How To Divide Imperf Sheets Or Blocks?

hello
I got some imperf stamps sheets and blocks and I wanted to know what is the proper correct way to divide them into single sets..I tried scissors before but the stamps sizes didn't look to be the same exact size
for example imperf block I got:

If you have access to a guillotine type paper cutter, you could achieve better results IF the paper cutter is high quality and not does not have a worn cutting edges.

Showgard cutter... this will
work fine for you...

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...ter&_sacat=0

Whatever you end-up doing, don't use scissors anymore. I have seen SO many imperforate stamps ruined by people unable to cut in a straight line, often with cuts going into the design. I totally agree about didi123's - and my - tool of choice, the Showgard cutter. GLENN

thank's for the replies
I really doubt finding any showgard products near me :(,so will any paper guillotine cutter do the job

I have always thought that for imperforate stamps that also exist perforate, it was advised that they shouldn't be broken down beyond a pair that shows off the imperforateness.

aboauf... many ebay sellers ship internationally...
check the listings...

disi123: yeah I know sometimes I get my stamps from ebay sellers all over the World, the problem is shipping prices can be fairly high for such things and never forget the customs :) so literally I will pay nearly 200 percent over the cutter original price.
btw I found some stamp collecting kit including the Guillotine cutter I might consider getting one in the future
most stamp collectors recommended lighthouse products for me and I always buy lighthouse albums are showgard products good too or just recommended in Guillotine?

The Showgard guillotine is primarily intended for cutting stamp mounts (presumably, Showgard mounts) to an appropriate size. But it can be used to cut stamps as well. As I recall, it can handle anything up to 6 inches in size. You can cut larger items, but it requires two separate cuts, one in each direction ... and a careful eye to line up the two cuts.

Would a paper "trimmer" work here? Do you have access to "office supply" stores?

Here are a couple at Amazon, to give you an idea of what I'm talking about:

http://www.amazon.com/Westcott-Trim.../B000GP5L3U/

http://www.amazon.com/Fiskars-Porta...p/B0017KYE5Y

I have a "Wescott" paper trimmer (similar, but not the same, as the one at Amazon). I don't collect imperfs, but I use it to cut Showguard mounts all the time. The one I have will trim the long side of 8 1/2 by 11 inch paper. I don't know how large are the sheets you want to cut, so that's something to take into consideration.

For me, a "trimmer" is more exact and precise than a Guillotine cutter.

Basil

Hello basil
yeah I could get a paper trimmer but not sure what should I look for in the paper trimmer
I found something like this:http://www.carl-officeproducts.com/...d=823&cid=11

What about a paper cutting knife and a straight ruler? There are some rulers with a long straight slit along the middle. It is easy to make a slip with a guillotine since uneven pressure is first exerted on the side that contacts the cutting blade first resulting in the opposite end side potentially getting somewhat stressed/distorted. Anyways, I would only cut down imperforated stamps into pairs at the most to show that they were not trimmed perforated stamps. Also, don't cut off the margins which can also help to show that these stamps are imperforate rather than trimmed perforate stamps, if you plan to separate all of them into singles. Then you can make such sets according to the same matching margin sides being together in each set.

aboauf,

That model looks a lot more heavy duty than I had in mind, is pretty expensive, and then turned out not to be in stock.

Here's something more like what I have, from the same source:

https://www.carl-officeproducts.com....aspx?id=753

The blade should preferably be changed after EVERY CUT !

https://goscf.com/t/8381&SearchTerms=London,2010

That was a very successful operation !

Londonbus1....such memories.

Or, for that matter, old fashioned razor blades and a good straight edge ruler (metal, or wood with a metal edge). Even changing "after ever cut" you could four cuts out of a doubled edged razor blade.

The main advantage I see to a paper trimmer is that it is easier to be sure you have it lined up squarely (right angle), and that it doesn't move on you when cutting. But with care, a razor blade and straight edge would work. You'd need a cutting board, or other hard surface you don't mind nicking with the razor, however.

Salaam aleykoum, and ramadan kareem.

I have to ask - why do you want to cut them down? The blocks look nice as they are, and I would think more about the best way to display them.