20 Best Stack Paper Cutters For Hobbyists & Professional Crafters In 2023
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When you need to cut paper, there are a few options that come to mind. One is using scissors, which can be time-consuming and sometimes frustratingly difficult for some people. Another option is using a stack paper cutter.
Paper cutters vary in size and style - from small tabletop models to large industrial ones - but they all have one thing in common: they make cutting paper easy!
If you're looking for the best stack paper cutters on the market today, then this blog post will help narrow down your search by reviewing and comparing 20 of the best products currently available.
Our Top Picks
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Best Budget-Option - ISDIR Stack Paper Cutter Guillotine• Sharp, carbon steel blade |
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Best Large-Capacity - HFS A3 Heavy-Duty Stack Paper Cutter• Heavy-duty steel base |
Best Laser-Guided - Swingline Laser Stack Paper Cutter• Self-sharpening blade |
1. Swingline EdgeGlow Stack Paper Cutter
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What Customers Have To Say
Users praise this stack paper cutter for its sharp and even cuts, ease of use, and safety locks. It is also easy to store because it is very light. With its very affordable price, the company certainly did not skimp on quality.
A word of caution, though, be careful with the blade when loading your paper. It can knick your knuckles with a slight touch.
Why We Think It’s Great
There is no more guesswork with the Swingline Stack Paper Cutter with EdgeGlow because the light guide helps in accurate cutting. You can cut up to 25 sheets of A3 paper with its 15-inch razor-sharp blade.
The 12-inch wide metal frame doesn’t warp, and the thick tempered glass surface protects it from blade marks. Even if you use inches or centimeters for your projects, you can still work with this paper cutter with its dual-scale measurement guide. Conveniently marked in ¼-inch and ½-cm graduations for more accessible and better precision cutting, this cutter is perfect for small and large paper cuts.
It also comes with a 10-year warranty with almost a century of Swingline pride in making quality paper crafting products behind its back.
Who Should Buy It
The Swingline with EdgeGlow is the best stack paper cutter for crafters who have vision problems and need a more visible indicator for their cutting projects. It is best to use it on large photos, artwork, and other projects.
2. Fiskars Recycled Bypass Stack Paper Cutter
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What Customers Have To Say
Crafters love using this stack paper cutter because of the measurements strategically printed at both ends and in the middle of the cutting base. You can use the carrying slot on the cutting base to hang this lightweight counter in your crafter’s closet. Make sure the built-in arm lock is in place before storage to avoid accidents.
Other crafters have used this paper cutter for years already in various crafting projects - bookmaking, cardmaking, bookmark making, and scrapbooking.
Why We Think It’s Great
We give our thumbs-up to Fiskars for giving new life to post-consumer waste in this 100% recycled stack paper cutter. The cutting base is 12 inches wide, divided into ¼-inch precision printed grids, but you can measure up to 1/16 of an inch and 1mm when you need it.
The anti-skid rubber feet stabilize the paper cutter, and the cutting arm has a built-in lock for safer transport and storage. The cutting board also has a carrying slot to help with easier transport.
Who Should Buy It
We recommend the Fiskars cutter as the best stack paper cutter for the environment warrior who loves crafting.
3. ISDIR Stack Paper Cutter Guillotine - Best Budget-Option
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What Customers Have To Say
Many crafters think that ISDIR is the best stack paper cutter for first-time users since it is inconvenient to use a craft knife all the time. This paper cutter cuts the work considerably, especially if you have to make hundreds of crafts.
However, some users wish it had a wider cutting base, so it’s easier to cut when the paper is in landscape orientation.
Why We Think It’s Great
We love the carbon steel blade and the upgraded steel structure of the cutting base. It is strong enough to cut cardstock, vinyl card, and even 0.3mm iron sheets.
The cutting base has print-on paper guides from paper sizes from B7 to A4 with heavy lines denoting the set paper sizes. The grid lines go all the way from the edge of the cutting base in ¼-inch and ½-cm graduations.
It has a removable magnetic paper guide for precise measuring. An additional clamp attached to the handle holds the paper in place when cutting. As soon as you take your hand off the handle, the tension spring releases to hold the handle up, ready for subsequent cutting.
Pull the handle slightly to latch the hook and lock it into place to prevent injuries.
