Dahle 507 Personal Rolling Trimmer (12.5")

Comments about Dahle 507 Personal Rolling Trimmer (12.5"):

This is a great trimmer, perfectly priced between the horrible <$30 trimmers and the very noticeably superior Rotatrim single-bar models (and obviously much behind the dual-bar models). The reasons have been well-covered by other reviews. As to why I chose the shorter of the two Dahle models in the Personal line, I initially had two concerns with the reviews of the longer one:

1. The 508 18" model appeared to have inconsistent cutting performance in the middle of the bar rather than at its ends, as if the bar was noticeably weaker in the center (perhaps the single-bar design is a bit too weak for this length?)

2. The longer model also seemed to have a spate of reviews complaining of non-square cuts, as if the whole bar itself was not truly perpendicular to the end-pieces

I have never owned the 508 18" model so can't say from experience, but the 507 12.5" model does indeed cut straight. Very very straight. Like others, I love the way the 507 automatically holds down the material as the trimmer moves, the great sharpness of its rolling cutting edge, and the sure movement of the trimmer, with the hoped-for result of being able to trim off tiny slivers in a consistent manner. This is impossible with a standard guillotine trimmer (which admittedly can handle much more paper at once) or even an Xacto-like blade (which can't be held to as a consistent a line as with this trimmer).

As for concern #2, yep: my 507 did not cut perfectly square out-of-the-box. Holding paper against the "top" endpiece consistently resulted in maybe half a mm more width at the bottom of the sheet than the top. I was very bummed!

However, the 507 (and likely 508) is easily adjustable with a Philips screwdriver. Simply loosen the underside screws holding the plastic endpiece to the center board, rotate it a bit, and tighten the screws. Rinse and repeat as necessary. It took me about 10 mins -- about three tries each -- to get both endpieces straightened to the point that I could trim a visibly square cut with the paper held flush with either endpiece.

For what it is -- an upgrade for people using guillotine trimmers or ruler+Xacto knife -- it's bang-on for the money. For anything larger or higher volume, and especially if you want a set-and-forget product, look to the Rotatrim products. Given that I expect my endpiece adjustments to wander over time, I still wonder if I should have paid double for the single-bar Rotratrim equivalent ....

Comments about Dahle 507 Personal Rolling Trimmer (12.5"):

This product works relatively well for doing basic trimming with paper, photographs, etc. I mainly use it to trim laminated photographs and documents. The frame is metal, but the base is plastic, although it should last awhile. Not the highest quality trimmer out there, but for this price, it does the job very well.

Comments about Dahle 507 Personal Rolling Trimmer (12.5"):

i own a small invitation business and own 2 of the Dahle "professional" series cutters- one is a guillotine style cutter and the other is a large version of this cutter/machine. i am an avid scrapbooker and bringing those large cutters on-location was not an option. i was going to purchase a "high end" cutter from a craft store, but after reading the mediocre reviews on those machines, i decided to splurge and buy this one. i am SO glad i did. i love the semi-compact size to fit into my rolling bag, but it will still cut my 12x12 paper with ease. the gliding cutter is smooth and cuts paper, cardstock and photos very well. i also love the fact that this is a self sharpening blade which will save me money in the long run.
as with a lot of cutters in this style, the paper needs to be thicker than 1-2" to cut straight. ( you can cut, for example, 0.25" from a large piece of paper, but you cannot cut 0.25" from a 1" thick strip of paper). the plastic gate on the edge holds the paper while cutting (HUGE PLUS!) but it prevents from cutting thin strips of paper thinner.
in comparison to the professional series, the slider and bar are not as sturdy on this model. however, after using this cutter a few times,it still works wonderfully when cutting through a single sheet of cardstock.
i will probably use my professional level cutter more when i am at home, but since i was looking for a portable cutter, this is just what i needed. if i didnt own the professional series, i would think this is the greatest cutter out there for the craft!

Comments about Dahle 507 Personal Rolling Trimmer (12.5"):

I use this to trim photos and cards. I had purchased a cheaper one prior to getting this one and returned it (Friskars model). This trimmer works well - easy and accurate, cutting with the precision that I need. It is worth the price.

