Best Overall
X-Acto Commercial-Grade Guillotine Trimmer
Best Bang for the Buck
Carl Professional Rotary Paper Cutter
Best for Angles
Dahle 534 Professional Guillotine Trimmer
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A newspaper cutting tool can flawlessly turn out paper , photographs , and other items more apace and accurately than a twain of scissor grip . These tools make the crisp , full-strength lines that crafters , teacher , homeschoolers , and a host of outback professionals often need to make daily for piece of work or schooltime . We want to know which paper cutters were truly up to the task , so we decide to try today ’s top models .
First , we take apart dozens of paper cutters designed to fulfil various cut tasks , then selected the highest - rated models to try out . We sliced through hundreds of canvas of composition ( severally and stacked ) , card livestock , and composition board . We even chop a ledger in one-half !
In test the cutter , we come upon that some office are more important than others . regrettably , not all the models we screen realise a spot on this lineup , and you’re able to get which ones did n’t make the cut ( paronomasia intended ) under “ Also test ” below .
This pathfinder will explore the different types and cover the consideration to keep in mind while shopping . in front , learn more about our testing process and determine out how the following models earned a place in our lineup of the good newspaper cuttersfor most users .
How We Tested the Best Paper Cutters
Before we selected several newspaper publisher carver for hand - on examination , we researched more than 30 models to set which ones were most likely to resist up to the cutting tasks of our readers . We attend at rating and review , but we also carefully analyzed cost , weight , innovation , and safety features , maintain in nous that drug user ’ projects variegate wide .
Our actual examination process was relatively straightforward . We arrange the newspaper cutters up , assembled those that call for assembly , and then check to ensure all the parts were working as intend . Then we started cutting …
One of our main goals was to build how light it was to align the paper using grading or grids on the pecker ’s cutting bed . We also focused on how well the twist cut the maximal number of sheet based on the manufacturer ’s claims , and we noted whether the stonecutter offered guideline for making vernacular - size cuts . By the sentence we polish off testing , we ’d cut through four entire ream of printer composition , plus a ream of card broth , tons of bill poster boards , and even a paperback record book . Yes , one model was advertised as being able to cut through a book , so we tested it , and it slice the book in half cleanly .
We used a rubric and awarded points based on the quality of the materials , usefulness , design , and functionality . The better a cutlery perform , the more points it bring in . After examination , we added and averaged the points and used the upshot to help set the full uses and categories for the cutter .
Our Top Picks
The following newspaper cutter all scored well in our hands - on examination . While each offer a range of function intimately suited to specific types of projects , all are among the sound alternative for quality paper cutters . We address the pros and cons of each model so our readers can make an informed buying conclusion .
Our Ratings : Ease of Use5/5 ; Portability5/5 ; Performance5/5 ; Value5/5
The guillotine paper cutter from X - Acto is ideal for make out through various sheet materials , including paper , exposure , film , and bill poster board . This is the character of newspaper ship’s boat we call back from our schooltime day , and it was every bit as precise at cutting a lot of 15 sheets of paper as it was when we cut a single sheet . We liked that it has horizontal and erect gridiron marking in addition to two ruler — one near the top and another near the bottom of the cutting bed . The lines and markings made it easy to pick out the correct size of it when cut and aligning the paper .
This fashion model allow a safety latch to keep the guillotine arm secure when it is n’t in use . It also offers an additional rubber precaution runway adjacent to the blade to protect fingers during exercise . The solid forest base is stout and make out with rubber bumpers that kept the paper cutter from slide on the mesa as we tested it . At 18 column inch foresighted by 18 inch widely , it is also generously sized for larger cut projects .
We encounter it to be well designed and exact . We ’d call for for a more secure refuge door latch if we had our preference . With a bit of maneuvering , little finger might be capable to push the latch to the open situation , which would allow full access to the blade . Plus , the bottom of the sword stretch about 0.0625 inch below the cutting bottom when closed and locked in place , so never put hand on the side with the brand when lifting the theme tender .
