Can we talk paper trimmers....

[PedalPower]

I have gone thru several trimmers over the years and finally got a Tonic Guillotine trimmer about 3 years go. I loved it. But I'm falling out of love with it, as it isn't cutting as "square" as it once did. Has anyone else had this happen and if so, could you offer a solution?

And if you have another trimmer that you love--tell me all about it!

Thanks in advance!

[SummerBreeze]

Never found one I liked or loved. They never cut straight! I can cut better with a pair of scissors! LOL!

[binkiemonstermom]

I am currently using a fiskars trimmer that I HATE! It works, but then it stops working good and the wire bends.....I can't wait until the new Stampin' Up trimmer is released!!!! I have heard good reviews about it!!!!

[buggainok]

I've had the Making Memories Precision Paper Trimmer for a long time, and I like it very much. The blade is self-sharpening, and it cuts easily and cleanly with no ragged edges. It will cut 12 x 12 paper, but folds in half, too. If you want something to throw in your bag and take with you, it might not be the trimmer for you, as it is a little heavy, but very sturdy.

Here is a link with reviews:

Making Memories - 12x12 Paper Trimmer

I found mine at Michaels and used a 50% coupon, so it only cost about $25. Not having to buy blades, that is a pretty good price for years of cutting! And it still works as well as the day I took it out of the box.

[smriti]

I love my Fiskars rotary trimmer (Fiskars Titanium 10-Sheet Rotary Trimmer, Plastic Base, 20 x 13 | Wayfair).

[cat_woman]

I have the Making Memories cutter too and I love it. The only thing I can think of with your guillotine cutter is maybe the arm is loose and causing it to not cut straight.

[buggainok]

Quote:

Originally Posted by cat_woman

I have the Making Memories cutter too and I love it. The only thing I can think of with your guillotine cutter is maybe the arm is loose and causing it to not cut straight.

I thought I remembered you had one, too, Cat. Maybe this is a good place to let anyone know who has this trimmer, that it may "squeek" when you run the cutting mechanism along the bar. If that happens, just put some Pledge furniture polish, WD 40 or even a few drops of oil on a paper towel and wipe carefully all along the bar. Magic, no squeeks!

[cat_woman]

Quote:

Originally Posted by buggainok

I thought I remembered you had one, too, Cat. Maybe this is a good place to let anyone know who has this trimmer, that it may "squeek" when you run the cutting mechanism along the bar. If that happens, just put some Pledge furniture polish, WD 40 or even a few drops of oil on a paper towel and wipe carefully all along the bar. Magic, no squeeks!

I know! It was like running your fingernails on a chalk board when I first got it. I did use sewing machine oil I think on it, but this last time I ran a block of parafin wax along the rod and it hasn't squeeked since.
Correction, I used the stuff they spray on electronics when button start not working (the first time)- I don't know what its called but hubby uses it on his stuff and its oily so I figured it would work.

[Inkin One]

Ladies thanks for the recommendations on the MM trimmer! I have a Fiskars and I too HATE IT. Now I realize there is ocassional "user error" here I have never been able to cut anything straight in my entire life..however, the usefullness ( and I use that term lightly) of this trimmer is far outweighed by the need to CONSTANTLY replace the darn cutting blades. OMG .cut 10 pieces of paper..replace blade..cut 10 pieces of paper..replace blade.

I do have a question though. How does this trimmer hold up to thicker paper? I use a lot of watercolor paper and acrylic paper ( think a bit heavier than 300lb watercolor paper), and wonder if that will dull the blade? In all fairness to the little Fiskars trimmer I do ( sheephishly) suspect that my choice of papers is what dulls the blade so frequently. I am in desperate need of a trimmer and just can't justify the cost of some of those really expensive ones..but with a coupon at M's or a good online sale I could so justify $50.oo.

[cat_woman]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inkin One

Ladies thanks for the recommendations on the MM trimmer! I have a Fiskars and I too HATE IT. Now I realize there is ocassional "user error" here I have never been able to cut anything straight in my entire life..however, the usefullness ( and I use that term lightly) of this trimmer is far outweighed by the need to CONSTANTLY replace the darn cutting blades. OMG .cut 10 pieces of paper..replace blade..cut 10 pieces of paper..replace blade.

