CARL Heavy Duty Rotary Paper Trimmer - 12238, Black/Silver, 18inch

Excellent accurate and strong! I use this cutter for cutting book board in my paper arts business for making both books and boxes. It is strong and accurate, two or three passes cuts through heavy bookboard and is much safer than using a utility knife. It is tricky for narrow or small pieces but there are good work arounds for that and it hasn’t proven to be much of a challenge. Great price, great cutter - and replacing blades and cutting mat is simple and economical, especially with the extra pieces stored within the tool itself. And both the blades and cutting mats last a good long time, especially being able to reverse and use the cutting mat four different ways. Highly recommended!!!

It's not generally difficult for me to make purchasing decisions, but a paper trimmer became a glaring exception. I needed it primarily to create labels for a product we make by hand, and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't make the labels by hand that were up to the standard of the product. With their generous one-item coupons in mind, I checked the on-line catalogs of Joann Fabrics and Michael's Crafts, gave eBay the required cursory look just for price comparison, and concentrated on Amazon for reviews & Prime. I was prepared to drop $25 or $30. I bought this trimmer from Amazon, and that was the right decision for me. Here's why. I needed to see the exact place where the cut would be made. I print tiny registration marks in the labels to help me keep them lined up properly as I change the item specifics in each, and also to show me precisely where to cut. For whatever reason, my printers haven't always placed a print in the exact same place on a page from copy to copy. Once I cut that first line, then the rest can be cut in a stack. That brings me to a second point. The old guillotine cutter I bought years ago only manages a few pages of this 32# 100% cotton stock at once. It takes 2 passes of the cutter head, but with this trimmer, I can cut 20 pieces of that paper at once. The cuts are perfectly clean, straight, and square, and effortless to make. The locking mechanism is both brilliant, and the reason this trimmer works so well, cuts such straight lines. If the lever is raised, the mechanism is unlocked, and paper can be moved around under it. Once lowered, it holds the paper absolutely still while you cut. Many of the trimmers in the $25 to $30 range, and well into the hundreds, have some part of the contraption built into the base in such a way that the scale and/or grid is missing which makes cutting a narrow strip from a narrow strip impossible. You can do that with this trimmer, and the entire base is both intact and visible, though the portion directly under the locking mechanism is somewhat obscured by it. The only other trimmers I saw with metal bases like this were made by X-Acto, but they lacked a sophisticated locking device for the paper, and they only cut a few pages at one time. I didn't want plastic. The single con is the magnetic bar that's intended to be used for making multiple cuts of the same size, and the way it relates to the Slimer-green "light-gathering acrylic" guide. First, since my labels are about 1.275" wide and the guide is about 2" wide, the magnetic bar can't be brought close enough to use. Second, the magnet is quite strong, and that's good; it prevents accidental movement. It's also not so good in that the bar doe not have any mechanism to stay square, and must be manually squared each time it's moved. It takes a little effort because you need to fight with the magnet. I solved that by removing the magnet. I like well made tools, and I have some of my grandfather's who passed more than 30 years ago who also invested in good tools during his life. I've skipped meals to buy well crafted tools, and I scrimped to get this one. Quality tools last, and they pay back much more than they cost over their lifetime of service. There weren't any shortcuts taken in the fabrication of this tool so far as I can see. Seams & corners meet perfectly, and the craftsmanship in general is impeccable. I feel comfortable in recommending this trimmer to anyone who's serious about their work. I wish I had another star to give out every hundred reviews. If I did, this would get it.

