etc as it does give off a substance when wet (the chemists out there will know the name - aluminum oxide??)

All in all a successful enterprise, now for cutting the mats.....

Ozi

[Mr Darcy]

If you visit Clark Rubber (or similar) & pick up a strip of rubber to glue on the back of the aluminium, it will protect from Al nasties & make it non-slip too.

[ozimax]

Good idea chief, thanks