Who Should Buy It
This stack paper cutter is the perfect tool for crafting, regular office cutting, and other cutting jobs.
4. Westcott TrimAir Anti-Microbial Wood Stack Paper Cutter
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What Customers Have To Say
One Etsy shop owner was pleased when this paper cutter because every crafter needs to make precise and even cuts. One chapbook maker loves this paper cutter for its lovely design, razor-sharp blade, and good safety features. It can also cut vinyl, cardboard, cardstock, foam sheets, and chipboard.
Why We Think It’s Great
Backed with almost 150 years of Westcott reliability and performance, here’s the Westcott TrimAir Stack Paper Cutter. The blade is titanium-bonded for better cutting.
The ergonomic handle has antimicrobial protection to keep the edge sharp even after cutting hundreds of heavyweight printer papers. Keep the slightly curved blade as close to the guide as possible to get perfect square cuts.
The safety guardrail keeps your fingers and knuckles safe when you use this paper cutter.
Who Should Buy It
It is the best stack paper cutter for those who love working with crafts made from recycled paper.
5. Dahle 12e Vantage Stack Paper Cutter
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What Customers Have To Say
After using a different brand for some time, many crafters appreciate the Dahle paper cutter’s quiet operation that can cut off even up to 1/16 of an inch.
The grids are very precise, and although it could use smaller gridlines, the adjustable backstop solves that issue. The grid lines don’t fade over time, too, making it an excellent tool for every paper crafter.
The blade can cut to as thick as a 200-lb coverstock (541 gsm) without any issues. However, some crafters wish it has a LED light to line things up accurately.
Why We Think It’s Great
This paper cutter is straightforward to use. Slide the adjustable backstop to your desired position, lift the spring action handle that also lifts the clamp. Press down the handle, and the clamp holds your paper down for precise cutting. You don’t need to raise the handle as it releases its own with the tension spring.
The metal base won’t warp, and the 12x10 ¼-inch cutting base remains flat and unscathed even with rigorous daily cutting. We just wish that the board was smaller than the ½-inch grids for easier measuring.
Who Should Buy It
The Dahle 12e is the best stack paper cutter for offices, craft shops, art studios, and even classrooms. Anyone who cuts paper will love the German technology of this cutter.
6. Amazon Basics A3 Stack Paper Cutter
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What Customers Have To Say
The AmazonBasics A3 Stack Paper Cutter is sharp and cuts through plastic tiles for wall backsplash and vinyl for craft projects. Users love it for its efficiency and performance, given the low price. It is also self-sharpening, so you don’t have to contend with assembly and sharpening.
Why We Think It’s Great
Cut up to 10 sheets of 20-pound (75 gsm) paper and a single sheet of cardstock, construction paper, and even medium chipboard with this 15-inch stack paper cutter. The finger guardrail protects your finger and knuckles from accidental cuts when loading your paper.
Compared with other paper cutters of this size, it is very affordable. The 14-inch wide plastic base is very durable and lets you lay the paper flat on your bed. It has ½-inch gridlines with deep notches that won’t fade with constant use.
The downside to this paper cutter is the measuring guide’s location at the middle of the cutting base, making it useless when you’re working on large paper. Nevertheless, we still vote for this cutter as the best stack paper cutter for budget-strapped paper crafters.
Who Should Buy It
The AmazonBasics A3 Stack Paper Cutter is the best stack paper cutter for art classes, classrooms, or home offices because of its very affordable price.
7. Homdox A3 Stack Paper Cutter
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What Customers Have To Say
Crafters love working with tools and machines that don’t weigh a ton for more effortless movement and storage. This paper cutter is lightweight yet robust enough to take the load of heavy daily cutting.
It does not have a typical blade, so the arm itself serves as the cutter. Unlike traditional paper cutters with a removable blade, this is safer to use with kids around.
The clamp only goes halfway through, so if you need to cut something thick, you can use a piece of wood to hold down the material up to the end you want to cut. Otherwise, it works perfectly.
Why We Think It’s Great
The 15 x 18.9-inch cutting base is wide enough to accommodate B4 size paper (10.11 x 14.33 inches) in landscape orientation, so your paper lies flat on the cutting base for precision cutting. Aside from the ½-inch grid, it also has set paper guides from B7 to B4. The cutting base has 1/16-inch and 1mm marks at the header and footer for better precision cutting.
