How to cut covers out perfectly.

[MD997]

I was just wondering if anyone knew a good way, besides a paper cutter, to cut out the covers perfectly straight. I tried using an exacto knife, but it still leaves a lot of extra paper on the edges.

Thanks - 

[tbonesteak4dinner]

Mounted paper cutters can be had for pretty cheap off of craigslist - could be a good investment too if you plan on doing a lot of covers. Everybody is trying to get rid of office supplies like that.

Otherwise use a cutting board, exacto knife, and a thin metal ruler to keep it all straight.

[Retro Deckades]

I use this, and it works near flawlessly.

http://www.amazon.ca/Fiskars-12-Inch-Surecut-Deluxe-Trimmer/dp/B0038F1A0S/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1346698745&sr=8-8

My wife actually picked this up to construct our wedding invitations. It can be a little pricey, but if there are other things you could think to use it for, it might be worth it. Something in the same vein may work well, too. Since using it, I couldn't dream of going back.

It makes it incredibly easy to line up the cut. I used to use a ruler and an exacto knife, but once your ruler gets a nick or two in it, it can quickly become a disaster.

[Blueprint]

I used a cutting board , metal ruler and xacto knife, i also do free hand with a good pair of scissors...

[zakurowrath]

There's also things called Paper Guillotines that do the job as well:

http://www.amazon.com/Swingline-ClassicCut-Guillotine-Paper-Trimmer/dp/B00006IATI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1335658804&sr=8-2

Art teachers and graphic designers have them also if you don't wanna buy one.

[Harp00nX]

Cutting pad, steel ruler and a Stanley Knife for me.

[madrocsz]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003SLC3IU/ref=wms_ohs_product

Can find it for under 20$ quite often. I've cut around 500 covers using it, same blade and still works flawlessly, can cut a few at a time too.

I even use it for ebay shipping labels etc lol

[Moviefan2k4]

I use the rolling cutter at FedEx Office. After printing the covers off, I mark small lines on the outer edges, using a ruler and pen. Then, I use them as guides to position the cover as close to the edge, without cropping any off. If done right, you get a near-perfect cut every time.

[wiggy]

I used a cutting board , metal ruler and xacto knife, i also do free hand with a good pair of scissors...

This. Although I haven't ever used scissors.

[ShoothimNow]

There's also things called Paper Guillotines that do the job as well:

http://www.amazon.com/Swingline-ClassicCut-Guillotine-Paper-Trimmer/dp/B00006IATI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1335658804&sr=8-2

Art teachers and graphic designers have them also if you don't wanna buy one.

+1

[kenshinrurouni]

The steel ruler, exacto knife, and cutting board idea is the best as said by the other users on this post. When I use a paper cutter, it does not cut it completely straight

[amarthar]

At home - scissors (you need steady hands for that) or metal ruler & knife
At work - this: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B002K92CQ4 though results vary.

[Moviefan2k4]

The steel ruler, exacto knife, and cutting board idea is the best as said by the other users on this post. When I use a paper cutter, it does not cut it completely straight

That's why I specifically mentioned a rolling cutter; the paper doesn't bend away like with others.

[wiggy]

It will if don't use a proper cutting mat.  They can be had on the cheap, so don't give up on the ruler and Xacto, folks

Sharp blades are the REAL key to clean cuts.  I change the blades every 4-5 covers.  

Cutting mats on Blick Art Supplies

[Moviefan2k4]

This is what I'm talking about.