I waited a few months to write a review. I have tried several cutters that I liked at first then found as I used them they lost favor with me. I wanted something to cut straight and leave clean lines. I was a bit worried that some of the reviews said it wouldn't do cut even after awhile. I found that true. HOWEVER, I had used it lots and realized with the volume of cutting, it might need a new blade. I replaced the blade and was good to go again. Since I work with paper in 4-5 hours per shift 4-6 days a week, I find that a blade lasts about 5 weeks. When the paper starts to get uneven cuts, I know it is time to change the blade. I am very happy with this purchase. It cuts thick, ultra thin and all the in-between thickness leaving that sharp clean cut I want. I have had a couple of trimmers equal in price that just seemed to wear out (one with a never replace blade, don't believe that tale, the one I had was tearing paper rather than cutting in two months). For the money, for the results, this has been my best results. The loading is sort of awkward at first (it has a lockdown step), but once I got used to it, it is great and I like it because once locked the paper does not move. Multi thick layers can slip (again especially if the blade is older), but it still cuts clean and with help the slip can be avoided. I would say it does not do sliver trim (like thread width) well, but I have never found a trimmer that does that well. Even with that I can say when I need to straighten a line cut it is the only one I have found that gives a cut that doesn't show a partial trim most of the time. I read some reviews on photo cutting, which isn't something I do. I have cut glossy photo paper and it did fine for me. In my experience cutting a lot of glitter paper seems to cause the blade to wear down faster (a lot to me is 75-100 cuts). I would buy this again, and have a stock of blades so I expect to use it for a long time. The cutting runner is usable 4 different ways, I turn that each time I change blades, just because I think it is good form to do so. Fresh blade, fresh runway seems like a good idea. I also like that the overall weight is not flimsy, yet not so heavy it takes everything to move it. It appears to be constructed well, I see no indication after months of use of any give or separation of parts anywhere.

So far, this Carl 15" heavy duty paper trimmer is working great for cutting cardstock, Kraft board, cardboard and light to medium weight chip board. It cuts a single sheet of 110 lb. cardstock without a problem. For the heavier weight papers, I have to make several passes with the rotary blade, but that is not a problem since this trimmer has a locking rail that holds the paper firmly in place. This might be my favorite feature. Other trimmers that I considered buying did not have this feature. The product description says you can cut 36 sheets of 20 lb. paper, but I have not done that since I don't need to cut multiple pieces of cardstock or paper at a time. I imagine that will work, but you will probably have to make a few passes with the blade. It cuts accurately- but you have to "square up" your paper, since most paper is NOT square, even quality cardstock. Very important. If the paper isn't square, you can't get accurate cuts. It also has an adjustable magnetic paper guide that can be put on either the top of the trimmer or the bottom. Or you can use the trimmer without the magnetic paper guide. Other nice features are the metal base board with a measurement grid and a storage compartment for extra blades and cutting mats. It comes with an extra cutting blade, perforating blade and extra cutting mat. None of the other trimmers that I considered buying had a perforating blade so that is a plus. I also like the fact that I can easily replace the blade when it gets dull. As far as the weight of this cutter, it is not heavy. It is not very light, but I have no problem moving it around. I am very happy with this purchase. I recommend this trimmer if you need cut heavier weight paper.

