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I've been eyeing the Dahle rotary trimmers for a long time and am ready to move to the "next step" of paper trimmer buying: deciding which model to get. I'm looking at the Dahle 507 and 508 models -- the main difference between them is that the 507 cuts up to 12.5", and the 508 cuts up to 18". Which one would you buy if you were to make a decision?
For me, the 507 (pictured at http://www.engineersupply.com/Dahle-...Model-507.aspx) is a good deal because the price is right, the quality/reputation is right, the size of it is easier to manage in my petite crafting area, and it would be replacing my current 12" Carl RT-200 that works in my space size-wise but not in terms of having square cuts.
I'm intrigued by the Dahle 508 (pictured at http://www.engineersupply.com/Dahle-...immer-508.aspx) because it is only slightly more pricey than the 507, would allow me to cut 12x12 paper on a diagonal, and would also grant me the freedom to start scrapbooking in furniture-sized scrapbooks (like the ones Martha Stewart makes). I would also be able to make easy accordian albums from Martha's 18" cardstock. However, a trimmer that can cut 18"-long paper is hella bigger than one for 12" cuts and I'd either have to start keeping my workspace tidier (how likely is that, really?) or set up a separate station to use the trimmer at.
I'd really appreciate your insights! I know we all struggle with the paper trimmer decision.
call me crazy, but I would buy the tonic 12 inch base guillotine cutter. My friend had a Carl, and I was not impressed. I'm not familiar with the other one you're looking at...but I LOVE my Tonic!
Suggestion: get out an 18" square of paper and put it where the trimmer would go. It is a huge footprint! I have an 18" genesis and wish I had purchased the smaller one. Then again, I do not anticipate making huge scrapbooks. However, if you do, then go for it. Just make sure you have room for it!!
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I have an 18" genesis and wish I had purchased the smaller one. Then again, I do not anticipate making huge scrapbooks.
Aha, the voice of experience! Thanks! Truth be told, I don't know how likely I am to actually make the massive scrapbooks. I guess the 18" trimmer feels like an "upgrade" because it normally costs more than the 12.5", and that creates most of the appeal of it for me. But it's not much of an "upgrade" if I have to ask my neighbours on both sides to duck so I can maneuver my trimmer out of its storage space!
And the Tonic was one of the paper cutters I checked out because I've heard so many positive things about it here, but I read several negative reviews of the trimmer on Amazon.com and have become really hesistant to invest in it. I've been interested in a Dahle for a while, and several of the reviews I've read of Dahle trimmers mention that the reviewer went to their local photo store or art store to ask them what they use, and those stores relied on a Dahle to get square, quality cuts.
When I decided to purchase my Carl RT-200, the many positive reviews I'd read from other cardmakers influenced my decision there too. I've been fairly happy with it, but it is off square enough that it makes card-base cutting and scoring way more work than I want it to be.
I have the Dahle, and I love it!! I suggest you get the 507, I mean the only thing I'd use that martha stewart paper would be for Bulletin board purposes ;) The 12.5 will be fine! How often to we cut a 12x12 diagonal? I know till this day I have yet to do that, and I've been crafting for 7 odd years. But if you do this a lot, then just get the 508 the price is good, and trust me Dahle is AWESOME!!! It self sharpens and everything. I know some gals that have had theirs for 5+ years with the same blade
Thanks for the great advice, ladies! Now just to decide between the 507 or the 507-K. I'm liking the idea of the wavy, deckle, and perforator cutting heads, but they add 22.75 to the cost of the trimmer and don't cost a heckuva lot more to get separately on their own at a later time.
Which one: 12.5" or 18" paper trimmer?
