Re: bpf 18 film from Bergger--gotta try it

[Don Bryant <dsbryant@mindspring.com>]

Chris,
>      Since I have to cut an 8x10 film sheet in half, and doing so in total
> darkness might be tricky, it really is a perfect film for this use.

A much easier way to cut paper and film in the darkroom is to use a Fiskars
rotary trimmer. It is very light (made of plastic) and comes 12 inch and 24
inch sizes. I use this all the time and can be used in total darkness if
necessary.

The trick to using it in darkness to get accurate cuts is to place a piece
of tape on the bed at the appropriate grid line running the length of the
bed. This way you can locate the back edge of the film (butting the back
edge against the tape) and close the hold down arm to keep the film in
place. I have several pieces of tape placed on the bed to allow for various
widths.

The hold down arm has a soft,but not spongy, rubber backing that insures
that the film will be held in place during the cut. This cutter will work on
thin film or on heavy weight paper. The blade rolls against a soft plastic
cutting pad that prevents slippage on the piece of emulsion extending from
the grid and helps to provide clean accurate cuts which are smooth and
square.

The cutting blade is quite durable and last along time. Also it may be
replaces with a wavy blade to make a deckle edge cut (although I've not used
it).

The trimmer is relatively inexpensive. The 11 inch model is about $50 at
Staples and the 24 is about $175 if my memory serves me today.

You can see the 12 inch at
http://office.fiskars.com/product.html?prod=9580-7797

and the 24 inch at
http://office.fiskars.com/product.html?prod=9583-7797

Don't confuse this cutter with their portable trimmer which is probably not
as hardy as the rotary models.

Check it out, they are really great!

Don Bryant