I do have a question though. How does this trimmer hold up to thicker paper? I use a lot of watercolor paper and acrylic paper ( think a bit heavier than 300lb watercolor paper), and wonder if that will dull the blade? In all fairness to the little Fiskars trimmer I do ( sheephishly) suspect that my choice of papers is what dulls the blade so frequently. I am in desperate need of a trimmer and just can't justify the cost of some of those really expensive ones..but with a coupon at M's or a good online sale I could so justify $50.oo.

Well, the Making memories is a self-sharpening blade, so each time you use it, it gets sharpened. I often use 200# cardstock and ceral box card to make boxes and I've been abusing my trimmer for a couple years and it cuts just as cleanly as the day I took it out of the box. One tip I will give you if you do go with the MM trimmer: the top and bottom rails are not square so you can't really use those for lining up against to cut. There are grid marks on the base, but if your cut falls between the grid and/or is shorter than 12", its better to use the magnetic ruler that comes with it to line up the measurement and butt the paper agains that. I'm not that concerned myself since the I have a pretty good eye for square & measurement from years of sewing and drafting so I don't bother, but if its important, then that the way to get the most precise cuts. Its also a time saver if you're doing multiple cuts at the same measurement - you don't have to re-align the paper everytime.

[lylacfey]

I had the MM trimmer. I hated it. I think I got a bad one. It was so bad I don't want another one. I have gone through trimmer after trimmer and I don't like them at all.

I have a Martha Stewart trimmer. It's ok but not exciting. I use my Xacto knife and ruler. I get straighter cuts than using a trimmer.

I am looking for a nice guillotine trimmer.

[Metalcharm]

I went through trimmer after trimmer and was never entirely happy with any of them and ended up with a guillotine from an office supply and have had it for over 5 years and it's still going strong. The only down side of it is that it is tricky to do smaller cuts.

[plumcrazy]

I have had my Carl trimmer for about 10 years and that sucker still works good to this day. I decided to get a bigger trimmer a few years ago from Oozak, and its the Dahle 440. I love it! It does take up a bit of room, but its worth it.

It cuts straight, self sharpening, and it seems to be well built. The only thing is it doesn't cut very small pieces very well. But i have a small 6 inch Tonic guillotine for the small things.

[Jill with a G]

I wish you could try some trimmers out before you purchase them! Fiskars has several types of paper cutters! I am not a fan of the Fiskars scorer and cutter. I don't like those blades. They have to be replaced often! However, I do love my Fiskars Rotary Cutter! It's not the biggest one, but I certainly like how it cuts. I haven't had to change the blade all that often. In fact it just really needs cleaning from time to time and when I do that (very carefully) it works just like new again. It cuts multiple sheets pretty well too. It does not score at all, but I have all the Scor-Pal scorers and they are my favorites.
Guillotine cutters may do fairly well, but with multiples, I sometimes get crooked cuts. I have heard the best reviews on rotary blade trimmers. I like my Fiskars because it was more affordable than some others, and I have had it for three or four years now and it still works like a charm!

[dougnat]

I have had great luck with Dahle trimmers...but just got the cutterpillar pro and I am in LOVE!!! I did get it when they were running a half price promo.

[Inkin One]

Thanks Cat for the answers! I think I will prbably try one of the MM's
Dee Ann is it possible you just got a wonky trimmer?

[cat_woman]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lylacfey

I had the MM trimmer. I hated it. I think I got a bad one. It was so bad I don't want another one. I have gone through trimmer after trimmer and I don't like them at all.

I have a Martha Stewart trimmer. It's ok but not exciting. I use my Xacto knife and ruler. I get straighter cuts than using a trimmer.

I am looking for a nice guillotine trimmer.

There were some people on here that said theirs was really off and would tear the paper or not give clean cuts. The problem was the blade housing wasn't seated on the glide rod properly. It was a simple fix to remove the housing and put it back on and then that seemed to fix the problem. Perhaps that was what was wrong with yours.

[buggainok]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inkin One

Thanks Cat for the answers! I think I will prbably try one of the MM's
Dee Ann is it possible you just got a wonky trimmer?

I want to chime in and say I had a wonderful experience with customer service at Making Memories.

