Review for Rotatrim Professional-18 (18in Cut) RC-RCM18

Author: Eric {!} , Engineer, from Minnetonka, MN on Aug 30, 2011
Pros:  outstanding performance - precision cutting
Cons:  heavy, expensive
Would recommend:  yes

Eric wrote:

I had a Fiskars rotary-cutter for many years. I used it for photo trimming, making cards and CD inserts, kids school projects etc. One of the things I didn't like about it and the previous cutters I had tried, was that the paper would always "squirm" or shift slightly as it cut, making for a not perfectly straight, square cut. Plus, the alignment of it was not exactly 90 degrees to begin with... This Rotatrim was comparatively expensive - but I wanted top-quality performance and the reviews looked good, so I bought it. I have to say it has exceeded all my expectations. The clear strip that holds the paper down along the cutting edge just works like magic: the paper lies absolutely flat and square, and doesn't move at all during the cut - even if the paper is not pushed up against the stop, and regardless of which way the cutting-head is moved. If I am off slightly and need to make a second cut - this thing will cut a vanishingly-thin sliver of paper with absolute precision. Truly amazing. The cutting-head slides silently back and forth with silky-smooth precison. Also, rather than always using the rulers or stops, I often trim "freehand" from the trim guidelines printed by Photoshop. With my older cutter, it was hard to line-up the cut with the printed lines - but with this Rotatrim, I can easily eyeball the cut along the trimmer blade and nail it perfectly. The unit is heavy and expensive, but that is the price for quality. The machining and production quality is first-class. I'm not overly impressed with the adjustable cut-depth stop. When I loosen the set-screw, it doesn't remain square as I adjust it. Once it is tightened, it squares-up, but that may shift the paper slightly. But this is a minor annoyance and I am still very happy with the cutter overall - far superior to what I had. Finally, the cutting head is well-enclosed and seems safe. You would have to try really hard to injure yourself with this.