Overall , this newspaper publisher ship’s boat is a gamey - caliber mathematical product that will curb up well to frequent use . Still , due to the inherent safety risks , we ’d suggest limiting its use to home berth , craft rooms , or other areas with grownup supervision .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Get the X - Acto paper cutter atAmazon , OfficeSupply.com , orZoro .
Best Bang For The Buck
Our Ratings : Ease of Use4/5;Portability4/5 ; Performance4/5 ; Value4/5
There ’s no need to drop a lot for a quality newspaper cutter . This affordable manikin , made by Carl , boasts an 18 - inch cut length and rationalise up to 10 sheets of composition at once . It features a incisive blade that permit for fresh , precise cuts , and it can slice through charge card sheeting , mat board , and photographs as well as report .
This was the first rotary cutter we test , and we were impressed . While this is a relatively lightweight cutter — it weigh just 1 pound sterling — it came with rubber stoppers on the bottom that contain it firmly in place during cut . The cutting bed is 18.18 inches prospicient by 9 inches all-encompassing and comes with rulers along all four edges . Even well , it sport alignment markings for common size cut , such as 4 - by-6 - inch photos and 5 - by-7 - column inch photos , as well as letter size , effectual size , and more .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
We tested it on single sheets of paper and then on a push-down store of 10 weather sheet . It made white - track edges on both , although we had to contain the stack sheets firmly to keep them from shifting when we cut . The rotary feature makes this paper carver safer than a guillotine cutter — a better option for homes with new children .
This model can be fitted with 11 different cutting off blades ( sell separately ) , including a perforated blade for create a tear - off section or a scalloped sword for a pretty edge on gift cards or scrapbook entries . We would have like a magnet bar , such as those included with some of the other cutter we essay , which help hold paper securely , but for the price , this is a good choice for crafter , nursing home authority , and homeschools .
Get the Carl professional paper cutlery atAmazon , Carl Manufacturing , orMyBinding.com .
Photo: Amazon
Best For Angles
Our rating : Ease of Use5/5;Portability4/5 ; Performance4/5 ; Value4/5
The Dahle 534 trimmer expect like many other guillotine paper cutters at first coup d’oeil , but as we inspected it more cautiously , we noticed a serial publication of angled guidelines on the cutting mat that allowed us to trim theme and scorecard stock at precise 15- , 30- , 45- , 60- , and 70 - degree angles . The 534 also put up rule of thumb for other square and rectangular sizes , but there we find it slightly absent .
The rectangular guides on the cutting mat of the 534 are listed in DIN sizes ( millimeters ) , which are slightly off from the sizes most Americans are familiar with . For object lesson , on the 534 , we found a orthogonal rule of thumb for A4 - size of it paper tag 210 by 297 mm . While this is similar to U.S. letter - sizing newspaper that assess 8.5 by 11 column inch , A4 paper is about .24 inches narrower and .5 inches longer . ruler at the top and bottom of the press clipping mat , however , offer both mm and column inch .
Photo: Amazon
The cut bed measure 22 inches long by 11 inch wide , and the base has rubber foot that keep it from sliding during mental test cuts . The manufacturer claim the 534 can ignore up to 15 sheets of paper , but we found it topped out at 13 sheet . Every time we added one more sheet , the pinnace pulled on the pot of 14 , and the cut bound were slightly spotty .
A plus for the 534 is the comprehension of a ginmill attraction that helps hold a canvass of paper in home while cutting , and even though the closure by compartment blade does not fare with a safety latch , it takes a business firm pull to prove the blade , which we felt a toddler probably could not do . Plus , it has a plastic guard next to the blade , which keep fingers from sliding under it . This is an excellent paper cutter , but this is not the best option if shopper are seem for U.S.-standard guidelines .
Get the Dahle 534 theme cutter atStaples , Quill.com , orB&H Photo .
Photo: Staples
Best For Teachers
Dahle 554 Professional Rotary Trimmer
Our valuation : Ease of Use4.5/5;Portability2/5 ; Performance5/5 ; Value4/5
This oversize paper cutlery offers everything we can envision a instructor might require when cutting paper , card stock , and photos . It features a exact cutting steel , and because it does n’t have a closure by compartment bar , it may be a safe choice for students .
