As an avid paper crafter, I was excited to try out the American Crafts Cutup Cartridge Trimmer. With tons of features, this trimmer has the potential to save me a ton of time. Let’s try it out.
The manufacturer’s website says the following:
AMERICAN CRAFTS-CutUp Paper Trimmer. This paper trimmer features fully enclosed blade cartridges that make it easy and safe to instantly change blaes. The secure cutting rail locks paper in place guaranteeing accuracy; precision; and smooth cuts. It has a 13 inch wide cutting surface and the extendable arm measures out 19 inches. Overall dimensions of the trimmer are 17x9x2-3/4 inches. This package contains one paper trimmer; one straight cutting blade; one scallop cutting blade; and one scoring blade.
There are some instructions on the back of the package however the website also has a video on how to use the trimmer that I found extremely helpful. Let’s take a closer look at some of the features on this trimmer. The fully enclosed cartridge blades make it easy and safe to change blades. The blade is only exposed when you are cutting paper so there is no danger of cutting yourself. The original trimmer comes with a straight cutting blade, scallop cutting blade, and a scoring blade. You can purchase an additional set of three blades that includes a perforated blade, pinking blade, and wave blade. I was able to test all six blades. The trimmer has slots to store all 6 blades when not in use. This is an excellent feature. I love that it is all contained in the trimmer with no chance of losing the blades.
The main area of the trimmer has 1/2 inch by 1/2 inch squares which is extremely helpful for making straight cuts. The top has a ruler that is in metric and English units which I also preferred. I actually used both rulers during my testing and found each equally easy to use. The squares on the trimmer are on English 1/2″ squares but they still make it easy to line up straight when you are measuring in metric. There is also a metric and English scale running down the side of the trimmer.
The main body of the tool measures to a little over 6 inches then you have to use the extender arm which flips out from the side of the trimmer.
Between the main body of the trimmer and the extension arm, there is an area where there are NO measurement markings. I found this extremely annoying while I was using the trimmer.
I actually used a ruler and a sharpie to make myself some measurement lines after several aggravating attempts to measure a piece of paper in between six and seven inches.
The trimmer also has a removable cutting surface that goes under the blade. You can actually use this part on all four sides before replacing. It is recommended that you keep one surface for perforating only.
Using the trimmer is a breeze. You just insert the cartridge of your choice into the cutting arm.
Insert your paper, lower your locking cutting arm into place, press and cut. Very simple with precision cuts each and every time. I was very impressed with each blade and the precision cutting. The locking arm holds the paper very firmly with no chance of it slipping out of place. I had no issues cutting or changing blades on this trimmer. And we cut some paper with this one! I decided to do some projects that involved using paper strips. I cut anywhere from 6 inch strips to 1/2″ strips. The locking arm is hard to lower if you are trying to trim a very thin piece of paper into a strip. Otherwise, I had no issues cutting any sizes.
I started with a curly bird. All of the links for the tutorials for these projects can be found on my blog today. Head on over to The Country Chic Cottage for more information on all of the projects.
Next up I used paper strips to decorate a book for gift giving. A thoughtful way to wrap a gift and so easy to do with this trimmer. For these strips I used the scallop blade. I tested out all 6 blades during my experiments and each cut as well as the first. I did not have any issues with the blades. I really love the scoring blade and the accuracy you can achieve while scoring. I am tempted to give up my scoring board.
Last my tween daughter and I made a bracelet out of paper strips. This one is time consuming but so very cool. I also cut up to three pieces of paper at one time with ease. This is definitely a time saver when cutting large amounts of strips for projects such as this one.
Overall the American Crafts Cutup Cartridge Trimmer is a wonderful tool. I do hope they take note and fix the issue with the measurement scale missing between 6 and 7. Otherwise, I would highly recommend this trimmer to anyone in the market for one or if you just want to make your crafting easier. The trimmer retails for around $49.99 with replacement cartridges around $4.99. The additional three blade set to complete this trimmer retails for $11.99. Overall I think that is competitive with other trimmers on the market and this one has some really great features. I am off to cut some more paper!
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Jenny says
I have been very interested in seeing a review in this cutter since I first saw it advertised in Paper Crafts magazine months ago. I currently use the Marvy Uchida trimmer that has the same blade encasement and love that feature. My cutter now bows slightly at the top of the blade arm so my cuts aren’t straight the first time on this part of it. Sigh. After having a freak paper cutter blade change out accident that landed me in the hospital for five days with a nasty infection and blood poisonong from the puncture, I have been sold on encased blades. Did you use the perforation blade? I am curious to see how clean the tear is.
Angie @ The Country Chic Cottage says
I did use the perf blade and found the tear fairly clean. I can run a few pieces for you and take pictures if you like. Drop me an email if you want. 🙂 thecountrychiccottage@yahoo.com
Caryn S. (Scrapnsing) says
If anyone is interested, this is the new deal @ Tuesday Morning! At $19.99, I can’t see how you could go wrong!
Angie @ The Country Chic Cottage says
Yes Caryn that is a great deal on Tuesday Morning but it is not this paper trimmer. The one on Tuesday Morning is no the one with the interchangeable blades.
Chris R says
Thanks for the review. I’ve been considering one of these and was put off by the price but with all the different blade options I’m thinking it will be worth it.
Caryn S. (Scrapnsing) says
That is unfortunately correct. On closer inspection that one doesn’t have the blades inside and it doesn’t look to have the swing arm either. Shame…I have been looking at this one and it looks awesome. Thanks for the review!
Jenny says
I’m most impressed with the magnet on the paper guide and the no-nicks blade changing. It’s cool!
sharon gullikson says
The measurement sounds like a good suggestion. I need a new cutter…
TWStaton says
I have this very exact trimmer. By far it has been the best home trimmer I have ever found. Sadly, since buying it from the retailer here locally, the trimmer and the blades are no longer available. I have looked online, and even American Crafts are limited on selling replacement blades. I use the straight cut blade the most, and it is the one that is harder to find. I can’t believe that such a good product is finding its way into oblivion without ways to get replacement parts. If anyone has a source, please let me know!