Wayne:
You had the below response. I'm starting down the road of mounting my own large prints (up to 30"x45"). I am using Option 3. Which is mounting the print to an oversized piece of 1/2" gatorcore with Self Adhesive Mount (Coda is who I'm using) and then trimming the print and gatorcore to size. You mentioned that you use a Fletcher Wall mount to make these cuts. Currently I am using a 60" C&H mat cutter, which works, but it is slow and the final cut I have to snap the gator core AND, making a perfect 30"x45" is difficult as I have to measure exactly. It looks to me with a Fletcher wall cutter I could set the guides lock and make sure I have perfect cuts at the exact size I want. That said, the link you have for the Fletcher is no longer active, and I'm sot sure which Fletcher you use.
1. Could you please share which model of fletcher you use?
2. Also, when you use the Fletcher does it provide a perfectly clean cut and not mar the surface of the print? Sometimes I get a little flaking on the print surface cut - SO, I have to cut very lightly and keep re-cutting with more and more pressure (up o 6-10 cuts with a new blade)- to cut the paper clean. Then I snap the gator. Does the Fletcher provide a perfectly clean cut to the paper and the gator?
3. If you would share other direction or thoughts on this matter it would be greatly appreciated as I hope to invest in a cutter in the near future.
RESPONSE:
"If the work requires a perfectly flush cut, then 3 is the only real option, but only if you have the right tools. A good straight edge and sharp utility knife with a stiff blade will suffice although there will probably be the occasional mistake. (I would recommend a Keencut straight edge, well worth the additional price)
Cutting gator prints is easier, cut carefully from the front through the print and into the gator and then break ... as long as the gator can be at least an inch or so oversized. If trimming a narrower strip of gator, you probably need to cut all the way through and not break. Foam core slices easily if the knife is sharp, I would still trim from the front. have to be careful not to dent the foamcore with the pressure from the straight edge.
If you do enough trimming/cutting, including things like glass for frames and stuff then consider investing in a Fletcher cutter, makes it easy and painless to get very clean and precise trims after mounting. That’s what we use here in my store. there are some other brands and models that cut only board that may be cheaper."