Choosing an Electric Paper Cutter

It can be hard to choose the right electric paper cutter. Since you're reading this article, you probably know that and perhaps you're looking for some guidance on how to choose a machine. Today's your lucky day because this article will tell you what you need to look for when buying an electric paper cutter.

The first thing to think about is size. Bigger isn't necessarily better, but it could be important depending on your needs. The width of the cutting blade is an important factor and the size of the blade you'll need depends on the size of the documents you're going to be cutting. (For example, if your paper is 12" by 18", a 19 or 20" wide blade might be a good choice.) You also want to take a look at the machine's depth, meaning how far can the paper extend beyond the blade? If you'll be cutting a large sheet sizes, get a machine with adequate room behind the blade.

Cutting capacity is the next consideration. How much paper will you need to cut at once? Most electric paper cutters can slice through an entire ream of 20 lb. paper in one pass, which is pretty awesome. If you need to cut more than that, get the machine that has the largest cutting capacity you can afford. It'll pay off because you'll be more productive. Just make sure that the cutter has a clamping system to hold the stack in place during cutting. In general the larger the stack that you are cutting, the more clamping pressure that will be required.

Electric paper cutters can look intimidating, which is why you absolutely must be comfortable with the machine you purchase. A programmable cutter can help you get the most accurate cut possible because you tell the machine what size cut you need and it goes right to work. Unfortunately, programmable cutters tend to be more expensive than manual ones, so such a machine may be out of your price range. If so, you can purchase a machine in which you move the backstop yourself. Just be sure to read the instructions before doing so, so you don't wind up injuring yourself.

Naturally, the safety features of an electric paper cutter warrant special attention. These are powerful machines that can be very dangerous. Thankfully, cutter manufacturers realize this, which means every electric paper cutter comes with built-in safety features. One of these is a safety shield, which will help prevent you from losing your fingers should they get too close to the blade. Some of the more expensive machines use an optical eye to determine if something is too close to the blade during cutting. If you can afford a machine with this capability, definitely consider purchasing it. Most units also include dual push-button controls so you can operate the machine safely and not risk losing a limb. Before buying your cutter, you must make sure that the safety features are adequate and that you'll feel safe when using your new machine.

One final consideration is the name brand of the machine. Intimus, Challenge and Triumph are three companies that manufacture electric paper cutters and they produce some truly remarkable machines that are easy to use. If you purchase a machine built by one of these companies, you can be confident that you're getting one of the best electric paper cutters currently available.

Hopefully this article has taken some of the mystery out of the electric paper cutter buying process. Now go forth and purchase the machine that best fits your needs!