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Well, about two weeks ago after doing much research, I purchased one of the Tonic Paper Guillotine cutters from JoAnn's, with a 40% off coupon, which they have again this week till 9/6, here is the direct page I got mine from: Guillotine cutters
This is the cutter that SU sells in the catalog, just in the Tonic colors, not the ones SU has.
Well, I am finally getting to try it out today, now, for the warning, it is two fold.
First off, this is one of the best cutters I have ever used! Once you try it you will be hooked, it cuts off tiny silvers of paper and is super, no feathering of your vanilla or whisper white paper any more. YEAH.
Now, warning number two, please be careful when using this, NOT because of the cutting bar, but because the paper that it cuts is very sharp after the cut is made! I was picking up my paper to check the size, and was running my fingers lightly down the sides to compare, and ended up with 3 paper cuts on my fingers, from the tip of my finger down to my first knuckle! YIKES! Talk about sharp paper!!!! I love this though and am more careful now! I ordered the 12x12 and today just put in an order for the 12x6 (the size SU sells). I also plan when they have more coupons to order the 8-1/2 x 11 and the little 6 inch one for my small paper sizes! I love this cutter!
__________________ Lisa C., Mom to 3 great kids, 3 super dogs and an cat that thinks she is a dog! My Gallery
I havent received it yet, only just recently ordered it, but they shipped quickly. I ordered it last Friday and then it shipped on Monday. I'm in Canada so I'm sure I'll get it in the next week or two. I'll let you all know my review when I actually get it. This place has a great price though.
Oh gosh you scared me there for a second - I just ordered one from Joann's yesterday! Glad to hear you like it and can't wait to try it! Thanks for the warning on the papercuts - I'm really good at getting those.
I must not be doing something right. After the recent threads, I ordered the Tonic and tried using it today. I made sure I pressed down on the paper guide and all but I am not getting clean cuts at all. The paper edges are ragged and horrible looking, much worse than my Fiskars ever did. I'm hoping its just because its new but at the moment, I can't say I'm loving mine.
I must not be doing something right. After the recent threads, I ordered the Tonic and tried using it today. I made sure I pressed down on the paper guide and all but I am not getting clean cuts at all. The paper edges are ragged and horrible looking, much worse than my Fiskars ever did. I'm hoping its just because its new but at the moment, I can't say I'm loving mine.
Laura,
On one of the other threads about the Tonic, someone else had the same problem. Here's the thread:
I must not be doing something right. After the recent threads, I ordered the Tonic and tried using it today. I made sure I pressed down on the paper guide and all but I am not getting clean cuts at all. The paper edges are ragged and horrible looking, much worse than my Fiskars ever did. I'm hoping its just because its new but at the moment, I can't say I'm loving mine.
Laura
Okay a few questions...
Is your cutting arm loose? if you (carefully) turn your cutter upside down does the cutting arm stay down or does it swing? If it swings it may need to be tightened which could be causing your fraying (there's a bolt on the side at the top of the arm).
Are you cutting one sheet of SU ultrasmooth? Some people have said that when cutting one sheet of thin cardstock it tends to fray. Use a scrap, some cheap computer paper, or papers that need to be shredded anyway and cut through both.
Are you standing or sitting? I get a better cut when standing.
If you still have problems you should talk to your demo or call the company you got it from. Mine is so fantastic! I can't believe I have been cutting paper for so long without it. I feel like I've been living in the dark ages of paper cutting and have come into the light!
I just ran and got the cutter.
1) When turned upside down, the cutter arm stays down, doesn't swing.
2) I was using a sheet of SU cardstock (not ultrasmooth, just your basic colored cs). I did try it with two sheets to see of that worked better. Nope - still frayed.
3) I was standing up at the time of cutting.
In fact, a couple of times, it didn't even cut the paper, just bent it. I am emailing tonic customer service and I'll see what they say.
I just ran and got the cutter.
1) When turned upside down, the cutter arm stays down, doesn't swing.
2) I was using a sheet of SU cardstock (not ultrasmooth, just your basic colored cs). I did try it with two sheets to see of that worked better. Nope - still frayed.
3) I was standing up at the time of cutting.
In fact, a couple of times, it didn't even cut the paper, just bent it. I am emailing tonic customer service and I'll see what they say.
Laura
It is defective for sure! I hope they can get you a new one fast 'cause I'm telling you it should cut through your cardstock like a hot knife through buttah! I love it! Keep us all posted on returning it since it seems you aren't the only one having a problem with it.
Does anyone know how long the blades last? I like the idea of being able to cut several pieces of cs at once, but I like that I can change out the blades on my fiscar. I'd love to know if there are any deals out there also!
