How do I choose the right Rotary Trimmer?

If you want a rotary trimmer so you can do crafts, work on your scrapbook, and trim laminated documents, you’ll find that there are a lot of these devices available. It can be hard to figure out which one to get, so here’s what you need to consider so you can get the right rotary trimmer for your needs:

  • Cutting length. You definitely need to pay attention to the trimmer’s cutting length. You need to choose one that’s large enough to trim your paper. Most rotary trimmers can cut letter-sized paper (8.5” x 11”) although there are smaller and  larger cutters available. You might want to measure your paper before purchasing a trimmer just to be sure you get the right one.
  • Cutting capacity. Rotary trimmers offer various cutting capacities ranging from just a couple of sheets to more than 10. You should know that these devices aren’t capable of cutting large stacks of paper. If you need to cut large amounts of paper, you should consider a guillotine trimmer or a stack cutter. These devices will give you a clean cut and allow you to cut larger quantities of paper at once.
  • Construction. If you want to get a lot of use out of your rotary trimmer, you need to make sure it’s durably constructed. A high-quality trimmer will feature metal bars and will even have ball bearings so the cutting head can move smoothly. There are a lot of trimmers that are made almost completely out of plastic. While they may be affordable, they won’t last very long, so try to avoid them. Also, make sure you get a trimmer that has a paper clamp and measuring grid. These features make it easier to get the cut you need.
  • Consumables. At some point, you’re going to need to replace your trimmer’s blade and you might even need a new cutting mat. Obviously, this will cost you some money and if you choose a cheaper trimmer, you’ll be buying supplies on a consistent basis. Therefore, you might want to get a more expensive trimmer because it uses higher quality blades.
  • Multifunction abilities. There are some rotary trimmers on the market that can use different kinds of blades. These special blades can score and perforate your documents, as well do wavy cuts. Trimmers that can use these blades are really helpful when you’re doing crafts or working on an art project. If you want to get one of these trimmers, choose one that uses interchangeable blades so you can easily replace them, if necessary.
Categories: Rotary Trimmer