If you routinely need to cut perfectly straight lines, using a rotary trimmer can be very helpful. These devices are commonly used in offices and schools, and crafters sometimes use them as well. In order to choose a rotary trimmer that will fit your needs, there are a few things you need to consider and look for. Check them out:
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Cutting length. It's vital that you choose a trimmer that's large enough to accommodate your paper. You will be able to choose the right trimmer by making sure that a trimmer's cutting length corresponds with the size of your paper. For example, if you will be trimming letter-sized paper, get a cutter that has an 11” cutting length.
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Cutting capacity. Rotary trimmers have different cutting capacities. In other words, the trimmer you choose will be able to cut a certain amount of paper at once. You need to pay attention to cutting capacity because if a trimmer can only trim 5 sheets at a time and you need to cut 10, that might be problematic.
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An encased blade. Since a rotary trimmer is a cutting tool, it's something that needs to be used with caution. It's a good idea to get a trimmer that has a blade that's fully encased in plastic. While you will still need to be careful when cutting our paper, the casing will help protect your fingers as you work.
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An alignment grid and ruler. It's important to choose a trimmer that has both a ruler and an alignment grid. These features will help you properly line up your paper so you can get a precise cut. You should also make sure the trimmer has a paper clamp. This will keep your paper in place as you work.
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Interchangeable blades. Some rotary trimmers have interchangeable blades. These cutters are very helpful if you want to perforate and/or score your paper. Also, sometimes these trimmers can create wavy edges, so they're ideal if you do a lot of crafts.
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Durable construction. Finally, it's a good idea to select a rotary trimmer that is durably constructed. You can tell a cutter is well-made if it has a lot of metal parts. The base should also be sturdy so it can withstand a lot of use.
Finally, you may want to try out a few different rotary trimmers to see which one you like the best. That way, it will be easy for you to choose the trimmer that's perfect for you. Happy cutting!
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