This happened several years ago, and the problem was quickly resolved for future trimmers. Evidently the very first MM trimmer I bought was part of a small, defective batch. The measuring grid lines on the base started to fade and wear off quickly, where you put your hand to hold the paper steady.

I contacted MM on their website and filled out a complaint form. They responded very quickly, didn't ask for any documentation, sales receipt, picture, etc. I didn't even have to send back my defective trimmer!

They sent me a brand new trimmer in a few days! You just can't beat that.

[jennik]

I love my "old" CM 12" trimmer. But when I run out of replacement blades, I am gonna be in BIG trouble. I don't like the "new" CM trimmer, the swing arm is wimpy and moves, so your cuts are wonky. :( My BFF is looking for a new trimmer, so I am going to tell her about MM trimmer. I am have to get one, too!!

jennik

[lylacfey]

Quote:

Originally Posted by cat_woman

There were some people on here that said theirs was really off and would tear the paper or not give clean cuts. The problem was the blade housing wasn't seated on the glide rod properly. It was a simple fix to remove the housing and put it back on and then that seemed to fix the problem. Perhaps that was what was wrong with yours.

My blade chipped and the glide rod broke. When I bought it she was perfect. Gave me perfect cuts. I had no problems. I was happy with the trimmer. Then one month later it just broke. I only used HL's version of Bazzil cardstock & Georgia Pacific. I thought I got a really bad trimmer. I definitely don't want another one. I like my X-acto knife. I do like MM's other products.

[9or18holes]

Previously had used all the CM trimmers + the HUGE Fiskars trimmer. Now use the SU trimmer exclusively. Gives me the best of all worlds and doesn't take up much space. Should say that this not be SU's latest trimmer -- bought it ~ a yr ago.

[sf9erfan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by PedalPower

I have gone thru several trimmers over the years and finally got a Tonic Guillotine trimmer about 3 years go. I loved it. But I'm falling out of love with it, as it isn't cutting as "square" as it once did. Has anyone else had this happen and if so, could you offer a solution?

And if you have another trimmer that you love--tell me all about it!

Thanks in advance!

I am noticing the SAME thing with my Tonic!. I think after 4 years of thousands of cuts things are a bit "loose" at the extension arm (on the left) and that is causing my paper to fluctuate a bit with my cuts. Honestly I am just going to buy another one. I have tried MANY cutters and the Tonic is by far the best in my opinion. But even the best has it's limit!

[jkwms]

Fiskars just came out with the Procision trimmer with self-sharpening blade. I haven't tried it, but reviews are good. It's pricey and seems similar to the MM trimmer in concept.

[cat_woman]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lylacfey

My blade chipped and the glide rod broke. When I bought it she was perfect. Gave me perfect cuts. I had no problems. I was happy with the trimmer. Then one month later it just broke. I only used HL's version of Bazzil cardstock & Georgia Pacific. I thought I got a really bad trimmer. I definitely don't want another one. I like my X-acto knife. I do like MM's other products.

That really sucks. I'm scared of my exacto knife. Years ago I was using it to make a paper quilt for a wall hanging and the knife jumped over the ruler and right across my fingers. I wasn't seriously cut because I wasn't using a whole lot of pressure, but it sure scared me and there was A LOT of blood. I've also cut the skin off the tip off my finger the same way with my rotary cutter once when I was cutting fabric for a quilt. Luckily that didn't bleed onto my fabric, but the nerve ending were sure sensitive.

[craftgranny]

I have two trimmers. Both Fiskers. Like them both but prefer the rotary cut one the best. Sometimes wish I had the smaller version that is why I have the second one. I use it for traveling. I have used my rotary cutter for an extra curricular group I work with at school. The students loved it and abused it, but it still works great. The blade stays sharp for a long time. You can get scoring blades and fancy edge blades for it also but that means having to change blades back and forth. I do not have a score-pal yet so use my portable fiskers for that task. The cutting blades on this one need to be replaced quite often and they are not that cheep so do not use it more often then needed.

[lylacfey]

Quote:

Originally Posted by cat_woman

That really sucks. I'm scared of my exacto knife. Years ago I was using it to make a paper quilt for a wall hanging and the knife jumped over the ruler and right across my fingers. I wasn't seriously cut because I wasn't using a whole lot of pressure, but it sure scared me and there was A LOT of blood. I've also cut the skin off the tip off my finger the same way with my rotary cutter once when I was cutting fabric for a quilt. Luckily that didn't bleed onto my fabric, but the nerve ending were sure sensitive.

