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Post by MichyM on Jul 21, 2022 20:59:59 GMT
I only have a desk to work on (which I also use for other things) so my paper trimmer(s) need to be portable. Right now I use THIS ONE from Fiskars, and it pretty much works for my needs, and tucks away in a shallow drawer in my desk when not in use. The problem is, that even though I use titanium blades, they need to replaced fairly often and I ‘d love to have to replace them less that I do currently. Whenever I DON’T ask you all for advice, I regret it, so here I am asking for advice. 😁 Do you use a portable guillotine trimmer? One that’s easy to take out and put away? If so, do you recommend it? And also, which size? I plan on keeping my 12” Fiskars (in the link above) so how small can I go and still have it be practical? I don’t scrapbook, only make cards. Thanks in advance, and I’ve missed being here daily, hopefully things will be back to “normal” for me soon! |
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peasquared
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,763 
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Post by peasquared on Jul 21, 2022 22:33:24 GMT
I still think Creative Memories small guillotine cutter is the best!
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Post by joblackford on Jul 21, 2022 23:07:40 GMT
I still think Creative Memories small guillotine cutter is the best! I had one of these back around 2010, a small dark blue one, and it really was great. I gave it to my friend and it's one of the only things I slightly regret giving away. When I got back into crafting I got a small Fiskars guillotine but it didn't cut square so all my rectangles were slightly wonky - not sure if it was a lemon but I've encountered other people with the same issue. I have a 6x12" Tonic one now that's great for me because I only want one trimmer but if I were to choose a mini I would get a Tonic one or ask my friend for the little CM one back. |
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Post by scrapperal on Jul 21, 2022 23:43:26 GMT
I have the older version of this Tonic trimmer (mine has the orange handle). I've had it for years (decades?) and it is finally starting to cut ragged so I think the blade is getting dull. I use it a ton and it is probably my most used tool for both cardmaking and scrapbooking. The only thing I don't like about it is the markings only go to 4.75 inches. I'm thinking about replacing it with the Tim Holtz version. |
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scrapnnana
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,449
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Post by scrapnnana on Jul 22, 2022 0:03:39 GMT
I use guillotine Tonic Trimmers, both a large one and a semi small one. I love how the blades stay sharp. I haven’t had to replace them yet.
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Post by babylou on Jul 22, 2022 0:51:03 GMT
I have the Tim Holtz Tonic Large and Smaller (the one linked above by scrapperal) cutters. I think the smaller one would be great for someone who just makes cards. That's what I use it for mostly. If I'm scrapbooking and using 12x12 paper, I step over to my big one.
It cuts great! You can take off the tiniest sliver of paper with ease.
My complaints are small and probably just me. But, I kinda don't like the guard that you hold down on your paper to hold it in place. It's kinda wiggly and sometimes I don't get a good hold on the paper because of it. Second, I swear it's off a titch on measurement. But, maybe I'm too much of a perfectionist. I dunno.
I don't have a better recommendation. It seems all cutters are either off a little, cut a little crooked, or do something else weird. So, I just use it and really, it's just fine.
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Post by cmpeter on Jul 22, 2022 1:36:44 GMT
I have the smaller Tim Holtz Tonic trimmer. If I’m not needing to cut 12x12 paper, it’s my go to trimmer. Mine is about three years old…no issues so far.
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Ryann
Pearl Clutcher
Love is Inclusive
Posts: 2,643
Location: PNW
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Post by Ryann on Jul 22, 2022 3:40:00 GMT
I tried two different Tim Holtz mini guillotine trimmers and one from Tonic. All three cut crooked.
I use the WRMK mini guillotine. It does not cut crooked.
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azcrafty
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,955
Jun 28, 2019 20:24:21 GMT
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Post by azcrafty on Jul 22, 2022 6:03:11 GMT
I have the Tim Holtz small guillotine cutter too.
It cuts nice , but I don't use it a lot.
1. There are only markings at every 1/4 of an inch. I like my mats to be 1/8 bigger and hate to try to guess the middle of the markings.
2. I can only make hamburger folded cards and I mostly make hotdog folded ones of course if you buy the bigger one you'll be fine.(I hope I used them correctly 😁)
3. Can't cut more than 1 sheet of paper,110lb. Sometimes I just need to correct my card edges and can't do it with this cutter.
4. And for some reason my wrist starts to hurt after a short while.
If you need skinny pieces of papers, this does work great for that.
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Post by riversong1963 on Jul 22, 2022 11:33:37 GMT
I have the same one as scrapperal, and mine is still doing a great job. It cuts up to 5 1/2 inches (no extender arm), and I use it for card making and trimming down photos. I've had it since 2004, and I love it! |
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Post by MichyM on Jul 22, 2022 18:55:38 GMT
Thank you all so much! The 8.5" Tonic that several of you suggested is the one I was leaning towards. However the remark that the Tonic cuts crooked gives me pause. Anyone else have that problem?
