How Does a Stack Paper Cutter Work?
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What Is A Stack Paper Cutter?
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A stack paper cutter is a device that cuts paper in bulk in a uniform fashion. Often sighted in classrooms, print shops and office environments, a stack paper cutter is more convenient for bulk cutting jobs than using scissors and going piece by piece.
There are paper cutters on the market that cost very little, and ones that are made for industrial use that cast cost more than $1500. It is important to buy a sturdy, well made machine in order to maximize use and minimize risk. These gadgets can be quite dangerous if used improperly due to the exposed cutting surface.
How Do I Use A Stack Paper Cutter?
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A stack paper cutter is very simple to use. Most have guide marks cut into the board surface in order to help the user align the sheets correctly. The user then pulls down the "guillotine" handle to perform the cutting. Some machines don't have this cutting arm, instead using a level-type handle to generate chopping force. The amount of work needed depends on the type of paper being cut. Thin, fine paper is going to slice apart a lot easier than thick card stock, so be prepared to do several chops to get the job done. Make sure to cut paper in small enough stacks that you can control the paper and keep it from moving out of alignment.
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What Sort of Cutter Is Right For Me?
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When shopping for a paper cutter, it is important to gauge how much use the cutter will get, what sort of paper will be cut and who is doing the cutting. In a school or office environment, a standard paper cutter will do just fine. This cutter handles under 100 sheets of paper at a time, and can handle construction paper and poster board in small quantities. It can also be easily stored in a cabinet, out of the reach of little ones.
For a print shop or high-use environment, however, it is more practical to think of time and fatigue. For those tough jobs that may defeat human arms, look into buying an automatic or semi-powered cutter. These more precise instruments could help avoid frustration and ruined projects down the line.
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- Photo Credit 2007 underwaterguy / Creative Commons
