First before I type this: I love the Oregan Lamination Counter Clipper and enjoy my games so much more after clipping with it. I never had the nerve to clip with finger nail clippers, but didn't like the fuzzies. I have three of the 2.5 mm version and two of them have broken at that little piece at the top (which is really part of the bottom handle) after about 10,000 counters. I was able to repair one of them with epoxy and a screw and it's now gone for several thousand more counters (bought the 2nd one before I had the first fixed). It's not a very difficult repair, but you have to be pretty precise with the screw; I tried with just epoxy the first time and it didn't hold. Oregan Laminations (who were great) sold me one of the "defective" ones at a reduced cost for parts (I see the defect, but don't know if it really would matter, especially on larger counters). My belief is that because the 2.5 mm version cuts just a little bit more than the 2 mm version, it puts just a little bit more stress on the clipper than the 2 mm version and over time, it causes a stress fracture and then breakage. If I were going to do it all over again, I would get the 2 mm, 2.5 mm, and 3 mm version and use them for various size counters (instead of ending up with three 2.5 mm versions). At some point soon, I hope to make a video showing how I made the repair using the second broke clipper as the subject. Thanks for the comparison video, Derek!
+Tim Barnes Wow! This is the first I've ever heard of that problem...of course, I've always had the 2mm up until now. I hope you make that video. I'd be interested in seeing it :)
I wanted to fix the second broken one, so shot the first part of it tonight (need to let the epoxy dry before drilling the hole and screwing in the screw). Should finish the shooting part of video tomorrow - I'm not the best video editor (that's an understatement), so it will take several days before I put it up on UA-cam.
I'm happy with the 2 mm I have & I found that both counters looked uneven & a bit haggard from the 2.5 mm. The smaller counters have that red frame around the edges & the 2.5 was taking out chunks of the frame. Thanks for the review and for the tip on using silicone to lube the clipper with as well!
I'd like to see how your original review influenced sales. I bought one, so I'm sure a lot of other wargamers did too. I have the 2mm and love it!!! Thanks man!
I'm willing to bet the Management at Oregon Lamination were puzzled- but pleased- by the increased sales........"War-gamers?! Never heard of such critters...... Who in Hell are these guys?!"
I have the non-deluxe 2mm clipper and it tend to clip off too much of the corner with the 1/2" counters. It not only clips the corner, but some of the flat of the counter. Works well with the 5/8" counters, but I like the 2.5mm clipper for them.
Man, superb review! Got Mark Herman's new (revised) Peloponnesian War game on it's way for my Birthday, and want the counters to look as Classy as the game system itself. I'll second your choice of 2mm radius for SPI/GMT/etc 0.5-inch counters. Oregon Laminations Company, you're a Class Act!
Thank you for the overview, I'm currently leaning towards the 2mm as I'm slightly concerned about how close to the edge the print extends to on some of my counters.
Had the exact same 2.0mm version that I bought from Amazon and Oregon Laminations. It broke after about a month. fortunately I was able to send it back. A little leery about buying another one.
+steveb7039 I've heard a few reports like yours since I put up this video. Sorry to hear that Steve :( My 2mm has been used (and abused) for 2 years and is still going strong. Maybe a few bad apples in the bunch?
Thanks for the comparison Derek, very useful for those looking to buy one of these remarkably excellent devices. I'm currently undergoing clipping Baltic Gap (~1400 x 1/2" counters :/) and looking at your two example clips my 2.5mm seems to bear more resemblance to the 2mm ones you did, strange. Maybe I have a 2mm clipper in my 2.5mm box. Whatever, the device is just so freekin' good that I'm in no way bothered either way. For those on the fence about getting one of these, well if you clip counters IMHO its a no-brainer. I even got mine sent to me here in the UK by the manufacturer. I wish they had a UK distributer.
I have my trusty old 2mm clipper that I have even used on 1" (25mm) counters and I find the effect pleasing. A lot of counters are carrying more and more information and I fear that anything larger than a 2mm may cut into this. Most notable in DVG's Field Commander: Napoleon, where the information goes right up to the edge of the rectangular counters. Great review, Derek, and I'm late to notice it, so I have subscribed to this site.
