Paper cutters can cut both ways: A really good one will make a project much more streamlined, and the end product more attractive, but a so-so cutter will add time and result in a sub-par product. But ...

Small and powerful laser diodes are getting cheaper and cheaper, and there are a few commercial products that give anyone the ability to cut paper and vinyl with a computer-controlled cutting machine.

Cut, knife, blade, guillotine—the terminology alone explains why safety is a must when it comes to paper cutters. Two-handed cut activation, non-repeat knife cycles and auto-stop infrared light ...