Thursday Tips and Tricks: Cutterpillar Pro Review

Hello,
Im searching for a great cutter. I actually need one that the blade can b lifted. What Im trying to do is to cut the paper leaving an inch uncut on both ends of the paper. Its a bit difficult to explain. lol Basically make slices without cutting to the end.
I hope that Ive explained well enough
thank u in advance
Nevia

I purchased mine a few months ago, as I live in Australia it cost me a small fortune. If I'm cutting a large piece of cardstock especially a lightweight piece, it moves and my cut is crooked. So I have to try and hold the paper all along the cutting edge, which is easier said than done if you're cutting a 12 x 12 inch piece. I also find that thin strips I cut off somehow gets into the plastic bit and I have to unscrew it to get these bits out as they cause the blade to get stuck. The tray underneath sounded like a good idea, but mine doesn't slide out easily, it gets stuck and I've found it's not worth using. The grid lines on the on the top where your paper sits are starting to wear off as well as on the silver ruler, once they're gone I won't even be able to use it, as that is the only way I can get a straight cut. It was available in metric or imperial measurements, it would be a heap better if it had both. In Australia we use metric, but a lot of cardstock I buy is from the USA, so it's in inches. I'm really kicking myself for spending a small fortune on it, when I could have gotten the old guillotine cutter for a quarter of the price. So unfortunately I can't recommend buying one.

I saw someone recommend using a steel rule with cork glued to the bottom to use as a paper guard. I've just ordered mine, and I will try this. I think considering the amount I will save on replacement blades this paper cutter looks like it's pros outweigh it's cons. I certainly hope so :)

I think that this trimmer is safer than you state. I have had mine for a few years now and have never gotten a finger cut. I took a hammer to my bar at the top of the unit to align it (hit it gently on the side) to align it correctly. Now I can push my paper right up to top to get straighter cuts. A tip I have is to use a 12" ruler over the paper to used as a guard. This beats having to move you hand down. I think that a paper guide may be applicable if it were attached to the bottom. Granted you can't take this easily to crops, but if you saved the box it was shipped in, IT has a handle and makes transporting easier. I LOVE the light: no chance of cutting a part of the picture off that you wanted in your cropped area. Go to the web site and watch the tutorial; it may clear up some questions and give you some hints. It may take up space and may be heavy, but I really like it a lot.

If there was a guard, it'd be difficult to cut those fine strips you did if you used small strips of scrap paper. It's fine for large pieces, but once you put that paper guard in, it makes cutting all those scraps hard to hold

I keep mine turned 180° so that the ruler is next to me. Love it.

I think it should have another ruler guide at the bottom of the cutter (this way it can be used either left or right handed). I had mine for 1 week and gave it away, the ruler was crooked and also the paper would slide underneath the ruler. The most annoying cutter I've had

thanks!! You stopped me from wasting my money as I agree 100% about a paper guard!

I think having a paper guard would be a great option and maybe something they will offer in a new model. The fact that it weighs 6lbs is not an issue I would think a problem considering it is a very sturdy metal machine which is extremely rare these days. 6lbs is the weight of a new born baby and no one thinks they weigh too much and after all, it isn't marketed as a portable travelling trimmer.
The problem you have with it being on a table and you sitting and not being able to see is really your issue and not an issue with the trimmer. You need a higher chair or a lower table.
If the ruler isn't straight, yes that is a problem that the company needs to address.
Someone suggested using a magnet to hold down the paper but if the base is aluminium, that won't work unless you butt it up on the steel straight edge. Even then that will also depend on the type of steel on whether that works sufficiently well.
I don't own one but I just want the review to be evenhanded and fair.

Have you tried using small magnets to hold the paper down? You said the whole thing was metal, so maybe that would work. Thanks for the review.

Whoever invents the perfect paper trimmer and adhesive dispenser will be a gazillionaire.  I don't think this one is for me.  I still use my old Fiskars triple track but its getting increasingly difficult to get replacement blades.  My new Fiskars trimmer with the wire guide sits unused because it won't cut straight.  Thanks for the info. I'll keep looking. 

I hate mine. My biggest complaint is that my blade gets stuck up on the cutting strip and I have to get a screw driver out and take it apart to release the blade. It has happened so many times that it has ruined the cutting strip. I can only cut from the bottom up or it gets stuck. Second complaint, like you I hate that it doesn't have a paper guard. I cannot get a straight cut to saved my life. I'm a card maker so this is critical to me. My ruler is also off and I have to use the grid lines only. I would not recommend this cutter.

I have a Fiskars ProCision. Its biggest issue is that it folds for portability and the break is right at 6", so that measurement is not marked. It does cut like butter, it cuts tiny spiral slivers, and it has a paper guard. Just FYI. I would cut my fingers right off with this one! Might be a personal problem. ;)

Since the body of the cutter is metal, could you use some magnets to hold the paper down once you've got it positioned?  Maybe one of those long magnets from the hardware store that they use at workbenches to hold screwdrivers or kitchen knives?  Just a thought.  Otherwise, I love how precise it seems to cut.

Great review! Thank you so so much. You brought out some great points. I totally agree with the paper guide. I use mine on my current cutter all the time. Also the ruler at the top not being straight would totally bug me! I use that too. Not saying I won't buy it but at least I can make an education decision. Thank you so much for doing this!