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I use my small Fiskars trimmer all the time, but would like something a little more accurate for cutting cards. I have a large Fiskars rotary trimmer but hate it. It is so hard to pull the bar up to get the paper under. I feel like all I do is wrestle with it. I saw a Purple Cow one that is rotary on one end and a guiottine on the other but have no idea how well that works. I have heard of Carl cutters? Tonic? Recommendations are appreciated.
I have the MM trimmer, and although I know some have had problems with it, I've found it to be excellent. You have to line up the paper with the grid rather than the top, and it cuts really cleanly every time. It's a little pricey, but I got it at Michael's with a coupon. I did get a Fiskar's 12" rotary (clearance) because I'd heard such good things about it, but I like the MM much better.
I too love my MM trimmer, I use the magnetic ruler to line up precision cutting. Works for me...I have had mine over a year now and have used it with no issues so far. I do notice that with some of the PTI paper and other real thick paper that you have to do "sharp-quick" cuts in other words don't drag the blade on the way down with your cut if you know what I mean to get clean cuts. Of course that holds true for any of the cutters. Sometimes I think that is what happens with a lot of people in cutting thicker paper.
Bar none- the Genesis Trimmer. I know it's pricey and there's a long waiting list. But, it's an investment I've never regretted. It truly is the last trimmer you'll ever need. It cuts the thickest cardstock like butter and is extremely accurate. I'm a real perfectionist. The teeniest bit off bugs me. This thing can literally shave cardstock into tiny strips. I absolutely love it.
This topic comes up frequently and there are many answers to "favorite" trimmers. I suggest a search of the forums and checking out what's been talked about before.
On the left side bar there is a search tab, if you enter paper trimmer as your search option you'll see a ton of threads that you can read.
My preference is the Tonic 12" x 12" guillotine trimmer.
Bar none- the Genesis Trimmer. I know it's pricey and there's a long waiting list. But, it's an investment I've never regretted. It truly is the last trimmer you'll ever need. It cuts the thickest cardstock like butter and is extremely accurate. I'm a real perfectionist. The teeniest bit off bugs me. This thing can literally shave cardstock into tiny strips. I absolutely love it.
Theresa, I'm glad you are so happy with your Genesis!
Just wanted to mention that there's no longer a waiting list! We've been shipping most Genesis Trimmers within 24 to 36 hours of ordering!
If you're looking for something inexpensive (while you're waiting for that awesome Genesis!), I was happy with my Cutterpede for years! I recently bought a portable Fiskar's rotary trimmer (here's a link to what it looks like Trimmer. It's really great.. seems a bit more sturdy than my Cutterpede was. With either of those, you can't go wrong.
Theresa, I'm glad you are so happy with your Genesis!
Just wanted to mention that there's no longer a waiting list! We've been shipping most Genesis Trimmers within 24 to 36 hours of ordering!
Bonnie
Hi Bonnie,
That's fantastic!! I waited for years for mine. So glad others don't have to endure the wait any longer. I guess I'm outta the loop since I already have my Genesis. I didn't know there was no longer a wait.
Ah the search for the perfect trimmer is endless I'm afraid! I recently bought the Tonic 12 inch guillotine trimmer and LOVE IT. I would have to say - it may just be the perfect trimmer. I got mine at Overstock.com - its the same one that SU! sells. I chose to get the one with the extended arm and a smaller footpad due to tight workspace - but they also have one with a full 12 x 12 base.
I have no trouble lining up my paper so my edges are always straight and it can cut little bitty strips really easily. HTH Andrea
I just ordered the Tonic Guillotine yesterday, I went by all the recommendations here on SCS. I have the MM self trimmer & although I love it (I've had it for 2 years) & used it alot to make lots of stuff for my daughter & son's weddiings & showers the past 2 years, I find that it really does not cut straight. It's off slightly plus the grid lines & numbers are worn from using it so much. I can't wait to get my Tonic Guillotine & give it a try.
