Don't You Just Love a New Rotary Blade

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11-15-2014, 04:05 PM

#11

cmrenno

Senior Member

Join Date: Jun 2011

Location: Upstate New York

Posts: 428

I write the date I change the blade on a piece of masking tape and put it on the cutter. The blades last longer than you think.

Colleen

11-15-2014, 04:23 PM

#12

Lori S

Super Member

Join Date: Apr 2010

Location: Illinois

Posts: 9,312

Oh yes that feeling of a new blade... like a hot knife through butter! I too wait way too long.

11-15-2014, 05:02 PM

#13

susie-susie-susie

Super Member

Join Date: Oct 2010

Location: howell, Mi

Posts: 2,345

I found that if I clean the lint out of the cutter, it cuts like new for a little longer. My blades last 6 months to a year. I don't hit the ruler very often, and I think that dulls the blade.
Sue

11-15-2014, 05:28 PM

#14

pyffer3

Senior Member

Join Date: Jul 2012

Location: Shubuta, Mississippi

Posts: 465

Changed my blade today and thought the same thing 'why didn't I do that before?' It was so much easier and accurate cutting with a new blade!

11-15-2014, 05:59 PM

#15

#1piecemaker

Super Member

Join Date: Oct 2007

Location: Ashdown, AR

Posts: 9,238

Just changed mine today!! It was way past due. After cutting my first thing with it, I wondered why I had waited so long before changing.

11-15-2014, 06:14 PM

#16

lynnie

Power Poster

Join Date: Apr 2010

Location: Long Island

Posts: 24,820

I finally gave in, changed the blade for the Mystery Train Ride. closed the blade, the cat knocked it on the floor and it got a ding in it. now it's skipping again. why do I wait so long too. $$$$

11-15-2014, 06:18 PM

#17

lynnie

Power Poster

Join Date: Apr 2010

Location: Long Island

Posts: 24,820

I find I cut myself easier with an old blade. did it about 6 times already. (visual problems).
but a new blade goes thru bone easier, cut the tip of my left index finger off at work one day. what a mess all over the new carpet.

11-16-2014, 07:49 AM

#18

thimblebug6000

Super Member

Join Date: Jun 2007

Location: British Columbia

Posts: 8,045

I read years ago to oil your blade when cleaning so did a google search and ended up right back here to an article... scroll down to read about the caring for rotary cutter. http://www.quiltingboard.com/resources/article-44.html

11-17-2014, 05:57 AM

#19

coopah

Super Member

Join Date: Dec 2011

Location: Horse Country, FL

Posts: 7,341

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jan in VA

Perhaps your blades are dulling faster because of the mat you are using. I've particularly noticed this with the gray Fiskars mats and other like them. For over 30+ years I have used on Olfa mats, the original quilt cutting mat which came to use from the engineering field. They are truly self healing where many others are not.

Also it's possible you use off brand blades; again where Olfas are best (and others like them).

I mark my blades along the very edge with the date I install them; helps to keep the time to change in mind each time I open the blade.

Jan in VA

What a smart idea to write the date on the edge of the blade!! I like this idea.

11-17-2014, 06:30 AM

#20

Sewnoma

Super Member

Join Date: Jun 2012

Location: Sonoma County, CA

Posts: 4,299

Fresh blades & fresh needles are good things! I stock up on blades whenever I see a good deal because I looove a fresh blade. I probably wait too long to change them too, it's hard to break those penny-pinching habits! But knowing I have 10 more on hand instead of just one more makes it a lot easier for me to talk myself into changing it.