Then the hunt began.
We ordered trimmer after trimmer after trimmer, and I put them through the wringer. I'm going to have a garage sale to get rid of most of them.
We use trimmers of all sorts . . . guillotine, rotary, bypass, illuminated, etc., ranging in price from twenty bucks on up to the hundreds. After two decades of scrapbooking and teaching ALSB to larger groups, the most efficient trimmer for this style of work is the beloved guillotine.
My requirements:
1. Self-sharpening blade.
2. Easy-to-see/read measurements
3. Paper stabilizer.
4. Straight cut.
5. Reasonable price point.
6. Can cut through our 80# cover stock. Two sheets at a time, or more.
7. Cuts clean top to bottom.
I found one worthy candidate: The Fiskars 12" Bypass Guillotine Trimmer.
See the trimmer used in the video project on my blog . . . it makes a cameo appearance at the 1:50 mark. (An observant member did make a comment about it!)
It's lightweight and compact, and I love the vertical grid with the screen printed alignment guide every quarter inch. It also has three horizontal inch rulers--one at the top, middle and bottom. Unlike the Tonic, the handle is not removable for storage in the base. Also differing from our previous model, it does not have a screen printed ruler along the top edge. I am adjusting.
I'm really looking forward to my first round of ALSB workshops at the Scrapbook Expo in Grapevine, Texas, on February 21-22. We'll be trimming away! (Ooooh, the sound of thirty guillotines cutting paper in perfect harmony.)
Happy Trimming!
Tricia
Looks like a neat trimmer and hope it does everything you want and more.
ReplyDeleteFiskars is a wonderful company and I am sure this is a perfect choice. Loving the additional rulers.
ReplyDeleteI had to laugh at the comment in parentheses--that was me!! hehehe I'm sorry to hear that Tonic has discontinued their trimmer as well. I'm thoroughly enjoying mine. I must say, when I first started scrapbooking I ran out and bought the old gray & orange Fiskars, and even though I have since bought 4 other trimmers, I just cannot bare to give up on it and find myself reaching for it still--even though some of the markings have worn off after 12 years of scrapping. It still has a special place in my heart. I know you and the staff have given it a THOROUGH test drive before introducing us to it!! Thanks for your research!!!!
ReplyDeleteI love the new one that you are showing.
ReplyDeleteLove the conintuous 1/4" guides--I make cards and work with smaller dimensions a lot! One thing both this and the Tonic are missing is a blade lock. A lock was a standard safety feature on my old trimmer.. To be sure I have not cut myself with the Tonic (yet) when moving it around in my small workspace or packing it to take somewhere, but it's probably a matter of time, Does anyone have any ideas about rigging one up? Something simple that is a one handed quick release? If I still had my old trimmer I'd just transfer it, but hind sight is sooo good....
ReplyDeleteGood news . . . this Fiskars has a handle lock right on the board. You simply pull the guillotine handle slightly to the right, and rest it onto the peg on the base of the trimmer. The handle won't budge unless you remove it from the peg.
DeleteI have the portable tonic and I love it, but I also have several other Fiskars trimmers ones with blades and a rotary also. I also have a couple other brands too, Since you use trimmers a lot, can you give us examples of what you cut with the different styles of trimmers. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteRuby, I cut most everything with the trimmer I've shown above with the exception of matte board and book board. I use my 18" Dahle rotary trimmer if I'm not up for making the cuts with a ruler and craft knife. I've been successful with cutting vellum, text weight, cover stock, etc. with this new Fiskars, and that pretty much covers my needs in the craft room.
DeleteThanks for finding a new one!
ReplyDeleteDid you happen to compare this to any of the Dahle guillotines?
ReplyDeleteHi, Lisa! I am the proud owner of a quality Dahle rotary trimmer, but I did not test the guillotine. They tend to be a much higher price point and quite heavy, thus making it less feasible for use in the classroom at trade shows, 'n such. But Dahle is certainly an excellent brand!
DeleteThanks for the info about the blade lock -- looks like I'll be adding the Fiskar trimmer to my wish list!
ReplyDeleteI'll admit it, I have a bone pile of trimmers I bought that didn't live up to my expectations. When I cut a piece of paper I want to be able to then fold that cut piece in half and have the ends match EXACTLY. It is both a blessing and a curse to be so persnickety so I am looking forward to putting this trimmer to the test in Grapevine. I'm hopeful that since it lives up to your exacting standards that it will suit me as well. Will you have trimmers available for purchase at the show? I would hate to fall in love and have to go empty handed!
ReplyDeleteYes, September, the plan is to have trimmers on hand for purchase after the workshops. We look forward to seeing you at Grapevine Scrapbook Expo!
DeleteHey, Karen! As you can see, I took your advice and have been exploring the site, enjoying the postings and YouTube videos. I even have a wish list of items I hope to purchase at the show. So thank you again for your patience with me!
ReplyDelete