The maker claims it will geld up to 20 sheet of paper at a time , and our testing verified that it could — with clean , square cuts . Unlike some other orbitual paper stonecutter where the user must practice downward pressure level on the blade housing to engage the blade , all we had to do was slip the living accommodations from one end of the cutter to the other to abbreviate through the newspaper publisher .
Photo: Amazon
A stalwart metal base help keep the paper cutter from sliding around and likely adds to its strength and longevity . The work control surface measures a large 28 inches long by 12 inches wide , which is desirable for various cutting projects .
Like the other Dahle cutlery we tested , the 554 features metrical DIN measurements and guidelines — but it also boasts ANSI measurements and templet guideline . This is a very nice paper cutter , and we were impressed by its performance and good - exercise face .
Get the Dahle 554 newspaper tender atAmazon , B&H Photo , orToday ’s Classroom .
Photo: Amazon
Best Rotary
Carl Manufacturing Rotary Heavy-Duty Paper Cutter
Our paygrade : Ease of Use4/5;Portability5/5 ; Performance4/5 ; Value4/5
Those looking for a multiple - canvas rotary composition cutter should consider this option by Carl Manufacturing . It comes with a handy locking prevention that raises to slide newspaper under the scout and then locks them in berth during the cutting off process . We found this especially helpful when rationalize thick stacks of paper tabloid .
The manufacturer claims this cutter can deal up to 36 sheet of paper . We verified that in our tests , but at 36 plane , the very ends of the cut edges were just slightly odd . When we reduce the issue of sheets to 25 , the cut edges were clean with no pulling or lachrymation . The base coalition grid help see to it precision and include measure for cutting plebeian items , such as photographs and received paper sizes . Rulers along the side , top , and bottom have both ANSI and DIN measurements .
Photo: Amazon
The overall dimensions of the cutting bed are 18 column inch recollective by 12 inch wide . A perforate blade , a straightforward blade , and a storage compartment to hold extra blades are included . After replacing the existing blade with the perforate blade , we were able-bodied to create bust - off sections on newspaper .
A slight downside : The magnetised bar guide did n’t have much holding power . The attractor seemed weak , and a fragile bump would induce the barroom to slue out of alignment . Fortunately , the attracter saloon is n’t necessary since the Carl paper cutter has the lockup rail that hold the sheets when hack . We consider this a good multipurpose cutter for steady paper , card bloodline , photos , and even cardboard , but we would limit the telephone number of sheet to around 25 for the best results .
Get the Carl toilsome - tariff theme stonecutter atAmazonorCarl Manufacturing .
Photo: Amazon
Best For Scrapbooking
Firbon A4 Paper Cutter
This circular paper ship’s boat by Firbon is design to cut through various materials typically involved in scrapbooking projects , including paper , plug-in , scrapbooking mats , and laminate items . The usable portion of the abbreviate seam measures 12 inch prospicient by 4 inches broad , and the swayer at the top and the bottom of the bed offer both ANSI and DIN measurement . A foldout ruler along the side extends the cut width to 13.5 inches for heavy undertaking . The Firbon also has handy angle guide for making various common cut sizes .
While the maker claims the ship’s boat can cover up to 12 sheets of newspaper , we found that it cut best with eight or fewer sheets . At more than eight , the blade pulls the sheets slightly and leaves ragged edge . Still , this is a nice little cutter for short - duty task and will gibe in most tote handbag for easy carrying . It ’s a unproblematic , no - frills paper cutter that we find is well suited for pocket-size craft or house projects .
Get the Firbon paper cutter atAmazonorArtBeek .
Photo: Amazon
Best Stack
HFS Heavy-Duty Guillotine Paper Cutter
Our Ratings : Ease of Use3/5;Portability3/5 ; Performance5/5 ; Value4/5
Here comes the big boy of paper cutting ! The first thing we noticed about this model was its weighting — a beefy 35.5 pounds . That heft plus large rubber understructure keep the ship’s boat from slue during use , and such stability is necessary for cut buddy-buddy plenty of paper .
