CARL MFG. USA, Inc. Headquarters

FAQ's- Get an answer to your question immediately

Are you looking to get an answer to your question now? We have answers to a number of commonly asked questions from our customer.

No instructions came with my CARL Trimmer. How do I use it?

The Trimmer is very easy to use- they're very intuitive. We have designed illustrations located on the face of the Trimmers that explain what materials cane be cut, change the blades and cutting mats. Also, there is a handy accessories chart located on the back of the Trimmer (desktop models only- Personal and Handheld Trimmer information is located on the pack of the package).

Some users try to trim the full capacity of the Trimmers at one time- just like they would when using a guillotine- style trimmer. This puts unnececessary stress on the blades, cutting rail and cutting mats. Rotary Trimmers are different in that the blade rest directly on the surface of the materials being trimmed, slicing through them.

Pressing down on the Blade Holder will put a downward force on the cutting rail that will secure the materials and engage the blade to the top of the material being trimmed. Then applying even preassre, simply move the blade handle away from you and towards you until all the materials are trimmed. Rotary Trimmers operate similar to a meat slicer in a deli, continuously moving back and fourth over the material to ensure a precise, exact cut.

My CARL Trimmer doesn't cut. It only scores the paper.

Most likely, the cutting mat has fallen out of the cutting located directed beneath the cutting blade. The mat is a long, thin piece of plastic that is essential for proper cutting. The blade comes into contact with the mat when it slices through the material you're trimming. It will occasionally fall out of the channel, especially if you've stood it on end against a desk or filling cabinet, etc. Once you located it, place it back into the channel directly below the cuting blade and your machine will work as perfectly as it did before.

The mats are designed to be replaceable, so having one fall out of the channel does happen, especially when cutters are moved. You can find the replacement Cutting Mats and blades by visiting the product pages.

My CARL Trimmer doesn't cut. It tears and rips the paper.

You've probably tighted the thumbscrews on the blade holder too tight. This prevents the blade from rotating and may tear the paper materials you're trimming. Loosen the thumbscrews to make they're snug against the blade holder, not tight. This situation occurs mainly when using the Decorative B- Series Blades.

You also may be trying to overload the Trimmer by trimming all materials at once. Remeber that there's no need to put excess stress and preasure on the Trimmer. Pressing down the blade holder and sliding the holder away from you and towards you to trim the materials will ensure a better cut.

You can find replacement Cutting Mats and blades by visiting the product pages.

My Trimmer seems to get caught on the Cutting Mat.

This type of situation occurs mainly with the Professional RT- Series Trimmers exclusively when used with the B-Series Blades.

Take a look at the surface of the cutting mat. Does it look severely gouged? Since the B-Series Blades have "angled" designs, they sometimes dig into the surface of the cutting mat. Then when trimming again, these sharp edges "jam" the edges of the decorative blade and make it difficult to cut.

The solution is to run the edge if your fingernail across the mat to smooth the sharp "gouges" and insert it back into the Trimmer. Then do not apply excessive preasure when using the decorative- edged blades, but rather move the blade holder back and fourth across the materials being trimmed.

Another solution would be to replace the Cutting Mat.

You can find replacement Cutting Mats and blades by visiting the products pages.

My Cutting Mat has a deep groove in it. will this affect the cutting quality?

Yes, it will. However, there's a quick solution. If you've been using the straight blade only, you'll notice that the groove is slightly off-center on the surface of the mat. If you rotate this mat 180 degress (so that the groove is still visible), and insert it back into the Trimmer, the blade will have a fresh, new cutting surface to cut materials.

Similarly, once you've used one complete side of the cutting mat (showing two deep grooves), turn the mat over and you'll have an addditional two lives before you'll have to purchase a new mat.

My Professional RT- Series Trimmer cuts about 1/8" off.

Odds are you changed or replaced the blade and the straight blade is reversed. Simply loosen the thumbscrews and insert the blade in to the blade holder with the thicker portion of the blue facing the inside of the holder. Then load the blade holder onto the sliding handle and snug the thumbscrews. This will correctly position the blade directly next to the translucent cutting rail.

My sheets are stuck to the bottom of the bar.

This problem happens primarily with photographic paper and injet printers. The problem is two- fold. First of all, the photographic paper is coated and non- porous. There are rubber strips on the bottom of the cutting rail and when these two come in contact, they create a "suction- cup" effect. Carefully slide a piece of chipboard or other thin, blunt material in between the paper and the cutting rail and slide it across the surface of the stuck paper until it becomes free.

Secondly, make sure that the ink from the print is completely dry before trimming. Wet ink also helps to increase this "suction- cup" effect.

A simple solution is also to place a waxed paper between the digital print and the cutting rail. The waxed paper is transparent enough to see through for an exact measurement and the wax acts as a barrier to elinmiate sticking.

Where can I find additional blades and cutting mats?

CARL Replacement Blades and Mats are available at many locations. Use this link to find the best one for you.

I can't find the accessories I need from any of the Resellers on your "Where To Buy" link. How can I get the parts I need?

Our Resellers websites and hyperlinks change from time to time. This may make it difficult to locate CARL Accessory you need. Try calling them- most  have a toll free number and a place to order over the phone.

Please understand that these resellers are not divisions of, nor are related to CARL MFG. USA, Inc. in way other than as a reseller of CARL Products. As a result, each reseller chooses which CARL Rotary Trimmer and/ or Hole Punch accessories they would like to offer to their customers. In most cases the reseller carries the Accessory, or can Special Order it for you if they do not currently have one in stock.

My CARL Trimmer doesn't cut becasue a piece is broken.

CARL Trimmers are backed by a limited lifetime warranty. If a Trimmer should ever fail, CARL will repair or replace it free of charge. Shippinf and handling charges may apply. All you need to do is contact us at carl@carlmfg.com or call 847-884-2842 to obtain a Return Authorization Number (RA).

NO RETURN WILL BE ACCEPTED WITHOUT A RETURN AUTHORIZATION NUMBER

Once you have the RA# and sent your Trimmer or Punch to us, we will assess the problem, either repair or replace it and ship it back to you promptly.