Ouch, Ouch, Ouch! That would traumatize me too. My cutter tool serious injury has been from a paper trimmer. I had one of the Fiskar Rotary timmers. I put the blade handle down, the blade caught my finger and took a big piece of skin off. I blame this on user error, lol. I don't like the Fiskar Rotary trimmer anymore.

I was terrified of using an X-acto knife. I ended up surprising myself and can actually use it. I am still waiting for the day of cut fingers. Same thing with my Rotary cutter. I am actually terrified of that thing. One of my friends practically cut off her finger with a rotary cutter. Then she laughed it off like it was a normal quilting injury and she kept saying she was a quilting warrior. I saw her injury and I don't want to be a quilting warrior. She had three surgeries over it. She is braver than I am, lol.

[cat_woman]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lylacfey

Ouch, Ouch, Ouch! That would traumatize me too. My cutter tool serious injury has been from a paper trimmer. I had one of the Fiskar Rotary timmers. I put the blade handle down, the blade caught my finger and took a big piece of skin off. I blame this on user error, lol. I don't like the Fiskar Rotary trimmer anymore.

I was terrified of using an X-acto knife. I ended up surprising myself and can actually use it. I am still waiting for the day of cut fingers. Same thing with my Rotary cutter. I am actually terrified of that thing. One of my friends practically cut off her finger with a rotary cutter. Then she laughed it off like it was a normal quilting injury and she kept saying she was a quilting warrior. I saw her injury and I don't want to be a quilting warrior. She had three surgeries over it. She is braver than I am, lol.

Yeah, that's why I've only made 5 quilts...

[sarahbe492]

I have the Stampin' Up! Tabletop Cutter (Tonic's Guillotine is the exact same cutter, I understand). It is my holy grail of paper cutter's and I've had it for almost 5 years now! It too has a self sharpening blade - if your blade isn't sharp it might cause your card stock to "pull" out of square. Try just running it up and down pressing the edges together so that it really sharpens (I don't normally need to do this but it's just an idea for you). If you want more sharp - cut aluminum foil with it. Also try tightening the screw that holds the arm on - if it's gone loose that might cause the card stock to not be cut square too!

[sarahbe492]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lylacfey

Ouch, Ouch, Ouch! That would traumatize me too. My cutter tool serious injury has been from a paper trimmer. I had one of the Fiskar Rotary timmers. I put the blade handle down, the blade caught my finger and took a big piece of skin off. I blame this on user error, lol. I don't like the Fiskar Rotary trimmer anymore.

I was terrified of using an X-acto knife. I ended up surprising myself and can actually use it. I am still waiting for the day of cut fingers. Same thing with my Rotary cutter. I am actually terrified of that thing. One of my friends practically cut off her finger with a rotary cutter. Then she laughed it off like it was a normal quilting injury and she kept saying she was a quilting warrior. I saw her injury and I don't want to be a quilting warrior. She had three surgeries over it. She is braver than I am, lol.

Holy cramoly that's intense! WOWZA! I wouldn't be all about surgeries inflicted by my craft! The guillotine one I recommended above is so so awesome but is pretty dang sharp - I've never done serious damage though - certainly not requiring surgery. I'm frankly glad that you're more scared than daredevil though - it's definitely safer!

[binkiemonstermom]

Gale- I have looked at the gensis one several times.....is it worth the money?? How easy is it to see where you cut??

[craftymomto2]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sarahbe492

I have the Stampin' Up! Tabletop Cutter (Tonic's Guillotine is the exact same cutter, I understand). It is my holy grail of paper cutter's and I've had it for almost 5 years now! It too has a self sharpening blade - if your blade isn't sharp it might cause your card stock to "pull" out of square. Try just running it up and down pressing the edges together so that it really sharpens (I don't normally need to do this but it's just an idea for you). If you want more sharp - cut aluminum foil with it. Also try tightening the screw that holds the arm on - if it's gone loose that might cause the card stock to not be cut square too!

I've been using my SU! tabletop cutter more the last couple of weeks (other trimmer needs a new blade and to lazy to go buy one) I really like my tabletop and have gotten more comfortable using it now too.

