Trimmers and 44" printers

[mballent]

I had initially thought of getting the 24" Z3100, but my wife said that I should just get the 44" which I did.  The thing is that I had purchased a matte cutter to accommodate the 24" printer, but I had not purchased the trimmer yet.  I was looking at the Rotatrim M42 but with the capacity to print up to 44" I was wondering how many of you actually print up to the max?  I really hate to buy twice since it usually costs you more in the long run, but the next size of the rotatrim is 54" and extremely pricey (I know, the printer was pricey too   )  My last question is what size border should one have when cutting matts.  I have been told anywhere from 1" - 4"

[dkeyes]

I had initially thought of getting the 24" Z3100, but my wife said that I should just get the 44" which I did.  The thing is that I had purchased a matte cutter to accommodate the 24" printer, but I had not purchased the trimmer yet.  I was looking at the Rotatrim M42 but with the capacity to print up to 44" I was wondering how many of you actually print up to the max?  I really hate to buy twice since it usually costs you more in the long run, but the next size of the rotatrim is 54" and extremely pricey (I know, the printer was pricey too   )  My last question is what size border should one have when cutting matts.  I have been told anywhere from 1" - 4"
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=131845\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

Once you get up to a 40"x50" or similar sized print, it's hard to mat and keep the image from sagging. For example, you will only have about 2" extra on a 40" and 1" extra on a 42" print to have the mat "hold onto". Because of this, I mount all my large images like many people do.

[SeanPuckett]

Rotratrim, Dahle and Keencut are all well regarded companies with trimmers that will go beyond 44".  I'm presently trying to source a Dahle Premium 54" trimmer (it would be nice if I could have it today, grr) -- prices seem to be around $500-700.

[ternst]

I think one of the issues is that no one makes a 44" cutter - guess that is a relatively new size for printers and paper - so many great papers are not even available in 44" but only the old 42" size.

On a related note, can anyone recommend a 44" (or larger) rotary cutter that will do a good job with canvas? I've got a Rotatrim and it will often gum up when trying to cut Breathing Color canvas (20.5 mil) - it works well about half the time, the other half it ruins the canvas. I don't know of a better trimmer than this, but perhaps one is more suited for heavy canvas?

[SeanPuckett]

I don't want a 44" cutter; I want to be able to cut slightly larger to deal with matboard, substrates, adhesives, laminates or other things where "a little larger than the print" is the right size.   Also, don't forget sometimes you need to cut down the print, not just across, so unless your prints are 44" on the long side max, you'll want something bigger to trim the edges.

[framah]

How about a straight edge and an exacto knife.  This stuff still works. You can buy straight edges that have a rubber insert on the underside so it stays put while cutting. I use it all the time.

[ternst]

Yup, that is what I'm using now, but if I'm going to pay more than $600 for a cutter I don't want to have to use a knife for canvas. Does anyone have a recommendation for a good rotary cutter for heavy canvas? Thanks...