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I am the proud owner of the Fiskars’ Desktop Rotary Trimmer and I am thrilled to share some of the special features that make this trimmer so special.
For one, the rotary blade cuts so smoothly and perfectly straight every time, even the thinnest of cuts.
The smudge guard allows you to hold your paper or photos tightly in place to ensure that they do not slip while you are making your cuts.
Another bonus is that it is easy to change the straight cut blade to one of the decorative edge blades like the scallop, wave or pinking that are so popular right now.
Final notes: the guide rail locks in place when not in use and the circle design gives this trimmer a very fresh look.
Used in this project: Just Right
I’m experiencing post-purchase dissonance for this item! I wanted to like this trimmer, I really did! I’m giving it 3/5 because the good qualities do outweigh the bad, but for the price, I was hoping it would be all good! Thank goodness I used a coupon.
I’ll start with the good:
-The feet are nice and grippy and for such a light-weight trimmer, it really does have a solid feel to it when you’re using it.
-It is lightweight which would make it great for bringing to crops (although see my point below about the “locking” rail)
-Replacement blades are available at M’s, inexpensive, and there are some decorative blades, like wavy or pinked.
-It does slice very well (smooth and precise) if you get used to its quirks (see below). In fact the quality of the cut does make up for some of the flaws I’m going to outline below.
The bad:
-Although the rail does lock in place for storing and transporting, the blade carriage itself does not lock. Mine actually slides quite abruptly as I take it down from the high shelf I store it on (I have preschoolers). This isn’t a huge problem, but if you consider the locking rail a pro, then I would think you would want the carriage to lock in place as well. I don’t transport mine, so it doesn’t really matter for me, but I thought I’d mention it.
-As other reviewers have mentioned, this trimmer in only 8 inches wide, making it difficult to measure cuts for pieces bigger than this. Yeah, I can do the math… but for almost $70 it could have had a swing out arm for measuring longer cuts. Much cheaper models have swing-out arms.
-This might be just a flaw on mine, but after much head scratching over slightly angled cuts, I’ve finally figured out that the raised plastic ledges for lining up your paper (the ledges you butt your paper against) are slightly off on mine. This means I have to use the grid lines on the flat part of the trimmer (underneath my paper) to line up my paper, rather than the ledges. This problem makes the 8 inch width of the trimmer an even bigger problem because those grid lines aren’t there if you’re cutting paper greater than 8 inches. Like I said, maybe it’s just a flaw in mine. I’m going to email Fiskars and see if they can do anything about this. If it weren’t for this flaw, I would probably give this item 4/5.
Other points:
-I have found that the trimmer works better if you position it so that you’re moving the blade carriage up and down rather than across. Because the blade guide is plastic rather than metal, it cuts slightly wavy if you cut side to side with it, probably because the pressure on the blade changes as you move your arm across your body. Maybe everyone knows this already, but as a newbie, I had to figure this out myself, so I thought I’d pass it along to others :)
-The orange plastic strip that the blade runs across can be changed out 3 times before replacing it. You can flip it around, then turn it over, then flip it around again. If you use a decorative blade with it you should reserve one portion of the plastic strip for that blade, as I found the straight bade didn’t cut as evenly once there was another ridge in the replaceable plastic strip.
Summary: I'll live with it, and it does give good cuts. But I really wish I had held out for the MM one. Recommended only if you get it on sale or with a coupon.
Used in this project: Die-cutting and trimming island
I've owned four trimmers in the past two years. This one is my fave, by far! I need to start by saying, the other day I was scrapping, and my three year old (at about 36lbs) walked up and stood next to me for a few minutes. I went looking for my trimmer and, lo and behold, he's been standing on it. No damage, no problems cutting. I was impressed! I love to use the clear layer to score cards (I don't have a score board or anything) and I love that you can get so many different kinds of blades! GET THIS TRIMMER!
I have several trimmers but this is the ONE. I love it because: 1) always stays in place, there's no paper movements to ruin your project; 2) the cuts are smooth and nice... this blade its just fantastic; 3) it's safe for children (when they are around your table); 4) you can change blades so easy, and they are not expensive indeed!!; 5) has the perfect shape and size (I can carry it cause is not heavy and also leave it at the table when working); and it's a good-looking tool... it matches with my room!!!
This trimmer is the best. I had another trimmer and I hated it. The measurements were off, and my project was always off. I wasted alot of paper. This is right on the mark everytime. The large desktop is wonderful. My paper does not slip and never moves out of place. I also purchased all the blades that come with it. They are very easy to change and cut wonderful. I would tell anyone to buy this trimmer. It is well worth the money!
I've started using it and so far its doing a good job. I'm left handed, so for me I have to operate it reverse from what most people may use. I haven't had the opportunity yet to see how it performs with one of the other blades size F that would fit. So far so good.
I love this paper trimmer. It is so nice and easy to use. I love the little feet on the bottom that stop it from moving around. It is wonderful to have a paper trimmer that fits your whole 12x12 paper! It is also very light weight.
It is worth every penny!
Used in this project: All About ME
trims very small slices, trims straight AND has a lifetime warranty--who could ask for more??
Used in this project: Bonjour
I’ve been wanting to upgrade to a desktop trimmer and I am happy to say I am thrilled with this one from Fiskars. It makes a nice, straight cut - which is the most important thing to me!
Things I really like (besides the color!) -
*I like the fact that it is light. Even though it’s meant to be left in one place, I will be moving it around in my work area and it will be easy to move it without feeling like I am struggling to do so. I actually thought it would be heavy and was pleasantly surprised.
*When I do move it, I like that there is a lock for the blade arm so it won’t swing up.
*The blade doesn’t fall off! The casing the blade goes into is locked to the trimmer. This is a great thing. With my portable trimmer the blade falls off easily.
Things that bother me –
*It doesn’t measure out to 12”, it only goes to 8-1/4”. There is no arm that swings out either with the additional measurement. My previous trimmers both had a swing out arm and it is rather annoying that there isn’t one. Because of this, there can be a bit of math involved when doing a few cuts. I’m getting used to it but I’d prefer it to go to 12”.
*There are no cross measurements like on the 12” purple rotary trimmer. I didn’t realize how much I used them until they were gone.
All in all it’s a really great trimmer and I am happy to have it. My biggest complaint is that it doesn’t measure out to 12”. The ease of use and perfect cut make up for that though and would definitely recommend it.
Used in this project: Love You Card
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