Paper cutting preferences

[CreationBear]

Seeing a lot of love for Rototrims--how much difference would I find between the dual-rail versus monorail models, considering I aspire to be a low-volume, sporadic printer at best.

[Michael R]

Seeing a lot of love for Rototrims--how much difference would I find between the dual-rail versus monorail models, considering I aspire to be a low-volume, sporadic printer at best.

My guess is it wouldn't really matter. Mine is an 18" with the two rails (actually they are cylindrical). I bought it a long time ago so I don't remember if there was a lower priced option for one rail. I'm not a high volume user, and also I only use it for cutting prints one at a time (as opposed to thicker materials) so it could definitely be considered "overbuilt" for my purposes.

[esearing]

Looked at the single rail rototrim at staples and it has a ton of play from instore abuse. Even the guillotine models are bent. The craft paper cutters are too plastic and not durable but do have a nice track and hold system for clean cuts.
Rototrim dual rail seems the way to go for the long term as it can not twist unless the slider holes get worn but will have to order it. 18" is max I think I will ever need. Gonna set me back $260-ish unless it goes on sale soon.

[arthur berger]

For cutting 8x10 film down to 4x10 I use a dedicated Dahle Cut Cat 12 inch rotary cutters with a bar fixed to it for a 4 inch cut. For cutting paper
In the work room for mounting or trimming I use the Rotatrim 24 inch model.

[CreationBear]

Excellent, thanks Michael and Eric.

[Dave Wooten]

Thanks Doremus

[Drew Wiley]

I once had a very nice Dahle for cutting film down in the dark. I fitted it with threaded inserts for precise alignment of a stainless drafting triangle on it, for exact cut sizing, along with a special finger guard. But I no longer have need of it.

[Pieter]

Another vote for the dual rail rotatrim. I have two, a 17" in the darkroom and a 24" in the studio/work area. I have had them for well over 15 years and there's nothing else I would use beyond an Xacto and a still straightedge.