The movable paper guide on the cutting base and clamp attached to the handle also aids in precision cutting. The clamp also acts as a finger guard to protect your fingers and knuckles from accidental knicks.
The stack paper cutter also has rubber feet for skid-free operation, and the cutter arm latches into the built-in safety lock for safer storage.
Who Should Buy It
It is the best stack paper cutter for crafters who work with children. We also recommend this to those who work with wide-format paper. It is perfect for offices, printing shops, crafting shops, and photo studios.
8. Elifine A2-B7 Stack Paper Cutter
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What Customers Have To Say
The Elifine stack paper cutter is heavier than most cutters of the same size because of its solid metal base. However, it doesn’t deter the users from buying it because they are pleased with its durable and solid build that doesn’t warp with prolonged use.
The safety lock is very efficient; there are no accidental releases. Even if it does, it is still child-friendly because it does not have a sharp removable blade. It is also effortless to set up, and you can now forget the handheld cutter and scissors for your cutting jobs.
Why We Think It’s Great
Performance, budget-friendly price, and durability - these are some of the features of this paper cutter that got our attention. While it does not have an actual blade, it does not bother us a lot since it still does its job. Cutting a few sheets of aluminum foil is an excellent hack to keep its handle edge sharp.
The solid metal base on skid-free rubber feet has set paper guides for worry-free cutting up to A4 size paper. The grid lines are in ½-inch, but it has 1/16-inch and 1mm marks on the header, 1/16-inch on the footer, and ¼-inch on the side for easier measuring.
Who Should Buy It
It is the best stack paper cutter for ordinary cutting jobs at home, offices, schools, and craft shops, especially if you don’t typically work with wide-format paper and materials.
9. HFS A3 Heavy-Duty Stack Paper Cutter - Best Large-Capacity
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What Customers Have To Say
Crafters recommend this paper cutter for those who constantly work with cutting stacks of 50 sheets or more to make clean cuts on books, receipts, and coupon booklets. It also has a built-in toolbox to store the tools and extra screws.
Instead of making 10 or more passes on a 100pt chipboard with a heavy-duty precision knife, you can cut it in one pass using this heavy-duty paper stack cutter.
Why We Think It’s Great
The HFS A3 Heavy-Duty Stack Paper Cutter allows you to cut 400 sheets (up to 1.5” thick) of cardstock or construction paper in one pass. The adjustable paper clamp holds the stack in place while the movable fence stops the paper from moving beyond the set size.
Make sure to tighten the paper clamp before attempting to cut, so no sheet slips off. Also, don’t be afraid to push the handle down. Indecisive cutting leads to imperfect cuts.
The blade is easy to remove and sharpen or replace. Have a professional do the sharpening, but you can purchase a replacement blade from the HFS online store. The A3-size cutting base is heavy-duty steel construction for durability and longevity.
Who Should Buy It
HFS is the best stack paper cutter for professional binders and printing shops that produce booklets, receipts, vouchers, ledgers, and other binding projects.
10. Mophorn Heavy-Duty Stack Paper Cutter with Metal Base
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What Customers Have To Say
For crafters who bind their paperback volumes and blank-page notebooks, the Mophorn Heavy-Duty Paper Stack Cutter is an efficient and cost-effective cutter to make professional-looking volumes. The rotating-type handle for the clamp is easier to use than the screw-type pressing handles on other brands.
The only drawback is the light red markings on the uppermost paper where the plastic file comes in contact. But placing a sheet of paper to protect the uppermost sheet solves the issue of getting a pristine finish.
Why We Think It’s Great
For serious crafters who make a living out of personalized notebooks, journals, and similar binding crafts, the Mophorn manual cutter is very helpful. It has a durable and sturdy build, an easy-to-crank pressing handle, and an extra-long cutting handle for less labor-intensive and more efficient cutting.
The customer service is also very accommodating. The company doesn’t cater to expedited shipping but will gladly refund any expedited shipping cost you’ve sent.
You’ll need to wipe off the grease on some parts as soon as you remove it from the box, so it doesn’t cause any damage to your paper. The 13-inch cutting board has ½-inch grid lines and markings for 1/16-inch and 1mm measurements.