Unlike the other cutters we test , the HFS has a second of a learning bend , but once we understood how it operate , we found it straightforward to utilize . The HFS features knobs , button , clamp , and handles , all of which line up to hold various - size stacks of paper firmly when cutting .
The manufacturer claims the HFS will veer up to 400 sheets — or a 1.5 - in stack of newspaper publisher . We did n’t count the sheets in our lot , but we did assess a 1.5 - in pile for examination . It took half a dozen tries to cut the stack — the heaviness made it physically challenging to take down the handgrip that controls the blade . finally , we give away that lowering the handle as rapidly as we could — almost jerking it — let us slice through the stack flawlessly and with ease . We were impressed ! Then , we curve a soft-cover book , and the HFS did the task , leaving the edges of the pages straight and clean .
The cutting bed measures 21 inches tenacious by 15 inch extensive and comes with metric and ANSI markings , making it versatile for most users . The large sword handle is obliterable for store , and the cutter features an on - deck tool bearer for stow the small wrenches ( let in ) need to tack the cutter .
Get the HFS paper cutting tool atAmazon .
Also Consider
Swingline ClassicCut Ingento Guillotine Trimmer
Our rating : easiness of Use3/5;Portability4/5 ; Performance5/5 ; Value4/5
For precise , precise cuts in a traditional guillotine cutter , check out Swingline ’s ClassicCut model . This cutlery is billed at being able-bodied to reduce up to 15 sheet of paper at once , and we can verify that it does that very well . In fact , we were able to add a few more sheets ( 19 total ) and still get penetrative , clean cuts .
The cut bed features solid woods for an old - schooltime flavour and a grid that stimulate it simple to ordinate the theme foursquare . The ruler along the top offers measurements in both ANSI and DIN .
The closure by compartment arm features a spring that keeps the arm from fall when it ’s raised , which bring a measure of safety , but we would n’t recommend this theme cutlery for classes or homes with little children . A small conducting wire latch slips over the handle to keep it from being rescind , but it does n’t offer much protection as it ’s simple to move out of the fashion . Another downside : The Swingline cutting tool does n’t have rubber human foot ; see using it on a nonslip surface , such as a rubber pad , to keep it in stead .
Get the Swingline paper cutter atAmazon , OfficeSupply.com , orMyBinding.com .
ALSO TESTED
We ’ve long been lover of Fiskars scissors and orbitual hand cutter , but theFiskars SureCut Deluxe Paper Trimmerdidn’t live up to our eminent standards . While we liked the guidelines on the cut mat for making neckcloth photo and business - carte du jour - size cuts , the cutting blade was n’t sharp enough to make laconic , clear cuts on more than two pieces of stacked newspaper — we ended up with ragged edges . We also unwrap the fold - out ruler , which is hypothesise to extend the cutting breadth measurement up to 15 inches , was challenging to extend full . It was supposed to snatch up into place via a small-scale plastic guide on the undersurface of the stonecutter , but when we tried to snap it into place , the fictile guide break off .
We like the rubber infantry on the bottom of the cutter , which restrain it from sliding around during use , but overall , it did n’t score high enough to be among our top picks . We abide by the Fiskars brand and look onward to testing an promote and improved modelling of this lightweight and versatile paper cutter .
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Paper Cutter
In addition to the four case of paper cutter described above , it ’s essential to moot various feature before selecting the undecomposed composition carver for exceptional project and projects . Paper cutters are uncommitted in different size , provide other slip mechanisms , and include various safety feature . Shoppers will desire to think about these features and decide what become their pauperization best .
Types of Paper Cutters
Paper cutters issue forth in four master type : rotary , guillotine , stack , and electric . Each case offers different feature and is best suit for specific tasks . Understanding the uses and applications for each of these types can help shopper in select the best newspaper publisher cutter for their indigence .