[whoistracy]

I had the Tonic guillotine, too, and had that same problem. Started after the second year maybe. All my cuts weren't square and it bothered me. It was still sharp, just seemed to be misaligned somehow.

I bought a Dahle a few months ago and love it. It's heavy duty and really stable. Cuts great.

[stamp_momma]

Quote:

Originally Posted by gale

I think it is. You can see where you're cutting more easily with the edgelight but even without it, the cut area is completely open so you can see it from the top. If you have it, the edgelight will shine through photos or lighter cardstock. The only other trimmers I've tried are the Carl cutter, and several Fiskars models though-do I don't have a lot to compare with it. I've had my Genesis for about 10 yrs and I'm still on the original blade.

So, will you convince my husband I need one? ;) Trimmers have been the only crafting item where I've never really found a decent mainstay.... sigh

[binkiemonstermom]

I might need to ask DH for it for Christmas!!!

[sc magnolia]

I've been extremely please with my Fiskars rotary trimmer. It is OLD 12 years I think. Anyway they no longer make the cutting pad for it. To get good cuts, you need to change the pads as they wear out.

So I've been shopping around for another one. My friend has a Carl heavy duty rotary trimmer and I really like it. It even cuts through tablets!

Carl DC-210 12 inch Heavy Duty Rotary Trimmer DC210

[mswhittaker23]

I have this X-ACTO heavy duty cutter and it's amazing.

Amazon.com: X-ACTO Heavy Duty Wood trimmer 12" boxed (26312): Office Products

Been using it for several years, and I can cut through the thick chipboard with it too.

I bought a brand new one at a flea market as a backup for just $8. I thought about reselling it when I first bought it because I'd make a big profit considering the price of it new, but I couldn't part with it. In case anything happened to the one I'm using now, i wanted the safety net of the backup.

[sc magnolia]

Well, this morning I watched the video about the new paper trimmer from SU. It scores and cuts, and would eliminate the need to have both a score board and a cutter on one of my tables. That would be great, I'd love to conserve space as my studio is only 12 by 12. But..... I would really like a rotary cutter so I could cut several sheets at once and being able to cut down tablets would be wonderful. I kind of think I'd like two cutters, but that seems so impractical and wasteful.

In other words, I am still undecided, which is a good think because I'm broke at the moment! lol

[lylacfey]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sc magnolia

Well, this morning I watched the video about the new paper trimmer from SU. It scores and cuts, and would eliminate the need to have both a score board and a cutter on one of my tables. That would be great, I'd love to conserve space as my studio is only 12 by 12. But..... I would really like a rotary cutter so I could cut several sheets at once and being able to cut down tablets would be wonderful. I kind of think I'd like two cutters, but that seems so impractical and wasteful.

In other words, I am still undecided, which is a good think because I'm broke at the moment! lol

I have been looking at the SU trimmer also. I like to conserve space too. I am more productive with less tools than more. I like multi-function tools. I have been using my MS Paper Trimmer to score and cut when I don't use my X-acto knife. I don't like the measurements on the MS cutter. I like the SU trimmer looks like a rotary cutter from what I can see. I can't find any good info on it yet just bits and pieces. I like rotary cutters since I work with a lot of handmade papers and interfaced fabric.

I am not an SU girl. I use everything in my work. The SU items I do own are nice quality. I think the SU trimmer will be worth every penny. I am tired of buying trimmers. I want something compact because I don't like to keep my trimmer out. If I did I would go for a Dahle. I think my DH might end up with a Dahle when he builds his art studio.

[creativechbdcrafts]

i finally threw out my fiskars trimmer, after literally watching it take a detour on my paper! i just got a tonic trimmer, when i realized i couldnt improvise, no matter how hard i tried on my non-existent budget, and so far i like it but it's new so i dont know yet how it'll work long term. related question: how do you know when the blade needs to be replaced? is there any way to know? or do you just watch it over a few months until you and the trimmer start getting frustrated?

[GrammaPixel]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jkwms

Fiskars just came out with the Procision trimmer with self-sharpening blade. I haven't tried it, but reviews are good. It's pricey and seems similar to the MM trimmer in concept.

i I just got this trimmer at Joann... with a 50% coupon. I am very happy with it...... so far things are square and it will trim the smallest sliver.