Honest Review: Magnet Sheets, OLO Markers, and Tonic Rotary Trimmer
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 4 พ.ค. 2023
- Occasionally I share my personal review of craft items with my viewers to give them the "real" side of products so they can make their own informed decision if considering to purchase these items. Today I'm sharing my thoughts and experiences with magnet sheets for storing dies, the new OLO brand alcohol markers, and the Tonic rotary trimmer.
You can find most of these products in my Amazon shop, if you decide, after seeing my personal thoughts. An an affiliate, I do receive a tiny commission on the sale. These are linked below the video links.
VIDEO LINKS:
Kristina Werner talks about OLO Markers: th-cam.com/users/liveahJIGJAr...
Jennifer McGuire loves the rotary trimmer: • My Crafty Wish Came Tr...
My Amazon shop:
www.amazon.com/shop/annettegr... - แนวปฏิบัติและการใช้ชีวิต
Annette - thanks for the reviews. I purchased the new Tim Holtz Rotary Trimmer thinking it would be "FABULOUS", but for me - not so much!! I really prefer a trimmer with some measurements on the right of the cutter, this does not have that, so I am still using my Stampin' Up trimmer. Oh, and I agree with you regarding the little paper strips that have to be dug out. I am so tired of purchasing tools that are supposed to be "THE IT" and yet fails my personal needs. I don't have any of the OLO markers, but intend to get some, and lastly I also use Craftopia magnet sheets - thank you again for your honest review - I value your opinion!!!
Hi Cheryl, I really appreciate your comment and feedback. I had totally forgotten to mention that the trimmer doesn't have the vertical ruler! That is super important. It's a shame you put forth your good money and were disappointed. Let's make a pact to learn from this together!
The best thing about OLO markers is that they have free flowing ink technology -- there's no "wick" inside, so it colors intensely to the last drop of ink, rather than slowly fading more and more throughout its use.
Thanks Lolly! That's exactly right. It was one of the selling points for me when you had pointed that out in YOUR Creativation video. Thanks again!
Love my Rototrim😊
I agree with you all your points on the TH trimmer and found them to be true for myself. To add to your correct observations on the trimmer the mounted metal piece that the blade slides against is sharp. So I cut my finger badly when trying to remove that tiny scrap that falls down that is difficult to get out. The blade should be cutting sharp but not the metal edge imo. I will try shaking it out and not using my finger to dig it out. I have a fiskars rotary trimmer that doesn’t have the negatives of this one and should have just stuck with it. I was looking for something slightly smaller footprint. I also get more rough edges on my cuts with the TH that I don’t with my fiskars. The TH is just overall less user friendly without the attention to the little details that you find with other trimmers imo like no lip to pull the arm out. I was very surprised with JM’s what I felt like turned out to be overly glowing reviews. One of those things if I could have tried in advance I definitely would not have purchased. Different needs for different people maybe. I do like Spellbinders scissors that just released and am getting rid of my TH ones.
Thank you Carrie for your reply. So very helpful to see you are in agreement on many of the same things. I noticed, when I looked back at Tim's and Jennifer's videos, is both of them picked up the entire trimmer and dumped out the pieces, rather than picking them out as you and I did. Not a great design to have to do that to remove built-up paper strips. I am definitely going to look into the Spellbinder's scissors. You've got me intrigued. Thanks again!
I just bought the TH Media Trimmer and immediately thought I had regrets. HOWEVER, I did just read someone else's comment to push the blade in as you cut. I did this with no pressure pushing it down and it cut like butter with no effort at least with regular cardstock. Perhaps you'll need to apply pressure down using chipboard. Also I played with lining it up and you need to line it exactly at the edge of the metai part and it's perfect. Don't give up, these two things made me a happy again. :)
Yes, you are right. Now that I push and lean to the right, it does cut better. I'm keeping it and using it for thicker jobs, but it's definitely not my everyday trimmer. thanks!
Great review, Annette. It's nice to know how well a product works before we buy it. Who wants to spend money for something and it not be worth it? Not me. I'm always searching for magnetic sheets that work. Thank you so much for this review. I need to practice coloring more before I spend money on the OLO markers.
I'm glad you found it helpful Carole. That's my intention, of course. Truth and honesty and giving other crafters a "real" assessment. Thanks for watching.
Thanks for these comparisons, Annette. Very good presentation -- honest and informative.
Thank YOU Marie. Thanks for watching again.
So glad you did the review. I was at a definite no when the arm is wonky, then you showed how off the ruler measurement is off. The cost and it not making clean cuts made my decision concrete. I will try the magnets, the ones I was using haven't been available for a while. Not in the position to buy the Olos but was impressed the color wheel/charts. Thank you.