Who Should Buy It
It is the best manual paper cutter for commercial-level industries, where stack paper cutting and making bound stacks are the main activities.
11. Homdox A4 Stack Paper Cutter
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What Customers Have To Say
Users appreciate the product’s clean cuts on stock paper and index cards, and though the maker recommends only 10 sheets, some users have cut up to 30 sheets of regular printer paper.
Although the cutter does not have a removable blade, it makes an impressive cut. However, the magnetic paper guide does not work very well when the stack is thicker than 15 sheets.
Why We Think It’s Great
The Homdox A4 Stack Paper Cutter’s high-quality steel base is durable and does not warp after years of use. However, even with its construction, it is still light enough to lug along so you can transfer it between rooms.
The ergonomic handle has a slot on the handle to lock it into position when not in use. Unlike other paper cutters, it does not have a removable blade. If it gets dull, you can use the aluminum foil hack in the FAQ section, question #3.
Who Should Buy It
The Homdox A4 paper cutter is one of the best options for crafters, offices, and classrooms that only need a blade for simple paper cutting and trimming.
12. Swingline Laser Stack Paper Cutter - Best Laser-Guided
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What Customers Have To Say
One crafter has had this paper cutter for almost two years, and she swears that it still works as new. It is an excellent addition to the office. It cuts beautifully for legal size paper or up to 15 inches.
According to other users, the alignment is a hair’s breadth, and the laser guide is a massive help for nighttime cutting. Another customer even bought a second cutter because she believes in its excellent performance.
Why We Think It’s Great
We love the beautiful wooden cutting base of this paper cutter. It has a dual-scale measurement guide. The upper part has 1cm grids, and you can measure up to 1mm. The lower part of the grid has ½-inch grids with ⅛-inch markings. The side does not have a measurement guide, but that does not matter much.
The laser guide comes with a neon green switch for better laser control than other laser-guided cutters. Like other Swingline products, the cutter also has a 10-year limited warranty, which is a testament to excellent quality.
Who Should Buy It
The Swingline cutter is an excellent choice for everyday use for its affordable price, wide format, and laser-guided cutting.
13. Marigold Paper Cutter & Corner Puncher
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What Customers Have To Say
Card makers love this paper cutter because it is very accurate and sharp so you get crisp cuts all the time. They also love the portable design of this cutter, compared with the bulkier and heavier cutters of the same size. It’s also affordable, but according to one user, it is best to use it on a flat and sturdy surface to protect it from unnecessary breakage.
Why We Think It’s Great
This patented paper cutter and corner puncher is perfect for paper cutting needs. The self-sharpening blades ensure a lasting cut, while the accurate grids help you get the perfect measurement.
The heavy-duty trimmer board is sturdy enough for heavy cutting. However, this cutter is best for small classroom and office use. The plastic arm may break if you keep using it for more than 10 sheets of 75gsm paper. If you wish to cut on thicker paper, reduce the number of sheets.
For its price, though, this stack paper cutter is a steal. The design is also cute and the teal accents on the cutter makes is a great addition to your classroom or small art studio.
Who Should Buy It
If you need a budget-friendly stack paper cutter from a reputable company, this is the perfect choice for you.
14. Yescom 400 A4 Stack Paper Cutter
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What Customers Have To Say
This paper cutter gives effortless and precise cutting and trimming, even for thick stacks. It is also strong enough to cut an inch-thick cardstock.
One user gave some books a new life by cutting off the edges damaged with water and other stains. The restored books looked almost brand new, that she sold them as imperfect copies at a lower price.
Why We Think It’s Great
We appreciate Yescom’s dual-scale measurement guide on the cutting base’s header and footer and the numbered grid lines. It has paper-size guides for B7 and A4 (portrait only).
It also has a built-in toolbox for tools and screws. The steel cutting base is warp-free, and the paper fence is strong enough to offer back support to the stack paper prepared for cutting.
Be wary of the cutting blade when stacking the paper, and tighten the clamp handle well to avoid slipping off the stack.
Who Should Buy It
It is a great heavy-duty stack paper cutter for serious crafters and industrial-level cutting jobs.