Great comparison - extremely helpful, especially since I own a copy of Struggle for the Galactic Empire (great game btw) . I'm using model CR2MM which was the only one I could get for a resonable price here in Poland but if I have an opportunity I will go for C-006-2MM. Thanks for the video.
got mine recently(2mm delux) direct from the Oregon online shop and get it sent to Germany. very pleased with the effect. but just after clipping about 2/5 counters of the GBoH Alexander, the metal sabot on the upper body keeps falling out because of the friction between it and the rod through the body. I feel sad, but still like it (so I write a email to the OreLam to seek self maintenance guide). Have you also encountered of heard about such instance? And great video, and please keep doing them. :-)
+Siyuan Xu Since putting up this video I've had a few people tell me of similar problems. I haven't had a problem with mine yet. I hope you hear back from OL and they get your issue fixed :(
I hope I can get a reply from OreLam soon about self maintenance, really don't have the patient to the postal traffic from Germany to USA again ;-p but well that is also not that big problem, I think I will just dismantle it tomorrow and first clean all the "original" lubricant and then glue the two parts together with some epoxy and relubricate it with silicon grease.
so got the reply from OreLam, it is said that this promblem is new and they will address it to the factory, but the tool will work even without the upper sabot so I should have no problem using it. On my side, I dismantled it , clean all the maschine oil, glue the metal part with 5min. epoxy and re-grease it with silicon grease, now I hope it will work fine. (and btw, during the process I've found out sadly that my tool also dosn't have a small metal rod between the body and the lower gripp as seen in a video on YTB about how to repair it. I think I am just the unlucky one. but anyway, I will be clipping my counters sleeplessly now)
Bought the 2mm version of this because of this video, and so happy with the results on my Combat Commander and other GMT counters! Wondering, have any of you experienced the round bronze fittings fall out of the device? These are the two bronze sheaths that guide the two vertical posts on the device. On my very first game clipped I had one of these fall out, I can pop it back on, but it continues to pop out... doesn't seem to affect clipping but I am wondering about long term impacts on the tool. Great video!
After seeing your 2mm cutter video I thought I'd prefer the more round 2.5 but seeing them side by side I rather prefer the look of the 2 especially on the smaller counters.
I've had the 2.5mm for a couple years and love it. It replaced the earlier model that was much harder to properly align. And back in the old days when I clipped my Panzer Leader counters with toenail clippers. BTW, WD-40 is NOT, and should never be used as, a lubricant!
I have had less luck with mine. After clipping maybe 15 games, it continually seizes and gets stuck. So frustrating. I guess, I just need to suck it up and lube it up.
Bought the 2mm OL clippers based on the recommendation of this video and other sources. They broke after one month of use and 3000 counters. Be very careful if you choose to buy these. My guess is it is not a question of if it will break, just a matter of when.
+Brock Migs I've been hearing the reports of some of the problems folks have been having. I'll probably be doing a follow-up video this week, and I'll be addressing it.
Nice job SHW. I found out about the cutters from your first review. Gamers for what its worth, if you are going to get one, I would go with the 2.5. If you have a majority (70% and up) of 1/2" counters you may want the 2 but for me I would still go with the 2.5. Also, the radius cut does not look that big on a counter when you hold it in your hand 18" away from you. If you play a lot of games or just want clean edges, its worth the investment.Happy Counter Cutting.
People who want to take the 'art' out of the process and get consistency with each cut, I would imagine, especially those who do PnP games and make their own counters. Personally, I'm in agreement with you but understand the positive value of the device.
my first impressions of this tool, the (3mm just arrived today): 1) the tool is not very impressive coming out of the box....it looks plasticky, in fact the plastic cover for the handle underside is cheaply pressed to fit in place & does not stay put. Also, there is nothing else whatsover inside the box, no instructions, maintenance or otherwise, no warranty info, nothing. There is also no manufacturing info anywhere to be found on the tool or the box.....smacks of a cheap overseas knockoff. In fact it has me wondering if there is an issue w/ fakes being sold under the original mfg name? 2) in using it to clip the corners of DIY playing cards, I find the cuts to be noticeably inconsistent ie., rarely does it round all four corners of a single card evenly. I believe that for the small game counters the tool was used for in the video, this effect would be less noticeable, but on the larger playing card it is very noticeable & frankly my $12 made in China corner rounder does a better job. The only reason to keep this tool (still undecided here) is if I plan to use it on very small items and/or if I feel that w/ more practice I can get the corners of a playing card reasonably close to the same radius.