Hi Rhonie and welcome back. I'm glad you liked the honest review and it helped you make an informed decision. As for the OLO's, you really have to be in the market and do a lot of coloring with alcohol markers for that investment. Thanks for watching today.
I am glad you reviewed the trimmer, my big industrial one that i use for class cutting, is on the way out, i cannot purchase cutting blades for it any longer and I have had it for a long time. I was looking at this one for class use. It went out of stock which might have been a blessing in disguise. Price runs about 140.00 - 150.00 CAD plus applicable taxes. I actually went looking at the Rotatrim one, you showed first, I will let you know how my search turns out. By the way, my everyday trimmer is one by Tonic, love it!
Hey Karan, it's definitely a personal choice and only you will know what you like. I would say if you are a big Tonic fan, maybe see if you can test it out at your local scrapbook store first, or at the very least make sure who you purchase it from will allow returns. I got mine from Simon Says Stamp and their return policy is that it can only be returned for a full refund if you never take it out of the box or use it. LOL! So, short of contacting Tonic directly (which I don't have time for) I am stuck with it. I wouldn't recommend it for class kitting at all. I don't think you'd be happy, but again, it's really up to you. I would suggest you watch Tim's video and follow all his tips on how to best use it. If you don't mind having several things to remember when using it (tilt slightly to the right, don't push down while sliding, adjust swing-out arm so it's straight, etc.) and you also don't mind having to pick up the trimmer and tip it sideways to get the excess paper strips to fall out, then maybe it'll be fine for you. Please do come back and let me know what you ended up deciding.
Thank you for sharing. I agree about the trimmer wasn’t as happy as I thought I would be. I actually found cutting from the top down was a smoother cut.
It's just such a shame that we have to "figure out" little tricks to make this trimmer work to our satisfaction.
Thank you for your reviews! The TH trimmer also did not live up to what I was expecting from both Jennifer & Tim's videos. I've always been a guillotine girl and used my big Tonic 12x12 trimmer for about 10 years now, and I've tried the 6" version that has the attachable extension arm but did not care for that style, but when I saw this rotary I thought it would be similar to professional ones I've used in the past that I did like. But your comments are exactly the same as what I experienced. It is now in my tag sale pile unfortunately. Those markers on the other hand...ooooh I have not seen those before and will be doing a little research now! :)
I'm sorry you were also dissatisfied with this trimmer. It's a shame to have wasted the money, but I will now learn to do a little more research and perhaps test out products (when possible) before jumping in and buying them. Especially for this price. The OLO markers on the other hand are truly quite nice and I am happy that I am starting my collection with this brand. Customer service is also excellent at OLO. Thanks for watching today and sharing your experience too.
Thanks for the review! I tried the Craftopia magnet sheets and agree they are the best. With the trimmer, you might try adjusting your hand placement on the shuttle. It’s meant to be gripped a bit with your thumb. I definitely could tell a difference in cutting chipboard when I changed me grip. Although, that is yet another adjustment to your normal process using the Rotatrim, but maybe worth trying?
I will definitely try that Kim and see if it makes a difference. Thanks so much!
Cant wait for my olo’s to arrive!
You’ll love them!
I appreciate your honest opinion. Regarding the trimmer, Tim did say in his launch video that you don't push down on the blade. You grip the sides and push toward the trimmer. Maybe that's the issue you're having? I think you should contact Tonic about the extending arm. It should be straight. I'm definitely thinking twice about ordering it.
Thanks Jodie. I read your reply and got out of bed and tried gripping the sides. It didn’t make any difference, to be honest. The trimmer can cut, it just can’t handle thick materials well. Or more than two sheets of cardstock at a time. I may contact Tonic, but I will go back and watch his video first.
I used to hate the trimmer. But then I saw TH use it and he said grab the blade on the sides and tilt hand right…which angles the blade to the bar…now it’s easy to cut with
Yeah, I agree. Now that I know this, it's much better and I do use it more often. Thanks.
I think you should also watch Tim Holtz video on the trimmer, i noticed several things that folks need to be aware of when using it. I do think you need to contact who you bought the trimmer from with regards to the arm. Mine is perfectly straight. Also, one does have to replace the cartridge but not for a long time and a lot of cuts, unlike regular trimmers. To compare with your big professional is mis-leading. This trimmer is definitely for smaller home jobs. I got it because it does cut through layers and chipboard nice and smooth and narrow. But if i was doing bulk cutting like you, you are right this one not a substitute. Anyway, thanks for the Olo information, great to know, love your work!