15. X-Acto 24-Inch Heavy-Duty Stack Paper Cutter
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What Customers Have To Say
The paper guide on this stack paper cutter is too short for its narrow format, especially if you are working on a 24-inch length paper. One user solved this by using hand clamps which is only possible because of the clearance between the cutting base and the working table. Another simply used a piece of 1” x 2” x 20” wood as weight.
Although it naturally works on paper, it can also cut plastic sheets, metal flashing, laminates, and other materials.
Why We Think It’s Great
Aside from X-Acto’s century-long reputation as a leader in precision cutting for crafters, teachers, designers, and hobbyists, we found that this is the best stack paper cutter for those who work with long-format paper.
One feature that stands out for us is the safety lock. Because of its long format, X-Acto did not leave safety to chance and used a grooved metal arm that you can clamp on the handle to keep it locked when not in use.
Another fantastic feature is the angled paper guides, so there will be no guesswork or need for a protractor to make precise angles.
Who Should Buy It
This stack paper cutter is ideal for narrow paper cutting. If you need to work on wider paper, you may need a platform of the same height to support the rest of the paper’s width.
16. Mophorn Industrial A3 Stack Paper Cutter
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What Customers Have To Say
The main concern for this stack paper cutter is the lack of a replacement blade. Other users recommended the replacement blade from a different brand, but it does not fit well.
The good thing is that the blade is hardened steel and does not nick easily, so you’re still in for a long ride with this paper cutter. The instruction is not very helpful, but you can watch the unboxing videos on YouTube to help set it up.
Why We Think It’s Great
This stack paper cutter is a monster. Be careful as it can slice off a finger when you deal with it carelessly. It is also cumbersome, which adds to its skid-free operation.
The hardened steel blade is razor-sharp, and the ergonomic and extra-long handle makes cutting more manageable, both on the hand and arm muscle. The wide cutting base also supports the stack of paper, so it lays flat, and you get a precision cut every time.
Who Should Buy It
If you’re constantly working on wide-format papers regularly, the Mophorn A3 is the best stack paper cutter for you. You can cut up to 400 sheets of 80gsm paper in one pass.
17. X-Acto 30x30 Stack Paper Cutter
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What Customers Have To Say
Customers said this stack paper cutter is an excellent choice for those working with wide-format printing jobs, such as making coupons, receipts, forms, etc. Compared with less expensive cutters that break down after some time, this one gives more value to your money.
It can cut vinyl, cardstock, decals, and laminates, which helps crafters and designers.
Why We Think It’s Great
While this X-Acto cutter does not have a paper guide, this issue is easy to solve since you’re working with just 20 sheets of paper at a time. You can use paperweight, a block of wood, or anything that can keep it flat and secure while making your cut.
The finger guard protects you from injuries, and the safety latch locks the handle in place during transport and storage.
X-Acto also gives you a self-sharpening heavy-steel blade for precision cuts and if that fails, check out #2 on the FAQ section for an effective sharpening hack.
Who Should Buy It
It is the best stack paper cutter for artists, designers, and photographers who regularly work with wide-format paper.
18. Swingline Heavy-Duty Plastic Stack Paper Cutter
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What Customers Have To Say
One crafter loves making handmade journals to sell on her online shop as customizable gifts, and this paper cutter gives her work a professional look. Another user said she appreciates the grooved grid lines because they are easier to see than printed lines.
Why We Think It’s Great
This paper cutter is an excellent choice for occasional cutting and trimming jobs, but it is durable enough to withstand cutting hundreds of paper sheets in one setting. It is also sharp enough to cut laminates or even shred old PVC IDs and credit cards.
However, the measurement mark doesn’t contrast nicely with the cutting base. The measurement mark in centimeters is also on the off-center of the base, which is unhelpful when cutting large sheets of paper.
Who Should Buy It
It is the best stack paper cutter for small businesses and hobby crafters who love making precise cuts on cardstock, chipboard, and construction paper for their cards, scrapbook accessories, and other small papercrafts.
19. Dahle 18e Vantage Stack Paper Cutter
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What Customers Have To Say
The Dahle 18e Vantage Stack Paper Cutter has a thin structure and is light enough for easy transfer and storage.