Comments about Dahle 507 Personal Rolling Trimmer (12.5"):

accurate guide, easy cutting. seems a bit stiff but that will probably wear in so not a concern

Comments about Dahle 507 Personal Rolling Trimmer (12.5"):

I use this to cut out inserts for CD Jewell cases from photo paper. It is by far the best paper cutter I have ever used. It can trim such a small area it is amazing.

Comments about Dahle 507 Personal Rolling Trimmer (12.5"):

NEEDED A COMPACT SIZE TRIMMER FOR HEAVY WEIGHT PAPERS. THIS TRIMMER WORKS VERY WELL. SHOULD GET ALOT OF YEARS OF TRIMMING WITH IT.

Comments about Dahle 507 Personal Rolling Trimmer (12.5"):

NEEDED A COMPACT AND DURABLE TRIMMER FOR HEAVY-WEIGHT PHOTO PAPER. THIS TRIMMER FITS THE BILL VERY WELL. I KNOW I WILL GET GET A LOT OF YEARS OF SERVICE FROM IT.

Comments about Dahle 507 Personal Rolling Trimmer (12.5"):

NEEDED A COMPACT SIZE TRIMMER FOR TRIMMING JEWEL CASE INSERTS THAT I PRINT. THE TRIMMER HANDELS HEAVY-WEIGHT PAPER VERY WELL. PLAN TO GET ALOT OF USE FROM IT.

Comments about Dahle 507 Personal Rolling Trimmer (12.5"):

The best trmmer I ever bought. The price could be cheaper but you're buying a trimmer that makes your photo trimming looking "professional"

Comments about Dahle 507 Personal Rolling Trimmer (12.5"):

I upgraded from a 9 1/2 inch Dahle trimmer to this trimmer because I needed it for 12x12 paper. The rotary cutter stays sharp all the time. My old trimmer is over 5 years old and is still sharp. I like the lite weight of this trimmer and the size is perfect. Would not order anything other than a Dahle trimmer.

Comments about Dahle 507 Personal Rolling Trimmer (12.5"):

I'm a freelance photographer and crafter, and cut photos, cards and other fun stuff almost every day. I had been using a cheap Carl cutter from Staples for a few years, and the cuts kept getting more and more crooked - ok for small jobs but not for splitting a letter sized sheet to fold for cards.

I did some research and it sounded like Dahle's cutters were liked by everyone. I kept eyeing one of the professional ones, but the price tag was a bit hefty, so I got this one hoping it would be better than Carl. It is. The cuts are clean and straight, it's lightweight and easy to stash away after each cut.

I am now going to contradict that last statement by saying that the only thing I don't like about it is that the base is so narrow. I would have liked it to be at least 12" wide, but I knew it wasn't when I bought it.

Comments about Dahle 507 Personal Rolling Trimmer (12.5"):

Works really well. Not probably for professional or large quantity trimming but for small amateur home operations it's perfect.

Comments about Dahle 507 Personal Rolling Trimmer (12.5"):

I have used this trimmer on a regular basis, I own a small photography buisness and it met my needs and budget. the trimmer makes clean cuts and the blade lasts a long time. Only reason I did not give 5 stars are for 2 reasons, 1-trimmer base is not straight and makes it hard to make a straight cut if you are not paying attention. 2- you can not find the right replacement blade for this product. I ordered the one it specified and when I received it and put it on the trimmer it did not even cut cleanly through one photo sheet. On a whole a great trimmer, hard to get relacements for it, money is precious, want something that will last.

Comments about Dahle 507 Personal Rolling Trimmer (12.5"):

Works as advertised. No tech stuff here

Comments about Dahle 507 Personal Rolling Trimmer (12.5"):

Purchased for cutting Epson roll paper for R800 printer. I use the 8.3" x 32' rolls of premium glossy photo paper and make 8.3"x11.69" prints and 8.3"x12.49" prints (the largest short of panorama that you can make with the Epson R800 printer).
The trimmer works very well. Not 100% perfect, but I think one would have to pay several times this price for that. Would I like micro-millimeter accuracy? Yes. Did I expect it with this trimmer? No. But this trimmer is very good.