Topic: Paper Cutter?

[ThinkStopThink]

I've been investigating paper cutters, and I think I've settled on a Rotatrim. Any other recommendation for a rotary-type cutter?

Thanks!

Jon
http://wjw-photo.blogspot.com/

[Francois]

I know Fiskars also make some nice trimmers. Spare blades might be slightly easier to find than for the Rotatrim... though I don't know if it cuts as smoothly and precisely as your choice.

I still use a little Falcon cutter that uses a single edge straight razor blade. It was super cheap and does a very reasonable job. And when the blade gets dull, it doesn't make me cry to replace it as I can get them in fairly large number from the dollar store.

[Roger Thoms]

RotaTrims are top notch. I've had mine for a good ten years and it still cuts beautifully. One tool I'd be very handicapped without.

Roger

[ThinkStopThink]

Hi Francois and Roger,

Thanks for the info. I think I'll make the investment in the Rotatrim. I don't want to buy another one soon, so I'll go for the quality.

Jon

[Francois]

Good decision. If you can afford a good quality trimmer, you might as well do so. It's something you won't regret.

[Heather]

I found my rotatrim in a skip! Works fine after being cleaned up a bit. Absolutely criminal to throw this out a few months after its warranty expired.

I believe the blade is self sharpening somewhat (on the back stroke) so you don't need new blades nearly as often as other paper cutters. Could be wrong, though.

They're quite heavy if you go up to the large sizes (mine's nearly as tall as me, eek!) and annoyingly I don't think mine does very thick card but I think some of the varieties do. If you have the money, they're worth the investment.

[Francois]

annoyingly I don't think mine does very thick card but I think some of the varieties do. If you have the money, they're worth the investment.

I don't think any of them do. They need to keep the paper quite flat with a pressure device and since it's a rotating blade system, if the blade doesn't turn, it doesn't cut... Thick stuff would prevent that motion.

That's why most places where they cut mat board use a straight blade based system.

[Roger Thoms]

As I recall my Rotatrim instructions said you could cut up to 4 ply mat board. I have cut 4 ply with mine but it is pretty tough and I didn't think it would be good for the long term health of the cutter. I cut 2 ply board all the time without any problem.

Roger

[Ed Wenn]

I have a Dahle, "Personal Trimmer" which we bought a few years ago. Works really well. In fact I spent an hour this very morning using it to trim the postcards that I'm sending out as part of the current exchange.

[Francois]

I have a Dahle, "Personal Trimmer"

Bad choice of names though... the name sounds like an electric shaver of some sorts... 

[Ed Wenn]

Heh...which is exactly why I put the quotes round the phrase.

 

[original_ann]

I have a Dahle "Professional" Trimmer  - it's really wonderful and what I like is that if I choose, I could wall-mount.  (and yes, the quotes are necessary)  )

[Phil Bebbington]

Ann, anything that good I wanna see!