How to buy a Paper Trimmer

We are here to help you choose the best cutting tool to fit your application. There are however, three simple questions you should ask yourself when selecting a cutting product. The questions you should be asking yourself are;

1. What type of material will I be cutting? Paper, fabric, photographs, x-rays?.
2. How often will I be cutting this material? Daily, Weekly, Monthly?
3. What types of safety features do I need?

The answers to these three questions will help you help us recommend the best Paper Trimmer or Cutting Tool to fit your cutting needs.

Rolling Trimmers
Use a circular blade mounted to a horizontal bar which allows paper to be trimmed in both directions. This enhances the speed at which you can work if you plan to cut single sheets of material and at multiple times. Rolling Trimmers, also known as Rotary Trimmers, are also safe. They have a round rolling blade, or cutter, that is hidden from fingers and is relatively safe to use.

Cutters and Guillotines
Cutters and Guillotines use a lever style blade and are typically able to trim larger amounts of paper in a single cut. Keep in mind that these types of trimmers are not as safe as Rolling Trimmers since they do have a lever and require more force when cutting multiple sheets of material at once. Many models do offer safety features such as guards to help prevent accidents.

You may want to view the Dahle Cutter Selection Guide

Dahle produces very high-quality Paper Trimmers and Paper Shredders are recommended by the EngineerSupply Product Team.

PRICE
If you're concerned with cost of the product you're planning to buy, consider the useful life expectancy. You should consider the price being spread out over these years and not be as concerned with price in our opinion. We always think of the nice steak supper for $50 that lasts only a few hours. That's a good way to think about where your money is going.

WARRANTY
Most are one year, and some are lifetime warranties, but take the time to read the product descriptions and see if the product itself is warranted or if anything like wearables are excluded or included.

Disclaimer; By reading this guide on our website, you agree to not hold anyone responsible for any misuse or misunderstandings that you may make. EngineerSupply.com does NOT assume any responsibility with providing this information.