Thanks so much Kim. Yes, I watched his video and have tried to adjust my hand on the wheel differently now and it's making a little bit of cleaner cut. I feel like there's so many things to get used to with this one. I didn't intend to compare the two trimmers, and I believe I referred to that big one as my professional, heavy-duty one and was hoping this one could come close to at least being able to cut a piece of chipboard without much trouble. There just isn't any comparison there. I watched back at Jennifer McGuire's video again, and noticed her swing arm was crooked, as was Tim's in his video when he slid a piece of 12 x 12 paper in there. And noticed both of them picking up the trimmer to dump out the small strips that were stuck in that recessed area. I had hoped this trimmer would be a step up from my regular daily-use trimmer and a step down from my professional one, but as I said, I don't really know where this one fits in my crafting regimen. Oh well, it's just one of those unfortunate purchases that I will just swallow and probably not use it much.
@@AnnetteGreen i guess those little pieces getting stuck don’t bother me like they do you 😊
I am so happy I am not the only one that is not happy with my TH rotary trimmer! I also find the measurements are off when going back and forth between a small desk top trimmer and the TH one. Which I did not have in the past with my Stampin up and we r memory ones. I find it very hard to see to line up at the edge around the bar and the clear guide if you have pencil marked something and are trying to line it up. Hoped this was the answer to all my trimmer needs but definitely disappointed. I went off of JM review as well… bummer
Total bummer, I agree. I am still using mine since I've received tips from others about pushing and tilted to the right. That works much better. But I still get aggrivated with the extended arm not straight and the fact that there are no vertical rulers on it. I use it for thick materials or stacks of papers, but not as a daily trimmer.
Oh wow… Annette, thank you for sharing your opinion and reviewing the TH Media Rotary Trimmer… I honestly thought I had ruined mine cutting chip board… I feel I need a new blade already… and I’ve only used it a couple of times… and can’t even find the replacement blades… they show out of stock. 😩 It was a big investment… plus side is that it’s not USER ERROR 😢. I hadn’t even got a chance to notice the arm ruler was so far off… 😮
Hi Cynthia, thanks for joining me again. I really feel like this trimmer is in some "middle place" of being a regular trimmer with "almost" the ability of a strong rotary trimmer. It's frustrating for that price. And, like you, I haven't been able to find the replacement blades in stock anywhere. So, your swing out arm is also off like mine?
I need to double check the arm ruler of mine tonight when I get home… it was really noticeable in yours and I feel I would’ve noticed that.
Thanks for a very informative review . This will save us a lot of grief and headache not to mention "purse fatigue".(sorry, my own word) . I love the OLO markers . Did you have to download the color charts?
Thanks for watching, Alita and I'm happy you found it helpful. Yes, the website offers their charts free to download and print at home.
I really like the marker review. Where have you been purchasing them
Thank you. I purchased mine directly from OLO online.
Hi Annette, I would see about taking that trimmer back. That arm doesn’t look right and if it doesn’t cut through chipboard when the advertising says it does then it may be faulty. Definitely return it!
Thanks Jacqui. I will eventually call Tonic and see what they can do. Meanwhile, it's collecting dust in the corner. LOL. Thanks again.
I have every issue you do, Annette. I am fully aware of how to use it, as I have a Cutterpillar Pro and you use the same technique with the blade, so it’s definitely not user error. I get a clean cut on the Tim Holtz trimmer sporadically, and only when cutting one sheet at a time. Same with chipboard. Very disappointed. I contacted Tonic and their solution was to send me a video made by Tonic on how to properly cut with it. I would definitely not purchase it if I had the opportunity to try it out first before buying. Great review on all three items!
I bought the TH trimmer too. I'm sorry to say I'm not happy with it at all. I've watched most of the videos and when I do push down, my cuts are still distress looking - no matter what i do.
They say you need to tilt your hand to the right while pushing the rotary blade forward. This did help.
I tried bothe the magnetic sheets and came to the same conclusion as you. I have not been able to order olo markers yet, so thanks for your review. As far as the trimmer, I am very disappointed. I tried different papers and found more that had a rough edge. I was so disappointed. I didn't like the swim arm. I agree about the ruller.
Bummer about that trimmer, isn't it Julie? I feel justified in my opinion even more now hearing so many agreeing on these issues. If you can eventually go into a scrapbook store or art store that carries OLO markers, please ask if you can test them out before buying. Some stores will do this. They are expensive, so definitely worth giving them a test run if you can.
I wanted something comparable to the Fiskars ProCision . I'm always on the quest to find the perfect trimmer. The Tonic rotary trimmer is good but could be great!
Have you tried the Cutterpillar Crop? I have the Fiskars ProCision, but wonder if the Cutterpillar might be even better...always in search of that perfect cutter. LOL
I just watched a few review videos on that Fiskars one you mentioned and there seem to be more advantages to that one, even though still a few small issues.
@@AnnetteGreen It's accurate, which is extremely important. LOL! I like the fact that it folds out so you get a level surface overall. Drawback might be where it folds, the size, and weight...which is why I'm eyeballing the Cutterpillar Crop next (I think there's a new version coming out this summer).