I swear some "gamers" spend more time obsessing about collecting games and trimming counters than actually playing any games. I see videos all over youtube of people with sagging shelves of games doing solitaire demos of games they barely know how to play. Stop collecting and get out there and play against other humans!
First before I type this: I love the Oregan Lamination Counter Clipper and enjoy my games so much more after clipping with it. I never had the nerve to clip with finger nail clippers, but didn't like the fuzzies.
I have three of the 2.5 mm version and two of them have broken at that little piece at the top (which is really part of the bottom handle) after about 10,000 counters. I was able to repair one of them with epoxy and a screw and it's now gone for several thousand more counters (bought the 2nd one before I had the first fixed). It's not a very difficult repair, but you have to be pretty precise with the screw; I tried with just epoxy the first time and it didn't hold. Oregan Laminations (who were great) sold me one of the "defective" ones at a reduced cost for parts (I see the defect, but don't know if it really would matter, especially on larger counters).
My belief is that because the 2.5 mm version cuts just a little bit more than the 2 mm version, it puts just a little bit more stress on the clipper than the 2 mm version and over time, it causes a stress fracture and then breakage. If I were going to do it all over again, I would get the 2 mm, 2.5 mm, and 3 mm version and use them for various size counters (instead of ending up with three 2.5 mm versions).
At some point soon, I hope to make a video showing how I made the repair using the second broke clipper as the subject. Thanks for the comparison video, Derek!
+Tim Barnes
Wow! This is the first I've ever heard of that problem...of course, I've always had the 2mm up until now.
I hope you make that video. I'd be interested in seeing it :)
I wanted to fix the second broken one, so shot the first part of it tonight (need to let the epoxy dry before drilling the hole and screwing in the screw). Should finish the shooting part of video tomorrow - I'm not the best video editor (that's an understatement), so it will take several days before I put it up on UA-cam.
@@TimBarnesPhotography The video is great!
Thank you so much, this is an exceedingly useful video! 🙇♀️
I'm happy with the 2 mm I have & I found that both counters looked uneven & a bit haggard from the 2.5 mm. The smaller counters have that red frame around the edges & the 2.5 was taking out chunks of the frame.
Thanks for the review and for the tip on using silicone to lube the clipper with as well!
I'd like to see how your original review influenced sales. I bought one, so I'm sure a lot of other wargamers did too. I have the 2mm and love it!!! Thanks man!
I'm willing to bet the Management at Oregon Lamination were puzzled- but pleased- by the increased sales........"War-gamers?! Never heard of such critters...... Who in Hell are these guys?!"
I have the non-deluxe 2mm clipper and it tend to clip off too much of the corner with the 1/2" counters. It not only clips the corner, but some of the flat of the counter. Works well with the 5/8" counters, but I like the 2.5mm clipper for them.
+todd636
I've heard getting the counters seated correctly in the older model can be tricky
Back when you did your original, I took your advice and got the 2.5mm and love it
Man, superb review! Got Mark Herman's new (revised) Peloponnesian War game on it's way for my Birthday, and want the counters to look as Classy as the game system itself. I'll second your choice of 2mm radius for SPI/GMT/etc 0.5-inch counters. Oregon Laminations Company, you're a Class Act!
Thank you for the overview, I'm currently leaning towards the 2mm as I'm slightly concerned about how close to the edge the print extends to on some of my counters.
The 2.5mm looks better on the larger counters than on the smaller ones.
Had the exact same 2.0mm version that I bought from Amazon and Oregon Laminations. It broke after about a month. fortunately I was able to send it back. A little leery about buying another one.