I ordered the 12 x 12 one. I used to hate to cut CS less an 1 1/4 with MM because it was under the guide bar & was hard to get it to stay straight. So I always took out my little portable cutter for those tiny strips & that was a pain. Glad to hear that the Tonic will be better for that as well. Thanks for letting me know.
I just a shipping notice for my new 16" Genesis with edge light. DH ordered it for me for Valentine's Day. He's so awesome; I can't wait to get it!! How many days from Georgia to VA? LOL~
so, i just googled the genesis trimmer with edge light and had a major case of sticker shock! Is it really that expensive? WHY is it that expensive? I mean really what qualities does it have above and beyond any other of the trimmers listed on this thread that makes it worth over $300.....just wondering
so, i just googled the genesis trimmer with edge light and had a major case of sticker shock! Is it really that expensive? WHY is it that expensive? I mean really what qualities does it have above and beyond any other of the trimmers listed on this thread that makes it worth over $300.....just wondering
LOL~ Yes, it really was over $400 with shipping.
For me the appeal is that it actually works right. You can cut perfectly straight edges with no fuzzies and no inaccurate measurements. And you can cut the narrowest of pieces since there in no "guide" or such in the way. Right now, both my SU/Tonic and my Carl have blade guides/finger safety thingies that are a few inches wide which makes cutting narrow piece just about impossible.
Anyway, I had sticker shock too which is why I don't have one as of yet. I just couldn't choke down the money for it. But since DH spoils me rotten, I'll now have one. I'm not much of a jewelry/trinkets sort of gal. I'd rather have a tool any day, LOL~ Guess that's the engineer in me.
so, i just googled the genesis trimmer with edge light and had a major case of sticker shock! Is it really that expensive? WHY is it that expensive? I mean really what qualities does it have above and beyond any other of the trimmers listed on this thread that makes it worth over $300.....just wondering
It's been called the 'Mercedes' of trimmers but, seeing as how I just bought a new Hyundai Genesis and the luxury and quality of my car is unbelievable, I think it was named appropriately
They're also designed to last a lifetime. I'm sure it's going to last longer than my car. That puts things into perspective, doesn't it?
It's been called the 'Mercedes' of trimmers but, seeing as how I just bought a new Hyundai Genesis and the luxury and quality of my car is unbelievable, I think it was named appropriately
They're also designed to last a lifetime. I'm sure it's going to last longer than my car. That puts things into perspective, doesn't it?
You're right -- a Genesis will definitely last longer than a car!
We still hear from customers who've had their Genesis Trimmers for 30 to 40 years. Most of those customers have replaced the cutter wheel only a few times in that 30- to 40-year period. Amazing!
My trimmer is in Richmond, about 90 minutes south of me. But given the raging blizzard here today, I'm not thinking UPS is going to make it to my house tomorrow. I'm guessing Friday.
But hey, 3 days instead of 2 isn't bad given that I was prepared to wait a year or two before, LOL. Thanks Bonnie for the SUPER speedy service!
For that price, I'm surprised it is not shipped free! Most online craft stores ship to you free if you spend over $100. BUT I would love to have an accurate trimmer. I'm soooo close to ordering one.....I'll sleep on it some more.
Can you clean the blade if you get adhesive on it?
The 12" Genesis doesn't have an edgelight option. The difference between the cost of a 12" and 16" trimmer (without an edgelight) is only $30. Because the 16" is much more versatile, it is much more popular. The 12" size is good for people who have a very small space or need something portable.
Household rubbing alcohol will clean adhesive residue from the cutter wheel and the blade.
I was lucky enough to get the 12" with edgelight when I got mine but I love the edgelight so much I would get the 16" if I had to replace it. But I am happy with the size of the 12". If I had to get a 16" I'd have to rearrange my entire scrapping table.
__________________ Wash: "A man walks down the street in that hat, people know he's not afraid of anything."
Jayne: "Da*n straight."
Does your Fiskars Rotary have a little clip on the bar to squeeze and release it?
Mine small rotary and table top one has this. It is near the end.
