I’ve talked about this cutting trick before, but I thought it was worth mentioning again. I spent a lot of time cutting stacks of stock yesterday for a bunch of business card jobs I’m printing this weekend. The best tip I ever got on cutting was that the far side of the guillotine blade is the cleaner edge, since its the opposite side of the blade’s bevel. Some papers are more sensitive to this than others – usually the softer the paper the more you’re going to see a difference between the blade edges.
If that’s too obscure an explanation, here are a shot of the clean and ragged edges of paper stacks that have just been cut.
You know how I know I really love paper? Because looking at these photos gives me butterflies!
Thanks for a daily dose of inspiration :)
Ha ha! I can relate to that sentiment. I once found a store in Chinatown packed with old-fashioned office supplies and my heart started racing. I’m glad you’re enjoying the blog, thanks for commenting!
Is that a triumph papercutter?? I have a triumph as well, I’ve been super happy with it!
Yes, it is. And I agree – its definitely a keeper. :)
Hi – I happened upon your blog as I was researching paper-cutters, and noticed you mention the Triumph…which model do you have and how do you use the clean side of the blade? I am struggling with the ragged, crumbly edge of the cut paper I’m having done at a local bookbinding shop, and would rather cut my own.
Thank you!
Hi! The clean edge of the blade is on the opposite side from you. Therefore if you cut a stack in half, the half behind the blade will have a clean edge, and the stack on your side will have a ragged edge (because the blade is beveled on your side and straight on the opposite). You should ask the person cutting your paper to cut *each* edge from that side. Hope that makes sense, and helps!
I’m looking for a way to make a guillotine for cutting stacks of paper. Those things are expensive and huge. I wish there was an easier way to get the same clean cuts.