Rotary
Rotary newspaper ship’s boat are sometimes concern to as paper trimmers . These models have a sliding brand that can simultaneously cut through a few sheets of newspaper publisher . The reduce gym mat on a circular theme cutter include a grid design to help users accurately line up each sheet of paper for a exact cut . The grids on some orbitual paper cutlery also have guideline extending from the blade at various angles to help make more intricate cuts .
The gravid downside of a circular cutter is that most ca n’t cut through as much composition at a time as a stack or a closure by compartment model . Some circular paper cutters may be able to cut back through up to 10 sheets at once but are most accurate when cutting only one or two sheets at a clock time .
Guillotine paper pinnace are a popular choice for schools , authority , and individual who need to cut larger amount of paper quickly . The design features a long subdivision attached to a cutting brand that the exploiter pulls down to slice up through a single flat solid or stack of newspaper publisher . To preclude trauma or untimely cut , the vane is often plan with a tension spring that keep it in place until it is pulled down .
Guillotine paper cutters are available in various sizes to accommodate situations ranging from geld large sheet of stiff construction newspaper publisher to cut back slight written matter paper . In these instances , they can cut up to or so 30 sheets of paper at once . Another benefit of guillotine composition tender is they can easily cut through thick detail , such as card livestock or poster board .
sight
Stack newspaper carver propose one of the largest cutting capacity among the case . Many stack tender can slice through an entire ream of paper—500 sheets — at once . orbitual and closure by compartment newspaper publisher cutting tool can more often than not only rationalize through up to 30 sheets of newspaper at once , so a stack newspaper cutter can pull through tremendous amounts of sentence for folk who regularly need to cut through a massive amount of newspaper publisher at once .
Stack paper cutters are a subset of guillotine paper cutters ; they have a farsighted arm with a newspaper clipping blade that the drug user displume down to slice through a passel of theme . The primary difference , however , is stack paper cutters have one or more lumbering - obligation clamps to hold the stack in place and a penetrating blade to cut through 100 of sheets of composition with one passing play . We were able to slice flawlessly through a paperbacked book with the stack ship’s boat we tested . The downside is that the thick the stack , the more forcible strong suit the substance abuser want to draw the blade arm down .
Electric composition cutlery are the most modern — and the priciest — option to look at . These model feature an automatic motor that powers the newspaper cutter to slit through a push-down list of paper . The mental ability of each electric theme cutter varies , but some options can cut over 500 sheets of paper at once .
Some electric paper cutter are also programmable . With these models , drug user can create and save dissimilar cuts for future use by programming a hardening of steps for the paper cutting tool to follow to create the desired finished product .
Size
Paper cutter are usable in a wide-cut miscellany of sizes , rate from heavyset options , which are only a few inches blanket and about as long as a standard tabloid of paper , to larger models designed to cut full sheets of structure paper or poster circuit card .
shopper will require to consider two principal points when deciding on the best size of paper cutter for them . First , they ’ll require to determine how they design to use the paper stonecutter , such as the type and size of materials they ’ll be cutting . Second , they may desire to determine how much blank space they have to store and apply the paper cutter .
In addition , many of the newer - trend paper cutters total with popular newspaper - size of it guidelines on the cutting mat , so users can speedily cut a standard 8 - by-12 - inch alphabetic character - size of it rag or a 4 - by-6 - inch pic size of it . These guidelines often come out in ANSI measurements , but some can be found in European Standard ( DIN ) metric measurements .
Extendable Arm
Those considering a mass or guillotine newspaper cutter should make up airless aid to arm design . The arm on newspaper cutters pulls down to slice through the newspaper ; however , lineament products are distinguished by a tension mechanism that prevents the arm from come down accidentally on its own . This is an important safety feature film because if the arm comes down while the exploiter is still positioning the paper , the blade could cut in the wrong spot or , even worse , injure the user .
Cutting Mechanism
Stack and closure by compartment newspaper cutter have an extendable arm with a vane that pulls down to geld through newspaper . Users will often have to put more imperativeness on the blade to slice through a larger pot of paper .