__________________ My Gallery Team Jasper! "Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" Mt. 6:21
I want both! The 6" is good for layers and the 12" is good for cutting the larger sheets smaller for say cards or layers, etc. I am just guessing here. LOL
But I think I need both.
Okay, which is better the 6" or the 12"?? Why would you choose to purchase one and not the other?
I have the 6" here's why:
I'm tight on space so the 12" would take my whole table.
I don't scrapbook right now and when I do it will be 8 1/2 x 11 (honestly, would you use the whole 12" of cutting space? The 6" has an extender arm...)
Some people don't like that the measurements stop and restart on the 6" because of the extender arm but the ruler goes to 6" and then the arm starts at 6 3/16". Doesn't bug me and if it did I have my Fiskars as a backup.
Cost (I got mine "free" using instant income as a demonstrator)
Portability. I can't even think how I would take a 12" cutter to a friends house.
I love the 12 inch one, but I have the space for it (made the space rather). The 12 x 6 is on it's way, I want the little 6 inch one for cutting small layers. As to how long before the blade needs replacing I have seen that it shouldn't ever need replacing as it is cutting metal upon metal, so it is constantly being sharpened. I do find I have to make sure I press down firmly on my finger holders. I will try to help any I can, I love this cutter, and my paper cuts are healing quickly..lol
__________________ Lisa C., Mom to 3 great kids, 3 super dogs and an cat that thinks she is a dog! My Gallery
awww. for some reason, DH wouldn't let me take my cutter to bed with me last night. such dissapointment! Guess he figued I would try to cut in my sleep..lol! Honestly though, I love this cutter, it has helped me so much to make straight cuts. Didn't even know they were crooked till I compared papers!
__________________ Lisa C., Mom to 3 great kids, 3 super dogs and an cat that thinks she is a dog! My Gallery
I have this cutter and I love it! I was cutting some paper last night and had my thumb over to far.... like in the cutting zone. I came down hard ....really hard and guess what? I didn't get cut , it didn't even break the skin! It hurt a little and when I did it I was like Oh no I just cut my finger off....But it was nothing! So Not only does it cut great it is very safe!
Heather
This site is SO BAD for my bank account!!! I just ordered the 12". No idea where I'm gonna put it, but I'm sick of pulling off my scoring blade to cut 12x12 cs. As always, thanks for the tip!
__________________ My Gallery Team Jasper! "Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" Mt. 6:21
This site is SO BAD for my bank account!!! I just ordered the 12". No idea where I'm gonna put it, but I'm sick of pulling off my scoring blade to cut 12x12 cs. As always, thanks for the tip!
I totally agree with everything you just said! I am going to look at Joanns today. They don't have much but I am keeping my fingers crossed.
After reading this thread, I broke down and ordered the 12 x 12 from JoAnns. I have room for the large one (if I clean the area off) so I thought why not just get the big one. JoAnns e-mailed me another 40% coupon after I placed my order, so the smaller 6" one may be in my future also. I would like to have it for portability (is that a word). One more order and I'll be qualified for their free shipping club.
How do you get coupons from Jo-Ann's? Do you subscribe somewhere online???
"JoAnns e-mailed me another 40% coupon"
Also does the blade on the tonic has to be replaced ever s often once it's dull? Is it easy to change out? Is there a replacement blade to buy? (Just curious).
OK at the scrapbooking paradise link above there are 4 sizes... a 6', 8.5", 12" small base and 12" large base. I'm leaning towards the 8.5" but the 6" also looks great! Any suggestions? ANd cheaper than Joann's even with a coupon
Cowgirl, I bought the 12" small base ... I also scrapbook so I want to be able to cut 12x12 paper ... but I figured the small base was good enough for me, as I dont have a lot of room to store it. I've been using a Fiskars up until now with a small base, so I figured it cant be much different from that one (in regards to using a small base) ... I would love the large base, but the small base would be a bit more compact if I wanted to take it with me somewhere.
How do you get coupons from Jo-Ann's? Do you subscribe somewhere online???
"JoAnns e-mailed me another 40% coupon"
Also does the blade on the tonic has to be replaced ever s often once it's dull? Is it easy to change out? Is there a replacement blade to buy? (Just curious).
I placed an order from their website and ever since I have been recieving emails and they usually have a coupon attached. Kind of cool!
I started receiving my 40% coupons from JoAnns after placing an online order. The 40% coupon which came in the Sunday paper, also had a code to use online. They also have an online special, that after you place 3 orders over $25 (I think), you will get free shipping for the remainder of this year, even on orders where you use a 40% coupon.
READ! Warning about Tonic Paper Cutter
