What Is the Difference Between a Rotary & Rolling Trimmer?

Rotary Trimmers

• Rotary trimmers are best suited for photographers, both professional and amateur, and graphic artists or graphic designers. The design features a large rectangular box that serves as the base. The base lists different measurements, a feature that gives you a more accurate cut. On one side of the base sits a rail with a round blade on top. The blade slides both up and down, which lets you cut paper and photographs in multiple ways. The sharp blade cuts through the paper, leaving behind a smooth edge.

Rolling Trimmers

• A rolling trimmer is a hand-held device designed for cutting and trimming paper. The piece features a rounded blade with a handle made from lightweight plastic or other material. A plastic sheath fits over the top when it's not in use, which protects you from cuts and scrapes. When you need paper cut, you slide the blade along the edge of the piece and cut through the paper backing. Rolling trimmers are best suited for scrapbooking enthusiasts and crafters.

Which to Buy?

• Before buying either type of cutter, look at what you cut on a regular basis. Rotary trimmers work as well on a large amount of paper as smaller amounts and can cut through 1,000 sheets at one time. Rolling trimmers only cut through one sheet of paper or a few sheets at one time. Rolling trimmers give you more control over your cutting and let you cut shapes or cut around round pages. Rotary trimmers only cut straight angles. A rolling trimmer is smaller and takes up less space, while a rotary cutter requires more storage space. Rolling trimmers are small enough for storage in a drawer or dedicated scrapbooking bag.

Warning

• Depending on where you buy your trimmer, you may find the terms used interchangeably. Manufacturers may refer to a rotary cutter as both a rotary and rolling trimmer because the blade slides or rolls along the edge. Stack cutters and guillotine cutters resemble rotary trimmers, but feature a blade that only moves in one direction.