There is provided an improvement in an apparatus for cutting a profile of a selected shape from a natural sheet material at a given location, which apparatus comprises a cutting platen having an upper generally flat cutting surface and a lower generally flat support surface. The platen is movable to the desired position relative to a cutter which moves along an axis downwardly against the cutting surface to cut the preselected shape from the natural material. In accordance with the improvement, there is provided a fixed anvil having a flat force reaction surface parallel to and facing the supporting surface of the platen so that the cutting action is against the anvil. The anvil can also form the structure for supporting the platen as it is moved into the cutting position.