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What to Look for in a Stack Cutter

At MachineRunner, we encounter many common questions about buying a stack or ream cutter. Most of the time, these purchases are made by a customer who is frustrated with the multiple cuts that they make with their guillotine cutters, and are looking to save time with less cuts. A stack cutter is the perfect option. Stack or ream cutters are perfect for print shops, schools, and large businesses. Shopping for the right stack cutter can be easy if you narrow down what you are actually looking for.

Cut Length
Typically most stack cutters are designed for either 8.5” x 11” or 11” x 17” sized paper. Most of the time, the maximum width will have extra room to accommodate for adjustments. For example, if you are looking for a paper cutter for your 8.5” x 11” paper, you will want to find one that is around 11-1/2” to 12” for the maximum cut width.

Sheet Cut Capacity
This is the most important aspect of a stack paper cutter. The sheet cut capacity will be the maximum number of 20 lb sheets that the cutter can cut. This capacity ranges between 120 to 800. This is sometimes calculated by cut width. Cut width is the actual height of the stack of papers. This can be a better estimate as users do not typically cut hundreds of sheets of paper by counting.

Safety Features
Cutting multiple sheets of paper can be very dangerous when it comes to the blade. Two handed operation means that both hands need to be utilized in order to cut. This can prevent injuries while not making it possible for an idle hand to be resting by the blade. Other popular saftety features include safety case, and locking blade.

Minimum Cut
While most of the cuts that are made with a stack paper cutters are large, there are some cutting operations that require a narrow cut. For example, if you are cutting bookmarks, you want to be sure that the stack cutter you are looking for can make cuts smaller than 2”. This is the minimum amount that can be cut off from the stack. Not all cutters have this spec listed. Call your rep for more information.

Cutting Base
Stack paper cutters will be equipped with either a wood or metal base. Ideally, there should be measurement guides printed on the base in easy to read increments. Additionally, every stack cutter should have a clamp or backstop attached to the base, that can be used to create a guide for cutting. This will save time when it comes to cutting multiple reams of paper that will be cut the same size.

Optional Features
Some cutter will have additional features to aid in accurate cutting. Though not always necessary, laser guides, and stands can make it easy to cut the stacks of paper.

Hopefully these tips will aid in choosing the right stack paper cutter for your business, or office.

What to Look for in a Business Card Cutter

Business cards are essential for any professional. Depending on the volume of cards that your business needs, you should either create them in house, or have them sent out to a print shop. Some types of businesses require hundreds of cards each month, and should invest in some equipment to create these in house. Many people and companies have already purchased a nice printer, which makes it easy to create professional looking cards on demand. The market for business card cutters can be confusing, especially with so many options. Here are some key features to look for in a business card cutter that will help determine the right one for you or your business.

Number of Cards Per Sheet 

Business card cutters come in 3 different cut styles, 8-up, 10-up, and 12-up. Generally 8-up cards include a gutter in the middle of the page, to allow for full bleeds, and have 4 cards stacked in two columns. 10-up cards are printed with vertically with 5 cards stacked into two columns, while 12 up are printed more horizontally with 4 cards stacked into 3 columns. No matter which format you choose, the standard business card size is 2" x 3-1/2".

Gutter or No Gutter 

Depending on the style of business card that you want to print, you may need to shop for a gutter cut business card cutter. These card cutter will cut completely around each card, including a center strip. This allows for full bleeds of color to appear of the card. Typical margins for gutter cut cards are 1/4” in the center, 1/4” between cards, and a left & right margin of 5/8”. If you have no need for a full bleed card, then you do not need to look into buying a gutter cut model, as you will make less cards per sheet of paper. 

Manual or Electric

Depending on the volume of cards that are needed, you may be able to save money and buy a manual card cutter. These cutters do not have a feeding mechanism, and require the user to feed the paper in, and then turn a wheel to operate. Electric models vary in their usability. Low end electric cutters, do not have an automatic feeding mechanism, but eliminate the need to manually turn a wheel or crank. Higher end models will have automatic feeding and will able to produce hundreds of cards in one minute. 

Waste Catcher 

Some models will include a waste catcher for margins and gutters. This helps with clean up, which will ultimately save you time, and keep your cutting organized. 

Hopefully determining what you want in these features, will help you choose the best cutter for you.

Holiday Gifts For Scrapbookers & Hobbyists

If you are like most hobbyists or scrapbookers, you know that low cost equipment, while it saves you money, ultimately breaks. Most of the time, these machines or equipment do not even offer replacement parts. Many go on buying cheap equipment after cheap equipment, and spend sometimes hundreds of extra dollars. Why bother? There are so many machines out there that cost a little more than the average low cost solution, but last longer, and work more efficiently.  

Here are some recommendations that I have when it comes to higher quality hobby equipment. With the holidays coming up, these will serve as excellent gifts for you or your favorite hobbyist. 

1. Professional Grade Rotary Trimmers

Rotary paper trimmers are easy to use, and guarantee a straighter cut than a guillotine cutter. These trimmers can cut in two directions, making them ideal for photo cutting, and scrapbooking. The Dahle Rotary Trimmers offer professional quality for less. These machines are so accurate, that many print shops and advertising agencies use them. They are more expensive then the cutters that you will find Michaels, but with the smallest cutter starting at $42, they are quite a steal. 

2. Professional Pouch Laminators

Anyone who values photographs should invest in a pouch laminator. These affordable machines keep photographs safe from exposure to dust, finger tips, and more. While personal laminators offer an easy lower cost solution, a more professional model will last longer, and will be less likely to jam. This Jam Free Laminatoris priced at $135, and will laminate smaller pouches as well as letter size documents with ease. Professional laminators also heat up and laminate documents faster than personal models. 

3. Wire Binding Machines

While many scrapbookers tend to use comb binding machines, I recommend wire. Wire binding looks a little more professional and keeps it shape longer. Binding machines have many possibilities for projects. Notebooks, recipe books, calendars, scrapbooks, and more can all be done quickly and easily without having to go to the local print shop. This manual Akiles wire binding machine is perfect for low volume use, and is priced around $270.00. It can punch and bind in either 2:1 for low volume projects and 3:1 for higher page volume projects. It uses Double O Wire spines, which are easy to close and look great. 

While these machines may be a little more pricey than your average equipment found at the fabric store, they provide professional quality for the home and make a great gift for anyone who loves creative projects.