Rotary report carver have a slue blade . This blade type is often used for precise cutting need , such as trimming photos for scrapbooking . skid steel do n’t geld as well through multiple sheets of paper at once .
Two eccentric of metallic element are most commonly used to craft a contract blade : blade and titanium . brand is very durable and inexpensive ; however , it will necessitate to be sharpened on a regular basis to keep the boundary . Many of today ’s closure by compartment cutting tool have self - focus vane — with every cut , the blade ’s edge skim the brand al-Qaeda at an slant that help keep the brand sharp .
atomic number 22 may also be ego - sharpening and even more durable than steel blades , but they are also more expensive .
Resting Blade Position
The sword on a closure by compartment paper cutter is locate on one side of the base , and most tender of this type come with a safety door latch that insure the sword in the closed billet to prevent inadvertent injury .
The brand on a circular paper cutter is underneath the slip trapping . Some blades are slightly expose at the edges , while the blade ’s trapping altogether protects others . Those looking for a safe cutter that children can use for crafting undertaking will want to take one where the living accommodations totally embrace the blade to boil down the risk of injury .
The blade on a great deal paper cutter is more often than not located on the far side of the clinch to position the user farther off from it . Stack paper cutters are normally designed with a guard to keep the exposed side of the steel covered .
Safety Features
Paper cutters have very astute blades that can cause serious hurt if not used aright . Selecting a manakin that include a variety of safety machine features to prevent inadvertent injury is essential . One elemental refuge feature film to view is a locking door latch for the arm of a guillotine or stack paper cutter . This will keep immature children and others from touch the blade and perchance being injured . closure by compartment newspaper publisher cutters should also have a tension spring , sometimes called a rubber spring , that prevents the blade from coming down unless it is rend .
circular paper cutter are sometimes designed with transparent cutting surfaces . This characteristic can improve profile when cutting and keep mishap . circular newspaper publisher cutters have a small blade than guillotine theme pinnace , but the blade is still very penetrating . The steel on some orbitual paper cutter wo n’t act unless the housing is press down , which offers an extra measure of safety equipment .
mass newspaper cutter have the potential to be very dangerous . Their sharp sword are designed to cut through a large hatful of papers and could well get injury to shaver or adults . When not in consumption , stack newspaper cutter often interlace in blank space and are comparatively safe . The peril come up during use , and the operator should treat the cutter as a major power creature — it should not be used when small children are present , and sometime children should only employ it with grownup supervision .
Nonslip feet are another safety feature film on a paper cutlery as they will keep the stonecutter from sliding around during function , hopefully reducing the danger of injury .
Measurements
Gridlines with marked measurements are critical for creating accurate and even cutting . Consider a paper cutter with a rule along the top or side of the gridlines to aid line up each cut . Users will want to identify whether the measuring are in inches , metrics , or both so they ’ll be intimate with the example they purchase . Some paper cutlery also feature a fold - out expandable ruler for extra truth and support .
FAQs
newspaper ship’s boat are certainly handy tools . They accurately and cleanly trim back through multiple sheets of paper at once toassist with crafting needsand tasks for teaching , making presentation , and other purposes . If you still have doubt about paper cutters , take a moment to learn through these frequently enquire questions and their comparable answer .
Guillaume Massiquot patented the first paper cutter in 1844 ; however , one of the first model was build in 1837 by Thirault . His paper cutter conception featured a flat surface with a fixed brand .
To reduce a straight bloodline with a paper stonecutter , using the control grid lines on the cutting bed to align the paper is all-important . Once the paper is right aligned , either pull down the arm or slide the trimming capacitor blade to cut , depend on the type of paper cutter .
Meet the Tester
Glenda Taylor is a product tester and writer specializing in the building , remodeling , and substantial estate industries . She and her married man own a general contracting company , and Taylor is experienced in both residential and commercial-grade building applications . She tests a wide kitchen stove of power tools as well as other home betterment , family , and lawn - and - garden products .
extra research provide by Deirdre Mundorf .
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