Choosing a Paper Trimmer

Looking for the perfect paper trimmer? Perhaps you haven't given much thought to paper trimmers. We're here to explore an important tool when it comes to making and creating beautiful scrapbooks, cards and crafts.

Paper trimmers have come a long way since the dawn of scrapbooking and the assortment of options continues to grow. If you are like me, you have tried a variety of trimmers and know that not every trimmer is as easy-to-use, affordable, and portable as others. Let's take a look at some of the options on the market today.

A small trimmer is perfect for taking with you to crops and socials, and it packs easily when traveling. It can be used for cutting photographs and paper scraps, but isn't very helpful when trying to cut from papers that are larger than the trimmer.

One of my favorites in the "small trimmer" category is the Cutterpede personal 5" portable paper trimmer . As the product description states, the 5" trimmer has the same features as a standard-sized trimmer, but additional benefits include a ¼" matting guide, an elbow that sets the position for 5" paper size, a ruler that swings out for larger projects, a magnetic lock to hold the cutting bar in place (great for picture trimming) and gripper feet on the underside to ensure steady work. The 5" trimmer also easily folds up for portability. It allows you to cut very small and precise measurements. Other smaller trimmers don't have ruler measurements where you need them, so you have to guess where you're cutting. I would like to see more blades and accessories for this available in the stores. It costs around fifteen dollars.

Another popular mini paper trimmer I found recently is the TONIC Mini Rotary 3-Piece Folding Handle Set . They are tiny and dare I say cute! Noted as a super value, the three together cost around 10 dollars, which is not bad for cute and a must-have for obsessed scrappers that want all the latest gadgets. Be sure to have a metal ruler and cutting mat handy to help keep your cuts straight when using these tools.

While 12" portable trimmers are by far the most popular among scrapbookers because of their portability, size and price, many personal 12" trimmers are flawed when it comes to cutting paper and photos. They lack a device to hold your paper and photos in place, which can cause them to slip. Unfortunately, when trimming, you can end up with a crooked line if you aren't careful. Be cautious in your selection when it comes to getting a quality 12" portable paper trimmer. If you have the opportunity to try them out before buying, you may save yourself frustration later on. Also, be sure to read user reviews to see what trimmers have fared best with other scrapbookers.

Fiskars has a variety of paper trimmers. Ideal for cutting paper, card stock, photographs and more, their 12" portable paper trimmer accurately cuts up to five sheets of 20 lb. paper at a time, the box says. The blade carriage is good for over 1,000 cuts. It includes built-in holes designed to fit most ring binders. This is a great trimmer and is a good value for the money. I have bought a couple of other trimmers that are supposed to be much better, but I always turn back to this one. It is easy to see exactly where you are trimming and has the guidelines to help get square cuts. It is also lightweight and easy to take along to crops and classes.

There are several other brands in this category, all with a price around $20 to $25.

If you tend to stay put when you scrapbook and have the space to store it, a stationary rotary paper trimmer is a great investment. They often cut more precisely than a portable trimmer, have several measuring guides and blade options, and are more heavy-duty, making them last much longer.

My favorite for many reasons is the Acme Titanium Rotary Trimmer 12''. It sells for around seventy dollars but is well worth the investment. The description at www.joanns.com says:

This trimmer is a fully loaded model! It has clear, easy-to-read imperial and metric measuring grids, a see-through storage compartment for extra blades and supplies, an easy grip roller for comfortable cutting, no-touch safety shield for quick and easy blade changes, the blades are titanium bonded making them more durable and 3x harder than stainless steel alone and a scrap tray that keeps work surface neat. This unit also has rubber feet to prevent it from slipping and an integrated carrying handle for ease of portability.

Another true quality bargain is the Professional Rotary Trimmer 12'' from Fiskars that has a price tag of around $40. It's the typical one you find in many office settings. I looked this one up at Jo-Ann's as well and found the following:

The Professional Rotary Trimmer 12" cutting rail holds paper firmly in place, while premium carbide blades ensure a precise, accurate cut. Sturdy metal base is calibrated and features preset measurements for common-sized items. Updated graphics, rulers and grid make it easy to trim materials. The cutting blade rests directly next to the cutting rail, so there's no guessing where the blade comes into contact with the materials you're trimming!

I plan to pick this one up soon. Here are reviews of several other large rotary-style trimmers you might find appealing:

As you are searching for a trimmer, keep in mind the type of products you'll be cutting (paper, photos, or both), whether you will be traveling with it or if it will remain in one place in your home, and how much money you want to spend. With those guidelines in mind, you'll be able to make an educated choice about the trimmer that is just right for you.

Nancy Duncan, M.S.W., owner of scrapcottage.com, is an avid scrapper who custom designs digital and handcrafted scrapbooks for clients and creates a variety of crafts for customers. She is a health, fitness, psychology, nutrition and relationship writer. She has written for Memory Makers Magazine and plans more craft articles. Nancy is also a credentialed social worker.

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