trimmer time: desktop rotary and portable rotary
- posted by: Legends
- posted in: Tools
- on: September 22, 2006
Cutting straight was never a problem with my old rotary trimmer, but it was a pain to use because of the way it latched and the smudge guard got in my way too much. Eventually I stopped using it and went back to the triple track trimmer, which wasn’t as precise, but was much easier to use.
NOW… I have been using the new desktop rotary trimmer quite a bit the last few days, and I have to say I’m pretty dang happy with it.
- The new blade holder doesn’t come off, so it’s not falling off in my crop bag.
- the smudge guard has been re-worked so that it lifts with the metal bar. A total good thing.
- the bar locks into place with a switch. So you can have it un-locked while working so you don’t have to fight it. Very good.
- straight cut? TOTALLY.
- you can pop different blades in and out with ease. (like scoring, etc.)
There are a few things I wish this had
- measurements going along the bar. I use these to measure things all the time, and I miss them.
- I wish it went to 12″ instead of 8″. I know that means it would be even bigger… but it would save me from doing math when I have to cut 3″ off instead of just measuring the 9″ I want. (know what I mean?)
- I wish it had a hole or handle or something so I can hang it on the wall to store.
Well… I took care of that last one myself. As you probably know I’m a huge fan of the craft drill. I love to put it to the test to see what it works on. Add new trimmers to that list! I drilled two holes in the side so that I could put ribbon and hang from the wall so it’s out of my way. Love it! I also took care of issue #1 by getting out my slick writer pen and writing in the measurements. (OK, and I doodled a bit too)
Now as for the portable rotary trimmer. It has all the same good features as the desktop and it has a mark for 5″ (most trimmers don’t). The downside to this one? No 4.5″ mark- one that we all use a ton especially for photo mats. (I’m going to make my own!)
My conclusion? Fiskars has made a greatly improved product with these trimmers. They are much better and easier to use. If you go to crops/travel a lot and only want one trimmer I’d recommend the portable one over the desktop. That is the trimmer you’ll see me toting everywhere I go from now until they make me a lavendar one…
<<< the latch that keeps things locked down (and #'s that I added)
<<< my drilled “hanger”
Cheryl says:
September 22nd, 2006 at 11:05 amLove my new trimmer. As my old trimmer’s blade got worn in the groove it didn’t cut straight all the time (wears over time) but love my new one. TFS May.
May says:
September 22nd, 2006 at 11:57 amDon’t forget that you can rotate that cutting strip, and that replacements are available for that (and blades) as they get worn so you can keep that sharp cut!
erin yamabe says:
September 22nd, 2006 at 12:05 pmthanks for all the info! especially the pros/cons. i will have to buy one, and see what works best. thanks again! i’m always on the lookout for a better/more precise way to get things done.
Cyndi says:
September 22nd, 2006 at 12:57 pmI was pretty much sold on the portable from the get-go but thanks for all the info! I called my LSS and they have them but won’t be available to purchase until later this afternoon. I’ll try not to stare at the clock!
Krisfred says:
September 22nd, 2006 at 1:36 pmGreat review/info! I can’t wait to buy one or both! LOL!
Brittnye says:
September 22nd, 2006 at 3:56 pmThanks so much!!! HAHA totally love that your ribbon coordinates with the colors of the trimmer too!!
Jane Hasty says:
September 22nd, 2006 at 4:04 pmAwesome review~I want them all!
stephenie says:
September 22nd, 2006 at 5:03 pmAfter using them both, as well, I couldn’t have articulated this any clearer! My only other issue is that when doing multiple or very small cuts, there are times I find the smudge guard can get in the way, but I have found a few tricks, like sliding the paper under it, rather than lifting it…
Overall, they do cut amazingly straight and are cool to look at, too! Great review May - thanks!
May says:
September 22nd, 2006 at 5:06 pmI totally agree Steph. I am finding it’s a matter of adjusting on my part. I’m sure in 3 months I’ll hardly notice that smudge guard when doing those little trims.
Jacky says:
September 22nd, 2006 at 6:41 pmI want one!!
Mary says:
September 22nd, 2006 at 7:25 pmThanks for all the info May, I had received my 12 inch portable trimmer last week and have been loving using it every single minute!! I haven’t gotten to technical with it but everything I have used it for so far cuts so very easy…and doesn’t move when you cut it I would absolutely recommend this one!
Brittnye says:
September 22nd, 2006 at 10:59 pmI got the 12″ portable rotary trimmer today!! Just got it out of its package so time to play!!
Bonnie says:
September 23rd, 2006 at 11:05 amThanks for your honest review. I currently use the triple track trimmer & I thought I was just imagining that the cuts were a bit off. It’s easy to use, but the cuts are not square, not totally precise. Guess I’ll have to try one of these new trimmers!
Cyndi says:
September 23rd, 2006 at 10:09 pmI got the portable rotary trimmer today and absolutely love it so far! Besides it’s so freakin’ cute!
Jacinta says:
September 24th, 2006 at 9:43 pmThanks May. I have been waiting for your review. Now I know what to use my next michaels coupon on. LOL
Melissa says:
February 28th, 2007 at 9:30 amThanks for submitting this article for the carnvial over at craft critique. I’m definitely going to have to check it out!
Debbie Buckland says:
July 11th, 2007 at 3:42 pmgreat review! I know about the storing issue too. Hmmmmm your idea is great! I must have a newer version. it is 12 x 12 measuring. very handy.