Tim Holtz 12.5" Rotary Media Trimmer Paper Cutter - 3960e

Not impressed ... I went in with knowing Kathy King from Paper Phenomenon's review knowing it has pros and cons but everything does right?
Well let's start with the blade mechanism. I had this about 3 months now and have had to call Tonic Studios to get a full replacement. It started jamming and making a God awful noise. It took them about 4 business days to decide what they will do then they shipped me a new one. This is extremely hard to see exactly where you're cutting when you pull the blade towards you. When pushing the blade you have to eyeball where you want your cut with the edge. You also have a gutter area where the small papers fall into under the blade. I'm always having to stop and clean out the small pieces. You also have to hold down the clear plastic piece to make sure you get a straight cut.
As for the ruler From 6" to 6.5" you have to kind of guess. You can't cut anything from 1" or smaller I guess I expected alot more thought would've been behind this coming from Tim Holtz and Tonic Studios. With the price and the names behind It it's just a huge let down. Now to find a trimmer to cut small pieces

Tonic’s customer service is great—helping me “learn” how to use the 12.5 inch rotary cutter. There is a learning curve for me and I am still working to make a clear cut every time when using this cutter.

Studied this trimmer for some time, especially all the purchase comments and Tonic's sale finally convinced me it was the one for those long days of cutting card bases. Not disappointed. Also discovered most negatives were not using Tim's comment to slant the blade cartridge to the left so starting out with it that way I am getting nothing but perfect cuts. Also LOVE the markings for all major card cutting tasks!

Not impressed, I was thinking of returning as it leaves the cut edge frayed if I try and cut more than 2 pieces at a time. Maybe I'm doing something wrong?

First I am a paper trimmer guru-self acclaimed! I have had 3 Tim Holtz guillotine trimmers and every one tore the paper as you neared the bottom edge. I could see why so idk how quality control couldn’t , but there was a gap where the blades met at the bottom. But after 3 exchanges I was tired of fighting. I went back to my 30 year old paper trimmer which I prefer because there’s no guard. I like to use it for very narrow strips so I can’t do that with the guard on. This trimmer is Everything! It glides so easily, you don’t need to squeeze the handle into the trimmer to get the blades to make constant contact, and I was able to easily take the guard off so I can do small strips. I’m not a child and know how to keep my fingers clear. It’s extremely lightweight and the swing arms are great for 12x12 paper! It also sits very solidly on the surface! Everything! Things happen and often to me so the first one I ordered cut a very rough edge. I took photos and sent them in and they instantly replaced it for me and apologized. The second one is great! I do think it seems like it got sharper after I few glides. I could not be happier with this wonderful trimmer! And the CS was fantastic! I also got it on sale which was 1/2 off! And the only way I ever could’ve afforded it! Thank you Tonic!