Mine has the clip you're referring to, but I've had the trimmer a few years. I've been tempted to try and break the clip at the end off as it slows me down too much. But, it's not my primary trimmer. I have a Tonic and a smaller Fiskars guillotine trimmer that I use the most.
I would still like to find a better portable trimmer, though.
So funny how many people wonder about this! I love my MM trimmer but also have Fiskars, Creative Memories and a Marvy one. I do get frustrated when I don't get a perfectly straight cut and found the MM one gives me the best cut so far.
I finally got new paper trimmers. I had a purple Fiskars cutter but all the markings rubbed off. I got the Tonic 12" x 12" guillotine trimmer and the Tonic V cutter too. I was skeptical of the Tonic 12x12 when I got it - it was so light weight. But it cuts beautifully! I LOVE that the markings are cut into the base of the cutter so they will always be there. I get good sharp cuts and can cut several pieces of card stock at one time. I can also trim very tiny slivers off with that cutter. It is great. I also love my Tonic V-cut trimmer - esp for portability. But I use it alot when I am too tired to get up and stand and cut (have medical disabilities). It is light weight, accurate and again I can cut any size and even slivers. It is very easy to see exactly where I am cutting. One more thing... with the Tonic V cutter - it also comes with a scorer which the guillotine does not of course. The scorer is great - doesn't cut too deep like my old Fiskars. Like them both.
I love my Tonic. I bought the smaller 12" x 6" Tonic guillotine trimmer since I go to a lot of crops. It is much easier to transport and since I focus on cards, this is perfect. It does come with an extension which allows you to cut 12x 12 paper past the 6" width. I have tried many other but love this one. As a teacher I have been using guillotine trimmers at school for years and realize the self-sharpening blades make the unit economical and durable. The cushioned handle and extension store under the base. I wouldn't use anything else!!!
Bar none- the Genesis Trimmer. I know it's pricey and there's a long waiting list. But, it's an investment I've never regretted. It truly is the last trimmer you'll ever need. It cuts the thickest cardstock like butter and is extremely accurate. I'm a real perfectionist. The teeniest bit off bugs me. This thing can literally shave cardstock into tiny strips. I absolutely love it.
My Genesis doesn't cut accurately, and I'm very disappointed in it - especially after the 3 year wait and the jump in price from when I'd originally ordered it!
i have many cutters..but my all time favortie is the genesis...i have had it for almost 15 years...best investment i have made art and paper wise.. but if i am gonna cut heavy cardboard type paper, i really like any of my tonic cutter.
Guess I'm cheap! I like my old Fiskars rotary, which has been great but is starting to wear out. I just found out it has a lifetime warranty!!!!
They are sending me a new blade carriage to try and fix the wobbles it has developed. They are great people to work with, hope this solves the problem.
I love my Fiskers paper trimmer (unlike most who stamp with me) as I use it differently than they do. I brace the paper at the bottom (upside down from the way my friends do it) and pull the blade toward me keeping the paper braced against the edge of the cutter. It is the absolute best for trimming small bits off already small pieces (1 inch or less) as well as scoring. I have the scorer that comes with it or can also use a bone folder or such. In addition, it can be used to make a cut starting/ending mid-panel by starting the blade where ever desired. However, I also bought a guillotine paper cutter (cannot find the brand name anywhere) which handles 12 x 12 paper. I love it for cutting card stock for the bases. I have tried various rotary cutters and have been disappointed by them all. Maybe it's me!
My 'Go To' trimmer is the new Fiskars trimmer that has measurements through 6" on the bed. It is wonderful to be able to measure without opening the extension. The extension arm also has easy to read markings. Really makes my life easier. Check it out at Michaels or JoAnns to see what I mean.
I also have a collection of other trimmers, 2 Fiscars trimmers, 2 Fiscars rotary, MM, Cricuit and a couple others. Most work well, you just have to open the extension arm to have the wider base and the wider ones are really wide and take up so much space and are heavy to move around.
Need trimmer recommendations
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