Professional Rotary Trimmer 12"-

After being thoroughly disappointed (it's $29.95 plus about $10 shipping from Amazon/Adorama), I asked my local art store what they used, and they showed me their 6 year-old German-made Dahle 507 Personal Trimmer, which with self-sharpening blades, was still cutting sharply and precisely after all these years. They apparently use it for all their small cutting needs in the store. I bought one for $50 after a bit more research, and have just finished retrimming all my photos so that they have straight edges (and it worked perfectly). If what you're looking for is a digital photo cutter, go for a Dahle or one of the better ones at Amazon. I'd avoid this product. Personally, I'd avoid the Carl brand, but have no personal knowledge of their higher end products.


I use this gizmo way more than I thought I would   December 19, 2006
Jessica E. Bowen (Marlborough, MA USA)
43 out of 43 found this review helpful

A basic paper cutter, I have found so many uses for this! It cuts through several pieces of paper at once - maybe 10 sheets, and the rotary blade is precise and much safer than the guillotine style. I use it to cut photos I've printed from the computer, school projects, cutting strips for paper chains, cutting paper for crafts, cutting recipes to fit into my recipe box, etc. It's small enough to store easily too - and even to bring it with me if I'm crafting away from home.


Does exactly what it should.... excellent   February 18, 2007
Jane Stansell (southern Illinois)
37 out of 37 found this review helpful

This trimmer is very definitely worth the price. It cuts smoothly every time. Because of the clear plastic edges, there's no guesswork involved in setting up the cutting line for small pieces. There is a grid on the bed of the trimmer, marked for setting up bigger pieces without having to examine the path of the cutting blade. Amazing amongst trimmers, this one is actually true to the right angle between horizontal and vertical. The trimmer weighs more than plastic ones, but I still use it on my lap for last minute adjustments in card-making. This trimmer is by Carl, whose website gives the impression that Carl is a serious company, producing quality products. I use the trimmer daily, and am very happy with it.


Quality product!   January 16, 2007
Kendra K. Harnden (Kansas)
31 out of 31 found this review helpful

I had this on my wish list for Christmas this year & my mom bought it for me. I had not actually ever seen this product except for online. Just before Thanksgiving I borrowed a friends Fiskars brand rotary trimmer & decided I'd like one of my own. I chose this particular one because of size & pricing. I am very, very pleased - it is a much better quality than the Fiskars. Very solid metal & hard plastic construction. Easy removal of small interchangeable blades with handy blade storage on underside of trimmer (have to love anything that's self containing :). Highly recommended !!!


Does the job   April 20, 2005
Anonymous (San Jose, CA USA)
23 out of 23 found this review helpful

Clearly "rkm001" has had some difficulty in using this equipment. I have one that I used as part of my job. I have probably cut over 1000 photos/labels/etc. Other people in the office have cut more than 2000 photos. It does exactly what it is supposed to do - it cuts a straight line along the edge of the guide.

Where this problem arises is when the cutting surface, underneath the cutting wheel, becomes worn from use. I grove will slowly develop and since the cutting surface is not fixed in position and can slide from side to side, the grove will not be straight nor will it be parallel to the cutting guide.

To solve this problem, you should not use extreme force when cutting. Gentle pressure is adequate for cutting a photo. You can also remove the cutting surface and rotate it 90 or even flip it over. This gives you four cutting surfaces to work with. Ultimately you will need to replace it. Carl makes those too.

For $20, it works well and unless you plan to cut thousands of times a month, it is fine for home or light office use.