Favorite cutting tool?

[bskts4bj]

I've seen Fiskars, Coluzzle and CM -- which is easiest to use in your opinion & why?? My daughter found CM stuff at a garage sale, but we're not sure how to use it -- 3 different colored blades -- HELP!

TIA,
Brenda

 

[KaitlinsMom]

You need templates in order to use the blades - The two "notches" next to the blade, fit into a track on the templates and you just slide the blades around the template - It's very easy and I vote for it being my fav!

 

[WDWAurora]

Coluzzle. I've used CM and Coluzzle (heard Fiskars had some problems with sizing and ripping pictures) and Coluzzle is by far the simplest and easiest. You lay the template over the picture, and slide the blade into the size you want...The picture comes out the exact size it looks on the template, and you can do mats with the other sizes on the same template. It's an inexpensive system with many shapes available and it works just as you would think it would. It also stores fairly flat. CM you have to lay a clear sheet over the pictures to determine the size/blade to use and then you have to put the template on top and use the correct colored blade (they cut different distances away from the template). I just thought it took too long and required too much work to figure out the size to use.

 

[wtpclc]

Just wanted to point out that the CM blades have a guide on top. The red cuts closest to the patyern, green next, then blue fartherst. If you look at the top of the blades, there are two lines. One is over the pegs that you put in teh groove on teh top of the pattern and the other lines up with the blade. Also, I think you can still purchase the sizing templates for that system separately. They are helpful.

I like it, but I'm partial. If you decide to buy and need help, let me know.

 

[FantasticDisFamily]

This is going to sound really, really low tech but...my favorite cutting tools are my small CM cutter and a full size paper cutter that belonged to my grandparents. It is so old but the blade is sharp and it has great grids to follow.

Beyond that I have some templates but if it is something small and intricate I use a really sharp pair of very pointed scissors. Again I think I inherited these from my grandmother.

Deb

 

[PigletsPal]

I have the cutterpede and LOVE IT. Had the Fiskars but was so tired of it not cutting straight. I haven't had this problem with my new cutter. I also really love the perfect cutter by QVC.

 

[wtpclc]

Just got to post this here, 'cause it kinda fits.

Deb - You mentioned your old fashioned paper cutter. My husband asked me this weeknd if I had any use for one. (duh, yeah. Cutting apart photos that I prit on 8 1/2 x 11 isn't real fun.) His shop has downsized/relocated (to say the least, yes he was safe) and is getting rid of a lot of stuff. He said that he was sure he could find me one.

Well, he came earlier in the week and told me they were all gone. Bummer.

I came home last night and he was cleaining one up for me! It pays to have connections with the company junk dealer! I used it last night a lot!!!! I like my CM personal trimmer and 12" cutting pattern, but for big stuff, this wins hands down!

BTW - Except for journaling, I just finished my Disney 7x7. I put photos of me & my DH with characters from our last 3 trips. Too fun! I'll post or do something when I get it finshed!

Sorry, didn't mean to hijack.

Back to our regularly scheduled discussion on favorite cutters.

 

[nicki dahling]

My CM cutting system hands down ( and believe me I have tried a few ). I also have the fiskars 12x12 rotary cutter. Great for big projects. But I still go back to my CM 12 inch pattern for day to day stuff. After those two I would have to say my perfect layers from QVC for matting.

Cyndi

 

[castlegazer]

I have to vote for CM cutting systems, BUT, they frustrate me for square projects as I only have a personal cutter and the red, green, and blue blades and circle and oval templates. My personal cutter doesn't do the trick for larger and more accurate square trimming of pictures. I also seem to be a coluzzle idiot. I can not make that work at all. I must be doing something wrong but nothing comes out right and I break blades all the time.

I then use the Fiskars rotary blades for trimming borders and various patterned straight cuts.

 

[WDWAurora]

With Coluzzle, make sure you have the plastic peeled off of BOTH sides, I had a problem with that when I first started...and I haven't had a blade break, but maybe you're pushing too hard since you can't get through the pattern because of the plastic...You don't have to push hard at all normally. Also, if you aren't using the soft mat they recommend with it, that could be a problem. The surface underneath could be too hard for the blade. HTH!

 

[RadioNate]

I have CM and Coluzzle and you can count me as a coluzzle idiot too. Neither are perfect for me but I prefer the CM system. I can not use the coluzzle to save my life. If the blade was stationary I think I'd do better and I learned that you have to use their cutting mat. I was hopeless with anything else.

I use an old school 12 inch paper cutter for square cuts and mats. I might try out the perfet layers system next since my paper cutter is old and not making the best of cuts.

 

[Alice28]

Another vote for CM

 

[poohkinandpiglet]

Creative Memories is my fav!

 

[ToDisney]

I don't use shapes a whole lot in my scrapping.

I love my Fiskars rotary trimmer... yeah, it's big and bulky and my friends always give me grief at crops for carrying it, BUT they also ask to use it. I used the little 12x12 Fiskars one... the one with the little orange blade thingy. HATED IT!! I swear I couldn't cut straight with that if my life depended on it.

On the rare occassion, I use a shape (oval or circle), I'll use my Coluzzle. Never had any problems and most of my templates (cuz I think I have a star and square with rounded edges?) still have the plastic on them. (See... I use them so rarely, I don't even remember what I have! )

 

[Franne]

I tried Coluzzle and couldn't get the hang of it either! I vote for CM, just wish they would come out with more shapes.
Franne

 

[erikalk]

CM for me. Tried the Fiskars and I couldn't get the hang of it.

 

[TonyS20]

I have the Fiskars and I can't get it to work right. Of course, I have a hard enough time with scissors! I like the CM one and use it all the time at my scrapbooking store crops. They have Coluzzle, but I can't get it to work either. I usually just stick to straight cuts with my 12x12 paper trimmer!

 

[sconnell]

I love my CM cutting system and my Fiskars 12 in. If I don't hold down the guide on the Fiskars one, the picture sometimes will slip. One thing that I have found to help, when you line the pic up with the side, start on the opposite side and cut toward the ridge that you have the picture up against. If you don't, your picture will surely move.