I use vent covers that I cut down with my rotary trimmer. I find the sheets are nice and thick and the magnetization stronger than on a lot of the magnet sheets made for storing metal dies. I'm gonna say a big "Heck no!" to that TH trimmer...I finally broke down and ordered the small TH guillotine one and was mistakenly shipped the deckle one (similarly made) and felt it was too cheap looking/feeling...which I assume is the same for the rotary one you're reviewing. One other reviewer mentioned she prefers a trimmer where the extended measuring arm needs to be level with the board, which is important for accurate measuring. I do have the Fiskars Procision, which is better than the TH one, I think. Just curious if you've used the Cutterpillar Crop?
Such a bummer about your TH trimmer. I also looked at reviews on the Fiskars Procision which seems very nice (a few minor negatives, but less than this one) and no, I haven't tried the Cutterpillar one. I will take a look to see if there are reviews for that one. Thank you!
I am not a fan of guillotine trimmers. I do like the deckle edge one but I don’t think the quality is all there as you say
@@susanweber6861 I have the X-acto one that I purchased over a dozen years ago that has many great features...but the measurement seems to be SLIGHTLY off, which is a deal breaker. Then during storage, the mat on it fell off (I believe the mat itself was where the inaccuracy lies as it was adhered slightly off on the base). I've since replaced it with an old measuring tape and now the measurement is accurate...but I really need vertical lines/grids to guide me during cutting. It's not a heavy duty guillotine and is therefore very light (has a laser guide where it cuts, which I never use). I think it'd be so much better if it it had an extended arm or folds over and that the measurements were etched into the base.
Hello. Do the OLO markers blend as well as COPICs
Even better in my opinion!
I would recommend watching the Tim Holtz video. There are two arms for measurements and if you're cutting a 12x12 piece of paper, I'm pretty sure you could get it line up properly using both arms although mine are straight. Also, if you're cutting less than 1-1/2 inches, there is a guide on the other side that would be much easier to line up to. I do believe the blade is self-sharpening. The replacement is being provided as a courtesy, however, Mr. Holtz stated he had been using his trimmer for over a year with no difference in performance. My final comment is the way you placing your hand and pushing down does not appear to be the correct. I don't want to be negative but I also purchased this trimmer and it works fine for me BUT I did watch the video introducing the product. I'm not saying that every single cut is perfect but it achieves what I needed. It cuts chipboard, multiple sheets of 110 lb. cardstock, and shrink plastic beautifully, which is why I bought it. Plus it is lightweight and has a small footprint.
Hi and thank you. I'm happy you are please with your Tonic trimmer. That's great. I did watch Tim's video after my review and have tried his method, and it does work a little better, however the cuts on chipboard and several (more than two) sheets of 110 lb. paper in mine still does not cut cleanly. I personally feel (and remember, this is just my personal opinion) there are far too many things we have to remember to do to simply use a paper trimmer with this one: "Remember to adjust the wonky arm so it's straight, remember to tilt to the right when pushing the blade, but don't PUSH DOWN the blade, just slide the blade, and remember to tip the whole trimmer over on its side for the excess paper strips to fall out." My video is intended to inform and share my personal experience so people don't just run off the cliff like lemmings because a product has TH's name on it. Everyone should be given all the facts and reviews from not just his designers and friends who received a free trimmer, but from honest everyday crafters who want to help others make an informed decision before purchasing. Again, I'm happy you are not disappointed with yours. I wish I could say the same.
@@AnnetteGreen I wish you weren't disappointed in yours, too, and I sincerely appreciate creators who give their honest opinions. For some reason, when I took mine out of the box, it worked exactly as advertised and I so needed something to properly cut chipboard (and my arms aren't wonky-I don't think they're supposed to be). I also know that Tim can "sell ice cubes to Eskimos." I have fallen OUT of that trap and I really access whether I actually need the product or if I have something else I can use that's a close approximation or even find something similar that isn't so costly. Happy making!
I cant believe ive been using magnetic sheets wrong 😢 Very frustratig when the sheets bow and all the magnets fall off.
Agree. I hate floppy magnetic sheets. My favorites are the Marietta magnets adhesive back that she first mentioned
@@doodahgurlie Thanks. I started off using vent covers but found for the size I cut mine to for my needs, it left me with quite a bit of waste in the sized scraps left behind. I'm glad they work for you, especially since they are readily available in Home Depot. Very convenient.
Indeed! Just a bit of strong chipboard does the trick! Thanks for joining me today, Nancy.
@@doodahgurlie I started off with vent covers too but found them too weak and my dies were always sliding off.
@@susanweber6861 I tried the vent covers from Home Depot, then tried the ones from Lowe's. The Home Depot ones are way stronger....but it's been a couple of years so unless they change their product, it should work great.