The most common issue about this paper cutter is the unimpressive grid lines. The measurement guide is on the topmost part of the cutting board, and the ½-inch grid lines are not helpful for cuts that need ⅛ of an inch. One crafter solved this by adding a sticker paper printed with the dual-scale measurement with smaller marks.
Why We Think It’s Great
We appreciate the accident-free tension spring that automatically lifts the blade and keeps it upright. Other paper cutters with automatic tension springs randomly release, causing cutting and kicking accidents. The Dahle 18e Vantage doesn’t.
We wish it had minor graduations on the dual-scale measurement guide for better precision. However, we will gladly overlook that drawback for its precision cutting and warp-free metal cutting base.
Who Should Buy It
This German technology stack paper cutter gives every avid crafter a precision cut and years of pleasant cutting experience.
20. X-Acto Heavy-Duty Stack Paper Cutter
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What Customers Have To Say
Customers have proven that X-Acto invests too much in precision, and after using several brands, they found out that the measurement guides are exact to ⅛ of an inch.
One crafter appreciates the diagonal paper guides when he used this cutter to make 600 architectural shingles for an octagonal building. Even after that rigorous cutting, it still cuts paper.
Why We Think It’s Great
The X-Acto Heavy-Duty Stack Paper Cutter’s diagonal paper guide and self-sharpening blade help make precise cuts.
The handle is a bit cumbersome since you have to position your hand for each use. However, the textured but oversized grip makes it easier to use with extended cutting.
Who Should Buy It
It is the best small-format X-Acto stack paper cutter for serious paper crafters.
Best Stack Paper Cutter Buying Guide
Here are four of the most critical factors you should consider when buying the best stack paper cutter:
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Cutting Length
What is the usual length of paper that you cut? If you are into small cards and scrapbooks and only want a paper cutter to make B7 paper sizes, a 12-inch paper cutter will do. However, if you work with large format papers, an A3 or longer paper cutter is better.
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Cutting Capacity
We’re talking of stack paper cutters, so 10 sheets should be the least it can cut. If you work with thick stacks of paper, you might want to consider a ream cutter or at least one that can cut 300 sheets in one go.
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Construction
A paper cutter made of warp-free steel is more expensive than a plastic one, as is a self-healing cutting board compared with a wooden one. Consider the materials used in your paper cutter and how often you use them before buying one.
There are two types of stack paper cutters according to the blade. Some have a separate blade that you can remove and sharpen, while others use the handle’s impact against the cutting base’s side to cut the paper.
Industrial type cutters are more expensive and are usually of steel construction. If you don’t use your paper cutter regularly, there is no need to buy one.
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Additional Features
The cutting board should have at least one measurement guide, but we recommend a dual-scale measurement guide, preferably one with 1/16-inch and 1mm marks. We also prefer these marking guides to be on the footer and the header to be more convenient to use. It should also be wide enough to support the paper you usually cut.
Setting diagonal lines for angled cuts and paper guides, preferably in landscape and portrait orientation, are also helpful.
A lighted (LED or laser) paper cutter is also an excellent addition to your cutting board but is not necessary. A switch to turn the light on and off at will is preferable, too.
Check out the paper cutter’s safety features, as it is crucial to be safe at all times when working on your projects.
Lastly, consider the paper guide or paper fence (used in ream cutters). They should be strong enough to support the stack of paper you want to cut.
Stack Paper Cutter FAQ
1. What are the types of paper cutters?
Rotary paper cutters or rotary paper trimmers have a round blade that cuts both ways. They have a track that supports the blade housing. Rotary paper cutters can cut from one sheet of paper up to 20 sheets. These are useful for cutting a few sheets of paper. Some rotary cutters even feature scoring, scallop cuts, and perforated cuts.
Guillotine paper cutters come in two types, depending on strength and capacity. The first type of guillotine paper cutters is stack paper cutters. It works with a lever and a long arm that you pull down to cut the paper manually. Stack paper cutters can cut 5 sheets of paper to a ream (also called a ream cutter).
Hydraulic paper cutters are the most challenging guillotine paper cutter and are commonly used for factories, print shops, and other high-volume cutting industries. It can cut up to 6 inches of stacked paper at a time.