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Post by joblackford on Jul 22, 2022 21:05:44 GMT
Thank you all so much! The 8.5" Tonic that several of you suggested is the one I was leaning towards. However the remark that the Tonic cuts crooked gives me pause. Anyone else have that problem? I feel like mine is just a hair off being square (it's not the same size but same brand). It's not enough to worry about, much less than my Fiskars one which was hopeless. I'm not sure if it's a problem with individual trimmers or the design/brand as a whole. Which is to say, I don't know if you can get a lemon with any brand you buy, or if there's anything that can be done if you do get one that's a bit off (a screw to tighten, perhaps?) I have also noticed that some paper isn't perfectly square and some patterned paper isn't printed quite straight so I have concluded that it's not worth being as perfectionist about it as I tend to be. |
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GiantsFan
Prolific Pea
Posts: 8,507
Site Supporter
Jun 27, 2014 14:44:56 GMT
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Post by GiantsFan on Jul 22, 2022 21:40:56 GMT
I both the 8.5" and 12" TH/Tonic trimmers. I don't feel that mine is off. Or maybe it is and it's within tolerance with my old eyes! haha.
I do like the flat style Fiskars like you linked, but man I was spending so much on blades. (I have two of the Fiskars and one Cricut Brand) I only use them now if I'm traveling to a class where I don't have a lot of room to pack the 8.5" guillotine.
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PaperAngel
Prolific Pea
Posts: 7,999
Jun 27, 2014 23:04:06 GMT
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Post by PaperAngel on Jul 22, 2022 23:34:53 GMT
Personally, I dislike guillotine trimmers because they seem unsafe (ie I'm already susceptible to paper cuts!) & have never worked well (e.g. paper bends rather than cuts slivers) likely due to user error/discomfort. While neither small nor guillotine, the Fiskars ProCision Rotary is accurate (ie It cuts straight every time!) with a self-sharpening/never-needs-to-be-replaced blade, folds for storage &/or portability, & has a lifetime warranty. I exclusively scrapbook, have used it for the last 7 years, & highly recommend it if your work surface can accomodate its 19.5L x 8.75W (unfolded) footprint. |
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Post by MichyM on Jul 23, 2022 3:12:24 GMT
Personally, I dislike guillotine trimmers because they seem unsafe (ie I'm already susceptible to paper cuts!) & have never worked well (e.g. paper bends rather than cuts slivers) likely due to user error/discomfort. While neither small nor guillotine, the Fiskars ProCision Rotary is accurate (ie It cuts straight every time!) with a self-sharpening/never-needs-to-be-replaced blade, folds for storage &/or portability, & has a lifetime warranty. I exclusively scrapbook, have used it for the last 7 years, & highly recommend it if your work surface can accomodate its 19.5L x 8.75W (unfolded) footprint. Will not work for me, but it looks interesting! |
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PaperAngel
Prolific Pea
Posts: 7,999
Jun 27, 2014 23:04:06 GMT
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Post by PaperAngel on Jul 23, 2022 5:36:58 GMT
Personally, I dislike guillotine trimmers because they seem unsafe (ie I'm already susceptible to paper cuts!) & have never worked well (e.g. paper bends rather than cuts slivers) likely due to user error/discomfort. While neither small nor guillotine, the Fiskars ProCision Rotary is accurate (ie It cuts straight every time!) with a self-sharpening/never-needs-to-be-replaced blade, folds for storage &/or portability, & has a lifetime warranty. I exclusively scrapbook, have used it for the last 7 years, & highly recommend it if your work surface can accomodate its 19.5L x 8.75W (unfolded) footprint. Will not work for me, but it looks interesting! Thought I would mention it, just in case. Hope you find your ideal trimmer! |
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Post by don on Jul 25, 2022 15:07:12 GMT
I have the 8" Fiskars trimmer.
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Post by Embri on Jul 27, 2022 19:30:45 GMT
I have two guillotine cutters from second-hand shops.
While I can't offer any advice for a brand purchase, I will say there's a certain amount of finesse involved in getting the most out of one. They're also a bit of a blunt instrument rather than a scalpel. I use mine mostly for breaking down 12x12 sheets, chipboard and tissue paper boxes with nice patterns. Their degree of accuracy isn't quite as good as a paper trimmer, but if you can stand being 1-2 mm off it's worth the advantage of not having to constantly buy new sharp blades. Keep your fingers clear and *really* hold down whatever you're cutting, firmly! If you don't the blade has a tendency to pull the material towards the cut and it'll come out crooked.
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Post by kmage on Aug 4, 2022 2:47:10 GMT
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craftgranny
Full Member
Posts: 174
Jul 30, 2020 11:56:27 GMT
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Post by craftgranny on Aug 18, 2022 13:00:28 GMT
I have the 8 inch trimmer, the 12 inch guillotine and the new little 6 inch long and 3.5 trimmer all by TH and Tonic! I also have a deckle trimmer as well! Tonic makes a great product and I haven't had any problem with it being off unless I don't line up my paper correctly. I had a Fiskars when I first started in paper craft and I didn't like it. These trimmers and guillotines work the best for me! Good luck!
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Post by scrapbookmomof4 on Aug 21, 2022 15:46:27 GMT
Tonic is great! I love the Tim Holtz mini paper trimmer. It doesn't take up much room and I like the kind with the handle vs the kind that you slide a blade. I think they are more accurate.
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