Momma Told Me: Fellowes Atom 150 Paper Trimmer Review + Giveaway ~ 3/18

Fellowes Atom 150 Paper Trimmer Review + Giveaway ~ 3/18

Momma Told Me: Nothing in life is free.

On the subject of coupons you likely fall into 1 of 2 categories; the first being the Professional Couponer, one who knows their way around a circular and often makes lists to match coupons to sales. The second, the Casual Couponer, will use a discount if it is readily handy or available, but will not go out of their way to save. If you fall into the latter then you likely feel it is simply too much effort and organization to efficiently coupon, and if you're one of the first, like me, you know this to be true. To be classified as a Couponer you must exhibit an inane passion for organization and planning, and you must also have hands of steel. You see, cutting coupons is, perhaps, the part of the process I like least. Sure, discovering new savings and browsing the weekend circulars is exciting, but halfway through the first insert my hands are already aching. It's the one task in the process I'll happily pass off to another family member; as Momma once did with me; that was, until she convinced Pop to invest in a Rotary Trimmer.

Whether you're a deal hunter, and coupon clipper, like myself, or simply a busy woman with a creative family, the right Rotary (Paper) Trimmer can be worth it's weight in gold. (And they can be quite heavy.) Recently I set out to shop for a mid-range trimmer that would offer convenience in home, when storing, and additional safety around Sabrina. I wanted something that could process up to 10 sheets at a time with precision, yet function simple enough that I could still be efficient in timing. The Fellowes name is no stranger to Momma Told Me, nor is the source, Penny Wise Office Products (why would I go anywhere else for my home office needs?) The Fellowes Atom 150 Rotary Trimmer will cut through upwards of 30 (20lb) sheets of paper at once, and can also handle tougher materials such as card stock, plastic film, and foam board. That's right, my new coupon aid will also help in school science projects and craft endeavors!

Made by the trusted Fellowes brand, a staple in office components, the Atom 150 weighs just under 13lbs, and includes a built in carrying handle for transport. While this model does not fold or break down for storage, it is durable enough to sit out in a craft room or home office. I like to leave and printed or ad coupon packets on top of ours so my secret helpers will see that there is work to be done! While the blade in this trimmer is not replaceable, the unit is covered under a 2 year machine and 10 year blade warranty that will enable the replacing of the entire unit, should in issue arise. The sides of the unit are made from metal, which give the trimmer the majority of it's weight, but also provide stability. On the bottom of the feet are round foam pads, to prevent scuffing of work-surfaces. As mentioned the blade does not lift up, or expose itself at any time during the process. The user simply slides the material beneath the plastic guide and moves the large yellow handle, trimmer blade, upwards. A second cut can be made on the down-stroke if desired.

The Fellowes Atom 150 from Penny Wise Office arrives nearly assembled. I state nearly because there is an optional, and highly recommended, Back Edge Guide that rests in a natural groove along the measuring wall and fixes via magnetic force. This guide is great for the processing of mass quantities where keeping a precise measurement is essential. This also works in conjunction with the auto-engaging paper guide, the clear plastic bar seen above, that helps to stabilize the material at the point of incision. Naturally Fellowes has included several basic forms of measurement, including some common radial increments to help with the measuring and trimming of photos and other creative materials.You'll find thousands of useful home office and creative aids at Penny Wise Office, the woman ran office products company that delivers to your door!

I'll admit, after my first swipe I was a bit concerned about the ease of movement for the Atom 150 blade. As it turned out the more layers/sheets I cut at a time the easier the blade seemed to move. I also had better success swiping when the blade edge was closest to my dominant hand (Right), which allowed me to provide a more precise pressure in swipe. Halfway through my first batch of coupons I could notice the machine easing up. The blade seemed to move swifter along the track, and I was getting used to feeding my sheets through the front guide. Before I knew it, I was done; it's a good thing the blade on the Atom 150 is encased, because I had really fallen into a groove! We use precision cutting often in our home for school and craft projects, and even home repairs; the Atom 150 has really enhanced precision, and eliminated frustration on so many tasks. I certainly think every household should have a Rotary Trimmer like this!

What Daughter Says: Cutting coupons takes time, but it doesn't have to be painful!