Form cutters make scoring and perforating cuts on receipts, coupons, and printer forms. On the other hand, corner cutters are particular types of paper cutters designed to round the corners of a paper. Depending on the blade, it can cut small radius circles or large ones.
2. How do you sharpen a paper cutter blade?
To sharpen the removable blade of a guillotine paper cutter, follow these steps:
- Take the lever off from the cutting board by removing the screws that attach the handle to the board.
- Add a small amount of metal polish to a paper towel and rub it on the blade’s flat edge attached to the cutting board.
- Remove the blade attached to the handle and clean with 91% rubbing alcohol.
- Add a small amount of metal polish on a sharpening strap and spread it all over the strap.
- Drag the blade slowly along the strap, keeping the blade angle flat on the strap.
- After a few drags, hold the blade near the center to transfer the pressure to that part. Move your hold toward the edge after a few drags. You want to have an even sharpening on your paper cutter blade.
- Reassemble the paper cutter together.
Using heavy-duty aluminum foil is an excellent hack to sharpen your rotary paper trimmer blade or the non-removable blade of your stack paper cutter.
- Cut three or more sheets of 12” x 12” aluminum foil.
- Stack the aluminum sheets together and cut them into ½-inch strips using your paper trimmer.
- Repeat steps 1 and 2 if your paper trimmer is sharp enough to your liking.
You can also use a sanding block to sharpen your rotary paper trimmer.
- Remove your cutter blade from the paper trimmer.
- Run the blade along the edge of the sanding paper 10 times.
- Flip and repeat running the other side of the blade on the edge of the sanding block.
- Reassemble.
3. Why do you need a paper cutter?
A paper cutter can ease your work by cutting through sheets of paper accurately, effectively increasing your productivity.
You can make professional and seamless cuts, which you cannot achieve when cutting manually with an eraser or even a handheld cutter. The gridlines, usually marked in inches, make even and straight cuts.
Because of the sharp tools, you can get injured when doing manual paper cutting. A guillotine paper cutter prevents injuries by equipping their devices with safety guards.
Lastly, it is easy to use. Even crafters with weak hands can still make precision cuts with guillotine cutters.
4. What is the difference between a guillotine and a trimmer?
Both are paper-cutting tools that differ in the cutting mechanism. The guillotine has a blade that moves up and down, acting as a lever. It can cut with precision and accuracy because of the grid on the cutting board. It can cut up to 400 sheets in one operation.
A paper trimmer, sometimes called a rotary paper trimmer, has a blade that slides on a track. It can also double as a scorer, an essential tool in paper crafting. It is best for cutting a few sheets of paper, photographs, posters, and banners.
5. Is there a difference between ream and stack cutters?
The stack paper cutter is more powerful, sometimes operated manually or through electric power. However, the ream cutter is more specific in its cutting power since a ream refers to 500 sheets, thus the name. However, a stack cutter refers to a device that can cut from 10 sheets to more than one ream of paper.
It has a clamping apparatus to hold the paper down and keep the sheets straight to achieve this much cutting power. Manual stack paper cutters may use a regular guillotine or a hydraulic arm to cut through thick layers of paper.
On the other hand, electric stack paper cutters use a hydraulic arm to cut through 3-inches of paper or cardstock.
Conclusion
You don't need to be frustrated with cutting paper ever again! We hope you learned about the best stack paper cutters on the market and found one that fits your needs in this blog post.
We crown the ISDIR Stack Paper Cutter Guillotine as the best budget-friendly option for its carbon steel blade and dual paper guides. It also has a built-in lock that you can engage by pulling the handle slightly. At less than $30, this is an absolute steal.
For professional crafters, bookbinders, and journal makers, the HFS A3 Heavy-Duty Stack Paper Cutter is the best large-capacity. The replaceable hardened steel blade can cut up to 400 sheets of 20-lb paper. The A3 size cutting base has set paper guides, legible grid lines, and a paper fence to achieve precision cuts every time.
Lastly, the Swingline Laser Stack Paper Cutter gets our runner-up vote as the best laser-guided paper cutter. A switch controls the battery-operated laser guide for better visuals, and the finger guard and blade latch hooks add a level of protection to the users.
If you have any questions or want to share your experience using stack paper cutters, we’d love to hear from you in the comment section below.