Trimming mount board with paper trimmer

[Tom Perkins]

I picked up a used rototrim last year which is in very good shape. I have used it a few times to trim some 4 ply mount board and I always wince when I do it and fear that this is too much for it, but do it anyway. So I thought I would ask whether anybody else has done this and experienced problems. Should I not do it or quit wincing? Thanks. Tom Perkins

 

[lee]

I would think that a matt cutter with a straight cut blade would be better. But that is a perfect solution in a perfect world and we all know that this is not a perfect world.

lee\c

 

[Les McLean]

I've used a rotary trimmer to cut 4 ply board for many years and still use the original blade. I have noticed that the board is slightly flattened on the first 0.25" of the cut, presemably it is pushed down by the cutting head. I also place the trimmer with one end against a solid wall to prevent it moving as the blade first starts the cut.

 

[ann]

Many of these trimmers have a self sharping blade which will help. We have used the trimmer to cut up to 4 ply board, however, usually I rather use a straight blade and metal ruler on a selfing healing board. Just habit.