Looking for a paper trimmer that cuts STRAIGHT and won't fall apart (or break the bank)

[rpavich]

Sigh...I have bought two paper trimmers and both are a disappointment.
The first one was a Rotary by Dahal and it lasted about 2 or 3 months and all I cut with it is photopaper mostly one at a time but sometimes a couple at a time. I tried to cut 4 or 5 sheets at one time and it broke.
So...I checked the reviews on Amazon and got a very heavy duty guillotine cutter but while it's sharp as a razor, strait consistent cuts are impossible. The design makes it just about impossible to get a 100% straight cut.

So, I don't want to spend a year's salary but do you have any recommendations for a paper trimmer that you've used that will cut with 100% straight accuracy and continue to do so for a while but be under $200.00?

 

[rpavich]

I bought a Rotatrim.

After spending an hour reading reviews I've come to the conclusion that skimping here = frustration.

 

[hacked - sepiareverb]

+1 on the Rotatrim.

 

[rpavich]

+1 on the Rotatrim.

Yep. And for what I paid for two cheaper ones....well, you know.

 

[bdial]

I've used Rotatrims, but don't own one. They are almost magic in the cutting ease and accuracy.
It is possible to cut accurately with a guillotine cutter, but they don't leave a very good edge.

I have a little Fiskars that I use in the darkroom that does ok, purchased from the scrapbooking section at one of the art supply chain stores. It fits nicely on my light box for trimming negatives and works well enough to trim down single sheets of paper in the dark.

 

[M Carter]

I have a 24" guillotine cutter I bought in the 90's that works well - you do have to keep the bolt adjusted, and make sure to really hold the paper down.

It's not as 100% accurate as a t-square and a drafting table (which is how I do final print trimming. Even the best easel seems like you can be a half-degree off on some prints).

 

[hacked - sepiareverb]

Yep. And for what I paid for two cheaper ones....well, you know.

Yep. I figured third time would be the charm so went with the real deal.

 

[Agulliver]

My wife once bought me a small photo guillotine from a catalogue, either Betterware or someone similar. It was sent back because it was far too flimsy...nice idea though it was.

To be honest I'd say a Rototrim or similar. They last years in schools when abused by kids and provided you don't blunt the circular blade they are very durable.

 

[Doremus Scudder]

Rotatrim Mastercut (or whatever the top-of-the-line model is called these days) in the biggest size you'll ever use. And, try to stay well under the maximum rated thickness of material when cutting. Buy the best and cry once.

Doremus

 

[pentaxuser]

I'd go for the one where the cutter runs on two tubes instead of one. Yes it is more expensive but will last a lifetime even with heavy use.

It can't be a coincidence that the college darkroom that I used had one.

pentaxuser

 

[MattKing]

I've got a single tube Rotatrim that I bought used. For photographic paper I think it is likely fine. It was represented to me as being heavily used before I got it, and its cosmetics would support that, but it works great. For heavier paper, their top of line model is worth it.

 

[Jim Noel]

My Dahle is well over 20 ears old and has never had a problem.

 

[StephenT]

Another +1 for a Rototrim - wish I had invested in one much sooner than I did. You won't regret it.

 

[rpavich]

Thanks everyone, i cried a little when i pushed the buy button on the Rotratrim Mastercut Pro 15" but im sure the sting wont last long, ill be glad i did.