Paper trimmers are an essential tool for any cardmaker, memory keeper or mixed-media artist. And a sturdy, reliable trimmer that handles both delicate papers and thick substraits with precision is at the top of my wish-list, at least. Enter the ProCision Rotary Bypass Paper Trimmer by Fiskars: a semi-pro tool that can handle a variety of paper-cutting tasks with ease.
From the website:
Our ProCision™ Rotary Bypass Trimmer features a unique dual-rail system that stabilizes the rotary blade, eliminating wiggle for straight, perfectly precise cuts. As a bonus, it cuts a wide range of thick materials. Additional innovations include a spring-action rotary bypass blade that stays sharp and never needs to be replaced, a built-in smudge guard, grid line measurements on the top and bottom so you can use the base to your left or right, a top-quality work surface for long-lasting performance and a convenient folding design to take up less space during storage and transport.
Let’s take a closer look.
The ProCision Bypass Rotary Paper Trimmer folds in half to make it easier to transport. Tension holds it in place.
The blade housing is set on double rails for stability- no wiggling around! The blade is permanent and is touted to be a “lifetime” blade. The paper guard is a clear plastic and can be locked down for transporting, as well.
The cutting table is HUGE and has markings up to 13 inches. There are also 3/8″ “curbs” on either side to stabilize paper, which is especially helpful when cutting multiple sheets of paper or thick substraits. Note that the markings are every 1/4″ inch down the length of the board to help ensure proper alignment, and there’s even markings to the right of the cutting blade to assist in making thin strips.
Of course, a video is always helpful to illustrate all of the features and benefits- so I made this one for you.
Here’s a close look at the paper samples I cut:
From Left: vellum, cardstock, text-weight, flocked, basswood, bookboard.
I was able to cut 7 sheets of cardstock in one pass.
As you can see, the ProCision Rotary Bypass Paper Trimmer is a workhorse of a tool. If you have a lot of cutting to do and want the most stable and accurate cutting path I’ve seen to date, the ProCision is for you.
The only drawbacks I can find are the large size and the hefty price tag. But quality can be absolutely worth it. And there are some deals out there- like the one at Amazon below.
So…is it worth it for you? I’d love to hear your comments!
Disclosure: Tool provided for review purposes. Opinions are honest and my own.
Amazon affiliate links support CraftTestDummies.com.
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I would love to try this! I am always searching for the perfect cutter and Fiskars produces quality items!
I have 2 cutter, but neither is as elaborate as this.
Great review! I have the Procision, and I lovelovelove it. I’d been looking for a good paper cutter, as I was unhappy with the Carl trimmer I’d bought. When this came out, a few reviews I saw were glowing, but the price was definitely daunting on my budget. Then Joann’s had a 60%-off sale on all Fiskars products which made the Procision totally affordable. I’m so glad I sprung for it!
It’s a physically solid cutter – it doesn’t feel cheaply made – and the grid markings on the surface are easily readable. One of the things I appreciate about the Procision, in fact, is that the markings go right up to the fold, so I don’t feel like I have to guess when I’m trimming paper to 6″ or so (which I do a lot of the time since I make cards).
Because the Procision folds up, storage is a lot easier for me (a key feature since I have a very small crafting space), and thanks to the double rails, it cuts absolutely true every single time.
I only have two minor complaints:
1) The paper guard is slightly flexible so, although it holds paper with no problems, it does feel a little flimsy compared to the rest of the cutter.
2) Between the double rails and the width of the paper guard, it is difficult to accurately place and cut narrower pieces of paper – those under 2″ wide or so. This is a problem when I try to make small rectangles or squares onto which I’m going to stamp a sentiment, for instance (I don’t have a die cutter, so I do this by hand… I know, I’m a Luddite!! LOL!). If either the guard or the width of the rails was narrower, it wouldn’t be a problem, but between the two, I find myself doing a lot of finger yoga to cut small pieces of paper.
That said, it’s my experience that this is a problem with most non-guillotine trimmers, so it’s certainly not unique to the Procision. And I’m not sure there’s really any way for Fiskars to make this better, either, since a narrower guard wouldn’t hold paper as securely, and the rails are what make this trimmer cut so accurately. Ah well, we make do, eh?
Beyond these two issues, though, I haven’t a single complaint. The Procision was worth every penny. I’d even go so far as to say that if one was in the market for a cutter, this one is even worth buying full-price.
I too have this trimmer and have had it since the day it went on sale. I bought it primarily to cut chipboard. I do like the trimmer but it does have several flaws.
1. Because it folds the measurement around the 5.5 and 6 inch is difficult to get precise. I used a ruler and marked the precise measurements. They were not where I thought they should be but others might interpret the manufacturers marks as correct where I did not. However, I have read other reviews who note this also.
2. For a clean cut on chipboard I can only place the cutting wheel above the chipboard and slice downward to get a smooth cut. Cutting upward does not give a smooth cut. Again, it could be my cutter or my operation causing this. I have “run” the blades to sharpen them before cutting but still get the less than desirable cut.
While I do like the cutter, I wish I had waited and saved the money for a Rototrim.
Thanks for all your reviews. I depend on them and have found them most helpful.
Thanx for the review. I have an old purple cows that I am looking to replace. I need something big that will also cut chipboard. Hopefully this will be available in a local AC Moore or Michael’s store in the future.
Rebecca- there are no replaceable parts. Even the measurement markings are encased so they won’t wear off.
Oh wow, cutting bookboard is the bane of my existence. This so just went on my wishlist!
good video.
I have 2 very heavy duty guillotine cutters and multiple rotary cutters- I’ll hold off on this one
This looks amazing! While I love my Purple Cows 2-in-1 cutter, one of the drawbacks is that there are no measurements (or board) on the other side of the blade so it is very hard to cut small pieces. Also, I have a hard time cutting thicker materials or multiple sheets. I think this would be a great trimmer for that.
I own this trimmer and want to pass along a little bit of information that I discovered. I make my own card bases out of 8 1/2 x 11 paper and so was excited to get this trimmer for that purpose. Unfortunately, if you use the 5 1/2 marking on the trimmer, you will not cut your paper EXACTLY in half, the two “halves” are slightly different. Not a big deal for most people (of course, I am a perfectionist so it does bother me) but still irritating for the price of this trimmer. When I contacted Fiskars (thinking I had a defective unit), they told me that they had been contacted by other customers concerning the same thing and that it just is what it is and that my only recourse was to return it for a refund. Well, I kept it anyway and have since discovered something else that drives me wild but once again realize that most people won’t notice or care. Most of the time when I make a cut it is ever so slightly off, like 1/32 or so, from one end to the other despite alignment, holding my paper etc. You can tell this because when you fold the paper or just bend it over so that the two horizontal ends are together (the side that was up against the rail, perpendicular to the cut side, and it’s mate) don’t match. Very frustrating when you are making card bases but at least it is better than other trimmers I have and as you might imagine, I have several. I don’t say all that to discourage you from purchasing this trimmer just to let you know that if you do and notice either of those things, you aren’t crazy, just a perfectionist like me.