Anything Out There To Protect Finger While Using Rotary Cutter?????
 

I did it really good this time! Should have probably had stitches in my finger from cutting it with the rotary cutter but didn't. My question is....is there anything out there, other than gloves (wouldn't wear those), that will protect your hand while using the rotary cutter? I've done a search on here and the only thing I found was quite expensive so that's not going to happen. Suggestions anyone?

I have an old chain medal glove that I use, other then that I don't know what you'd use, sorry I'm no help.

the best way to protect your fingers is to NEVER EVER have them hanging over the side of your ruler- it is very important to always practice safety- and place your fingers on top of the ruler safely away from the edge\ if you are not sure how to properly use your cutter you should first thing watch some videos demonstrating the technique-a rotory cutter is a round razor blade-and can easily do major harm when not used properly. i kind of think the gloves give a false sense of safety- the safest way is to never use it when upset- or distracted- pay attention to what you are doing and how you are doing it. never lay it down open- if your rulers have worn edges/knicks= replace them=never use a cutter with damaged rulers....Safety should always come first

It took me 6 years to do this but now I've done it 2 times in the last 6 months. I'm usually really, really careful because I know how sharp the cutters are. I always make sure my fingers are out of the way so not really sure what happened this time. Just paying too much attention to the marks on the ruler to keep things straight and had my finger hanging over the edge. Wish Granny was still here because she worked at Hunters and was a meat cutter. She had the chain metal gloves but never thought I'd have any use for them so when she asked if I wanted them told her no. Those would have been perfect!

Fon's and Porter seem to have a glove for cutting. On some of my rulers i use a plastic stick on guard strip. shaped like an L. I got mine at JoAnn's long ago. of course i cut my finger using the side of my long ruler without the guard!

If you are paying too much attention to line things up while cutting, then you are not using the equipment correctly. As CKCowl suggested perhaps watch some of the videos for some How To tips! yes, you've done it for six years without problems, though twice in 6 months is twice too often.

It's important to get everything lined up correctly. Put your hand/fingers on the ruler, check again. All this BEFORE you take the rotary blade in hand. And check again, that your fingers are out of the way. Then and only then do you pick up the rotary with your other hand and engage the blade. Acton! ... close the blade, set down the rotary. And onto the next step.

From most expensive to least expensive, doesn't matter, get one and use it or have a sliced finger at some point.

http://shop.shiisaquilts.com/store/p...sp?idproduct=2

http://quiltersslidelock.com/

http://www.createforless.com/Fons+_a...pid190029.aspx

http://www.createforless.com/search/...=gypsy gripper

I don't use a cutting glove, but I use a gypsy gripper on my main ruler- that way my hands aren't spread out holding the ruler in place.

A cutting glove is probably a really good idea on smaller rulers. Bet I get one the first time I "learn my lesson"...

I've put the L shaped finger guard protectors on my long rulers and they work well. I also have the rubber gripper dots (sandpaper ones don't work as well) on all of my rulers so they don't slip. Cut in good light when you aren't tired and make sure that everything is set up for your dominant hand. Invest in a revolving mat if you are trimming up blocks so you won't be running around the table or trying to cut on the wrong side of your ruler. Focus on what you are doing and avoid distractions (this isn't the time to have an argument with DH). Use a sharp blade as the dull ones require more pressure and may slip cutting you. Good luck with all of this.

i use a gipsy gripper but i resently heard that you can get something very similar at an auto parts store and they cost almost half off what a gypsy gripper cost. but i think a gypsy gripper would still cost alot less than having to pay to have your finger stiched up. hope something works for you.

I found this on Joann's website. "Professional grade clear acrylic safety shields. Includes three sizes : 10", 16" and 22". Works on all acrylic quilting rulers to protect hands from rotary cutters. With 3-M Adhesive -won't slip or fall off!"

I sliced the side of my finger and had eight stitches in 2009. I did NOT have my finger hanging over the ruler but I was in a hurry. I was cutting stabilizer for an embroidery project and just slapped the ruler down and accidentally put the rotary cutter on the ruler. It quickly went sliding.

My aunt tried really hard to get me to buy something that Erica's in South Bend, Indiana was selling at a quilt show that spring. I didn't like it becaue I don't like adding another dimenison to distort my vision. I do most of my cutting in low light by choice. Anyway, my aunt really liked it but I did not. It may be what is shown above. I can't remember.

BTW, I have had a rotary cutter since 1985 and cut out everything under the sun with it - mostly clothing for the first 18 years. I only cut myself that one time. Technically I know I should stay away from sharp objects when my senses are dulled but I would never get anything done that way. One has to determine their own risks and way the cost.

After I did the same thing (I posted pics of it in another post, if you're interested. ha).. I bought a plastic shield that goes on the 6x24" ruler. Your hand stays on the side of the shield you're not cutting on. Works great.

http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog/p...RODID=prd38193

Yes, that's what I have. It does work well.

That's what I just bought. Glad to know it works. :)

fons and porter sell them, but they are butcher's gloves and are available here at this restaurant supply for $14...
http://www.bigtray.com/searchresults...cmdGo.y=0&RN=1

Actually, just being sure your fingers are not hanging over the ruler is no guarantee you won't slice a finger. When my injury occurred, I didn't realize the rotary cutter was resting on the ruler and not on the fabric. When I started cutting, in one fluid motion, the cutter slid across the ruler at an angle and lopped off a good chunk of my finger. Gloves or ruler handles are really the way to go.

That's exactly how I cut my finger too.

It mainly is all in how you hold the rulers and the cutter. You have to have good control of the cutter, the rulers should be held firm with no movement on the fabric, and the mat should never be slipping on your cutting table. What I did is put a medium Klutz glove inside a large Klutz glove. I have never cut myself, but not saying the 2 gloves together would prevent it either. Just having that glove on makes me aware to be careful. When I am starting the cutting process, one part of getting the supplies together is that I put the rotary cutter inside the glove that hangs directly above my cutting mat. Makes me aware to remember to put the glove on. My fingers hurt just thinking about getting cut.

have you hear of a fingertip rotary cutter? they are very small and about the cost of a blade, disposable!
www.cotton-junkyquiltshop.com from Wilmington Ohio, we sell oodles of them!! they are $9.00 each, and we use them all the time!
good luck
katz