I bought this trimmer primarily for cutting and scoring handmade greeting cards. It performs about 50% of the duties I was expecting, but is still a step up from my old paper cutter. PROS: • Smooth, clean cuts • Blades are replaceable (and not too expensive at around $5/ blade) • Handy storage area at bottom of the trimmer • Includes 2 straight blades, 1 perforating blade, and 2 cutting mats • Can use each cutting mat 4 times by turning/flipping • Feels solidly built • "Locks" paper in place so it doesn't shift during cutting • Rubberized base keeps the trimmer steady CONS: • Not great for card stock (only cuts 4 sheets of 100lb cover stock (270gsm) at a time) • Magnetic paper guide doesn't fit correctly, is difficult to position, and sometimes shifts while cutting • Can't use for scoring (the scoring blade--sold separately--does not score card stock correctly) • Plastic guard makes it difficult to cut smaller paper sizes (under 4") The magnetic paper guide is neat, but difficult to position correctly. It doesn't fit the rail exactly, so it ends up at a slight angle whenever you try to position it. (See attached photo.) Not good if you want to cut your paper in a straight line! I have to double-check the position every time I move the guide. It would be better if it either fit that rail exactly or extended the full length of the cutting board to slot into both the upper and lower rails. The magnet is also a bit weaker than I expected, and the rail sometimes shifts while I'm cutting, leaving me with uneven paper sizes. On to scoring. I make large amounts of greeting card blanks at a time, and 15+ minutes of scoring by hand (with a bone folder and scoring board) leaves my hand aching and sore. I was hoping that the rotary trimmer--in combination with the CARL K-30 Replacement Scoring Blade for the DC-210/220/238/2503 --would be a great solution for me. However, it doesn't score wide or deep enough to even leave an impression on the back of the card stock, much less create a smooth fold. (See attached photos for comparison.) Very disappointed. The scoring blade is not wide enough or heavy-duty enough to score heavy card stock. I've tested several different paper weights, and construction paper is the heaviest thing it will score correctly. This is currently the only scoring blade available for this trimmer. So in summary, cutting is very good in general, acceptable if you use card stock. Scoring is a non-starter. If you're planning on using this paper trimmer for cutting computer paper or small amounts of card stock, it'll probably suit your needs perfectly.

Just opened the box, tried it. I am in LOVE! The cut is the cleanest cut I have ever experienced with any cutter. I did not have to put pressure, it just cut like butter. As a scrapbooker, I have spent a small fortune on cutters, all maybe 2 or 3 stars at best, and none ever cut truly straight. This one is dead on straight. You should know a couple of things. It has a locking mechanism where you lock it down after positioning the paper so nothing moves. And I mean does not move. 1 piece of paper stayed put like it was glued. I also cut along printed lines, and tried an 1/8" trim an edge ... you know the ones that often don't work because there is so little paper, this was perfect through the whole length. It comes with an extra blade(s) and extra cutting mat, very nice. The instructions tell you that you can switch the cutting mat end to end or turn it over, which is basically the manufacturer telling you how to save money and get the best use ... before you have to buy another. How REFRESHING! The one thing that I will have to get used to is the lock down, as it requires a stop and open, or stop and lock movement, so it's a minor extra step. I'll do it for this kind of precision. It's well made, heavy and with the wide rail the blade does not waver or wobble, and I don't expect it ever will. It has a storage space where the extra blade(s) and cutting mat fit so the won't be lost. It looks exactly like the picture and looks professional, it's not cheap looking and is not pink or orange or flowery. It even comes with an instruction "manual". I am thoroughly impressed with this cutter. This cost slightly more than the high end version from the common name brand I own that now is poorly functioning. The quality comparison between the two is rubber raft to cruise ship. Am very happy I spent the money, and am excited to start a project so I can use this lovely.

The product was purchased to cut .057" chipboard (medium weight 57pt). The thickness was at the limit of the blade for me and it took three passes to get a total cut through but it did the job. I have difficulty pushing down hard enough on lighter weight trimmers to get clean cuts on just paper but this cutter worked the first time. My lack of strength most likely is why I needed to get three passes on the cutter to get a clean cut on the chipboard. I have not tried it on other materials yet. The goal was to cut the chipboard and it worked perfectly. A fine clean cut with no jagged edges or need to turn the material over. As for the unit itself, the magnetic hold bar is very strong and did not move during the cut (I used it as a buttress). However, for larger sheets of paper, I would not use it to hold anything thicker than basic card stock. As a test, I could feel the pull through the chipboard but it was very weak. If needed, the magnetic bar lifts cleanly off the unit and is very easy to put back on. The locking mechanism on the blade bar was excellent but a little hard to lock down (my strength again). The unit is fairly hefty as well but very sturdy and well built and it can be held with one hand. I am very happy with the unit out of the box and gladly give it five stars.

As a card maker, this is a phenomenal cutting platform!