+steveb7039
I've heard a few reports like yours since I put up this video. Sorry to hear that Steve :(
My 2mm has been used (and abused) for 2 years and is still going strong. Maybe a few bad apples in the bunch?
Just ordered both! I have the original ones, but these look much better and easier on your hands!
Thanks for the comparison Derek, very useful for those looking to buy one of these remarkably excellent devices. I'm currently undergoing clipping Baltic Gap (~1400 x 1/2" counters :/) and looking at your two example clips my 2.5mm seems to bear more resemblance to the 2mm ones you did, strange. Maybe I have a 2mm clipper in my 2.5mm box. Whatever, the device is just so freekin' good that I'm in no way bothered either way. For those on the fence about getting one of these, well if you clip counters IMHO its a no-brainer. I even got mine sent to me here in the UK by the manufacturer. I wish they had a UK distributer.
I have my trusty old 2mm clipper that I have even used on 1" (25mm) counters and I find the effect pleasing. A lot of counters are carrying more and more information and I fear that anything larger than a 2mm may cut into this. Most notable in DVG's Field Commander: Napoleon, where the information goes right up to the edge of the rectangular counters. Great review, Derek, and I'm late to notice it, so I have subscribed to this site.
+Jim O'Neill
Welcome aboard Jim :) Recognize you from the Wargamers group
Thank you, I will be following this from now on.
Great comparison - extremely helpful, especially since I own a copy of Struggle for the Galactic Empire (great game btw) . I'm using model CR2MM which was the only one I could get for a resonable price here in Poland but if I have an opportunity I will go for C-006-2MM. Thanks for the video.
got mine recently(2mm delux) direct from the Oregon online shop and get it sent to Germany. very pleased with the effect. but just after clipping about 2/5 counters of the GBoH Alexander, the metal sabot on the upper body keeps falling out because of the friction between it and the rod through the body. I feel sad, but still like it (so I write a email to the OreLam to seek self maintenance guide). Have you also encountered of heard about such instance? And great video, and please keep doing them. :-)
+Siyuan Xu
Since putting up this video I've had a few people tell me of similar problems. I haven't had a problem with mine yet.
I hope you hear back from OL and they get your issue fixed :(
I hope I can get a reply from OreLam soon about self maintenance, really don't have the patient to the postal traffic from Germany to USA again ;-p but well that is also not that big problem, I think I will just dismantle it tomorrow and first clean all the "original" lubricant and then glue the two parts together with some epoxy and relubricate it with silicon grease.
so got the reply from OreLam, it is said that this promblem is new and they will address it to the factory, but the tool will work even without the upper sabot so I should have no problem using it. On my side, I dismantled it , clean all the maschine oil, glue the metal part with 5min. epoxy and re-grease it with silicon grease, now I hope it will work fine. (and btw, during the process I've found out sadly that my tool also dosn't have a small metal rod between the body and the lower gripp as seen in a video on YTB about how to repair it. I think I am just the unlucky one. but anyway, I will be clipping my counters sleeplessly now)
Thanks for the video! This is the comparison I was looking for.
+Allan Goodall You're welcome Allan! Glad it was helpful for you :)
ive got the 2.5mm & i love it
Bought the 2mm version of this because of this video, and so happy with the results on my Combat Commander and other GMT counters! Wondering, have any of you experienced the round bronze fittings fall out of the device? These are the two bronze sheaths that guide the two vertical posts on the device. On my very first game clipped I had one of these fall out, I can pop it back on, but it continues to pop out... doesn't seem to affect clipping but I am wondering about long term impacts on the tool. Great video!
Exactly what I was looking for. Thanks, and good gaming!
After seeing your 2mm cutter video I thought I'd prefer the more round 2.5 but seeing them side by side I rather prefer the look of the 2 especially on the smaller counters.
Thank you so much for this comparison! It was exactly what I was looking for!!!
Thanks for the video, just what I wanted to know, going with the 2mm clippers.
Interesting video. Seems like it is kind of an art.
I've had the 2.5mm for a couple years and love it. It replaced the earlier model that was much harder to properly align. And back in the old days when I clipped my Panzer Leader counters with toenail clippers.
