The Logan 650 Mat Cutter: Your New Best Friend for Professional Framing on a Budget

Professional framing can get pricey—so much so that it can make up as much as 75% of the cost when collecting a piece of art. That’s because the framing mats are where a lot of that cost goes. And if you're an artist, you know that presentation is everything when it comes to making a sale. The Logan 650 Mat Cutter steps in as a high-quality, cost-effective way to take framing into your own hands without sacrificing that polished, professional look.

Let’s dive into what makes the Logan 650 such a strong choice for artists who want to mat their own work. We’ll take a close look at how it stacks up to similar products, its value for the price, durability, ease of use, and more. And along the way, we’ll share a few tips and tricks to make the most of this mat cutter—whether you're a first-time framer or a seasoned artist.

Comparison to Similar Products

Logan Graphic Products, Inc., has been the top name in mat cutting since they opened their doors in 1974. This family-owned company, based near Chicago, specializes in tools for DIY framers and artists. From the Logan 301-1 Compact Classic to the 850 Platinum Edge, they have a range of options to fit every level of expertise and budget. The Logan 650 Framer’s Edge Elite sits closer to the professional end of that spectrum, offering tough features but still manageable for those who are new to framing.

Unlike entry-level cutters, the 650 model is designed with durability and precision in mind. It includes a pull-style cutting head and heavy-duty construction, setting it apart from simpler models like the Logan 350-1 Compact Elite. The Logan 650 is especially great for those who work with larger pieces or need high-precision cuts. If you’re ready to step up your framing game, the Logan 650 gives you plenty of professional-grade features without breaking the bank.

Value for Price

Let’s be real—framing can get pricey! If you’re constantly creating and selling art, matting each piece can add up quickly. That’s where the Logan 650’s value really shines. It’s an investment, sure, but in the long run, you’ll be saving a lot compared to having each piece professionally framed. For artists who cut mats frequently, the initial cost of the Logan 650-1 Framer’s Edge Elite Mat Cutter is quickly offset by the savings on framing costs.

Logan’s range has something for every budget, with prices starting around $90 and going up to nearly $900. The Logan 650 is a bit of a splurge compared to entry-level cutters, but the features and performance it offers make it a smart choice for artists who need that extra level of quality and durability.

Durability

If you’re investing in a mat cutter, you want it to last. The Logan 650’s durable design is built to withstand regular, heavy use, which makes it perfect for artists who produce work frequently. From the sturdy construction to the replaceable cutting blades, it’s designed to handle repeated use without wearing down.

One important durability tip is to change the blade after about 6-10 mat openings. Keeping a fresh blade not only prolongs the life of the mat cutter but also prevents unwanted wear on your mat board. Cheap Joe’s carries replacement blades, so you’re never caught off guard when it’s time for a switch!

Ease of Use

For a tool with so many features, the Logan 650 Mat Cutter is surprisingly user-friendly. It’s designed to make the cutting process smooth and intuitive, even for those who aren’t framing pros. Just a few of its key ease-of-use features include:

• Pull-style cutting head: This feature allows you to make clean, controlled cuts with ease.
• Adjustable blade depth: Essential for preventing those dreaded over-cuts on the front of your mat board.
• Slip sheet: Logan recommends using a scrap mat board as a slip sheet for bevel cuts, which can prevent the blade from dulling and protect your mat from damage.

For best results, we also recommend standing at the end of a large table and pulling the cutting head toward you, rather than pushing it away. And for all the lefties out there, Logan may not make a left-handed model, but there are plenty of online tips to make the tool work for you too.

Tips and Tricks for Best Results

To help you get the cleanest, most precise cuts with your Logan 650, here are a few tried-and-true tricks from the Cheap Joe’s team:

• Measure twice, cut once: Matting requires precision and a bit of math. Measure your “viewable area” and subtract about ½ inch for overlapping. Logan’s online Border Calculator can help with the math, which is especially helpful when cutting multiple mats.
• Buffered, pH-neutral mat boards: Unless you’re working on a museum piece, a standard pH-neutral mat board is archival and more than adequate for professional framing.
• Use a fresh slip sheet: Don’t use Vyco board as a slip sheet, as it can dull the blade. Scrap mat board works best!

For artists just starting out, these tips can make the difference between a mat that looks good and one that looks gallery-ready.

Extra Features: Logan’s Online Resources

Logan has a variety of resources to help you get the most out of your mat cutter. Their website offers instructional videos, a blog packed with framing tips, downloadable PDFs, and even a mat board border calculator (available as a mobile web app, too). It’s like having a framing coach right there with you! 

Final Thoughts

If you’re an artist who creates, mats, frames, and sells art on a regular basis, the Logan 650 Mat Cutter is a game-changer. It’s durable, easy to use, and designed to provide that professional finish that makes your artwork shine. With the savings you’ll enjoy from doing your own framing, the Logan 650 is well worth the investment.

Cheap Joe’s is proud to offer a full range of Logan mat cutters, along with all the framing supplies you need to create a polished presentation that lets your artwork take center stage. From buffered mat boards to archival-quality materials, Cheap Joe’s has everything you need to finish your art like a pro. Shop our complete collection of Logan Mat Cutters, Cutting and Framing Tools today. Our Logan 650-1 Framer’s Edge Elite Mat Cutter and Replacement Blades are a great place to start!