Quality Light Duty Print Paper Cutter

dancqu · Jan 23, 2007

Prior to printing I'd like to down size, one sheet
at a time, 8x10 and maybe 11x14 to 5x7 and 31/2
inch size. Accuracy counts. Any suggestions? Dan

Roger Hicks · Jan 23, 2007

dancqu said:
Prior to printing I'd like to down size, one sheet
at a time, 8x10 and maybe 11x14 to 5x7 and 31/2
inch size. Accuracy counts. Any suggestions? Dan

Dear Dan,

Alas, most light duty cutters are not of high quality, and few are especially accurate. I have never found any better cutters than Rotatrim.

Cheers,

R.

jovo · Jan 23, 2007

While Roger is absolutely correct about accuracy and quality, the trimmer by "Carl" is adequate for light duty. Although sold by Freestyle, it's also available at Staples, and Office Max and the like. It's still about $50 American for one that will trim an 11x14 print, but that's a helluvalot less than the several hundred for a Rotatrim. Also, you can get replacement cutting wheels and cutting wheel 'beds' at office supply stores.

It takes more care and effort (alignment and holddown of the print), but as I only do a few prints at a time, it's worked out well for me. (I also suggest that drinking Scotch while using the trimmer is not the best way to proceed.)

Steve Smith · Jan 23, 2007

jovo said:
(I also suggest that drinking Scotch while using the trimmer is not the best way to proceed.)

How do you know that?!

Steve.

David A. Goldfarb · Jan 23, 2007

I agree with Roger. Figure out the largest size you'll want to cut, save your pennies, buy a Rotatrim, and then you'll never have to worry about your paper cutter again.

I just used a T-square and an X-acto knife until I could afford a Rotatrim. If you are always cutting to one or two sizes, you could make a simple jig for the purpose.

donbga · Jan 23, 2007

dancqu said:
Prior to printing I'd like to down size, one sheet
at a time, 8x10 and maybe 11x14 to 5x7 and 31/2
inch size. Accuracy counts. Any suggestions? Dan

One inexpensive rotary paper trimmer that I've used for years is a trimmer made by Fiskars. The trimmer comes in two different sizes, 11 and 20 inch if I recall correctly. You can check Fiskars.com for sizes and prices.

The Fiskars trimmers aren't a replacement for a Rotatrim, but make good light weight trimmers for cutting paper in the darkroom.

jovo · Jan 23, 2007

Steve Smith said:
How do you know that?!

Steve.

Um........I......er........I heard someone tell me that.......yup.......hearsay!

Steve Smith · Jan 23, 2007

jovo said:
Um........I......er........I heard someone tell me that.......yup.......hearsay!

So are you having trouble playing every fourth note now?!!

Steve.

Neil Poulsen · Jan 23, 2007

Rototrim makes a single tube version "European" model. Do these work well? Do they have a downside, other than durability in the face of hard use?

I would think they would be good, as long as care is taken when using them. But, don't know.

MikeSeb · Jan 23, 2007

While we're on the subject of Rotatrims, do their blades ever need sharpening? They are said to be self-sharpening, but I wonder. I find I can cut cleanly about 2 sheets of ~200gsm paper without getting a rough cut edge. (I have the 30" two-tube Rotatrim.)

I notice that a new blade assembly is quite pricey.

Jon Shiu · Jan 23, 2007

MikeSeb said:
While we're on the subject of Rotatrims, do their blades ever need sharpening? They are said to be self-sharpening, but I wonder. I find I can cut cleanly about 2 sheets of ~200gsm paper without getting a rough cut edge. (I have the 30" two-tube Rotatrim.)

I notice that a new blade assembly is quite pricey.

I have a 25-30 year old Rotatrim and it still cuts fine and I even use it to cut down 4 ply rag board.

Jon

resummerfield · Jan 23, 2007

I have a Rotatrim, and certainly would not switch. But I was wondering about the older Nikkor trimmers seen frequently on Ebay. They look very similar to the Rotatrim, with one guide tube instead of the Rotatrim's two, and have a similar rotary blade. Does anyone have any experience with the Nikkor?

David A. Goldfarb · Jan 23, 2007

I think they are indeed self sharpening. I've used a Rotatrim at a lab where it got very heavy use for many years, and it looked completely beat up and had rust spots on the blade and the tubes, but it still cut perfectly. This is what sold me.

pnance · Jan 23, 2007

If you want inexpensive, the Harbor Freight 24" paper cutter works well. Less than $25 I believe.

pandino · Jan 23, 2007

Does anybody have any experience with the Kodak Gear rotary cutters? They appear (from pics) to be nearly identical to the Rotatrims. B&H carries both, but the Kodak is about 20% cheaper.

dancqu · Jan 28, 2007

David A. Goldfarb said:
...buy a Rotatrim, and then you'll never have
to worry about your paper cutter again.
I just used a T-square and an X-acto knife until...

As specific sizes are in mind a jig should be easy
to put togeather. A compact dedicated single sheet
print paper cutter for darkroom use. I've a sturdy
light duty single rail 18" Premier. More than
needed when cutting down 8x10s. Dan

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