BTW, WD-40 is NOT, and should never be used as, a lubricant!
I use it as salad dressing - keeps an Old Man regular.........
I have had less luck with mine. After clipping maybe 15 games, it continually seizes and gets stuck. So frustrating. I guess, I just need to suck it up and lube it up.
+Jeff Rhind
Oh, yeah...gotta give it some lube, man! Doesn't take much at all. Should clear it right up. Remember...silicone based.
I must be too heavy handed. Mine broke with less than 500 counters clipped! Looking for the older metal version.
Ive broken two now... .looking for a better way
Bought the 2mm OL clippers based on the recommendation of this video and other sources. They broke after one month of use and 3000 counters. Be very careful if you choose to buy these. My guess is it is not a question of if it will break, just a matter of when.
Which one should I get for ASL?
I have the 2.5 and its great!
Europe? Where to get these in europe or something similar? Although i can order them online but would rather get them closer inside EU.
Hexasim in France usually has in them in stock for a decent price. I think I paid 45 Euros for my 2 mm.
thank you for this video. it is exactly what i was wanting to see before buying.
Very helpful video.
Cheers!
I have the 3mm and it's been fine.
That was SUPER helpful. Thank you!
How do you feel about a lot corner trimmers have failed after very short time.
+Brock Migs
I've been hearing the reports of some of the problems folks have been having. I'll probably be doing a follow-up video this week, and I'll be addressing it.
Really want one. Really can't justify 65 to 70 quid including shipping though :(
guess it depends on how much info is on the counter
DAMN IT! No such thing listed on UK Amazon.
2.5 for life!
King Aelle 😲
It does help
Nice job SHW. I found out about the cutters from your first review. Gamers for what its worth, if you are going to get one, I would go with the 2.5. If you have a majority (70% and up) of 1/2" counters you may want the 2 but for me I would still go with the 2.5. Also, the radius cut does not look that big on a counter when you hold it in your hand 18" away from you. If you play a lot of games or just want clean edges, its worth the investment.Happy Counter Cutting.
2 it is, thanks!
SHWへ最初のシュミレーションゲームはリアルマガジンのダグラムボトムズだったボトムズはオリジナルAT造ってやった
Team 2mm!!
Thanks for this, a good video.
A pair of nail clippers does exactly the same thing… and faster. What dummy would buy a “counter clipper”?
People who want to take the 'art' out of the process and get consistency with each cut, I would imagine, especially those who do PnP games and make their own counters. Personally, I'm in agreement with you but understand the positive value of the device.
2mm looks best
gettysburg bloody july 1863 counters are too thick!
+steven weckeman
Are they those laser cut extra thick ones?
yes,thet won't fit into the chopper,too bad I like the look.The game is bloody gettysburg,1863 which I also like.
Links?
Manners?
次にしたのは第二次世界大戦だったパソコンでもしていた
my first impressions of this tool, the (3mm just arrived today):
1) the tool is not very impressive coming out of the box....it looks plasticky, in fact the plastic cover for the handle underside is cheaply pressed to fit in place & does not stay put. Also, there is nothing else whatsover inside the box, no instructions, maintenance or otherwise, no warranty info, nothing. There is also no manufacturing info anywhere to be found on the tool or the box.....smacks of a cheap overseas knockoff. In fact it has me wondering if there is an issue w/ fakes being sold under the original mfg name?
2) in using it to clip the corners of DIY playing cards, I find the cuts to be noticeably inconsistent ie., rarely does it round all four corners of a single card evenly. I believe that for the small game counters the tool was used for in the video, this effect would be less noticeable, but on the larger playing card it is very noticeable & frankly my $12 made in China corner rounder does a better job. The only reason to keep this tool (still undecided here) is if I plan to use it on very small items and/or if I feel that w/ more practice I can get the corners of a playing card reasonably close to the same radius.
I swear some "gamers" spend more time obsessing about collecting games and trimming counters than actually playing any games. I see videos all over youtube of people with sagging shelves of games doing solitaire demos of games they barely know how to play. Stop collecting and get out there and play against other humans!