From Don-isewman--A ??? for anyone/everyone
 

Does any one have a rotary blade sharpener. And also, do you like it. And would you recommend a person to buy on. And what brand would you recommend. I've debateing to get one. I found one on ebay ebay for $40.00. If I decide to get 1, I want a good one. Any info will help me with my decision. THANKS EVERONE for any info. Don-isewman

I have the TruCut and only used it once or twice. I didn't find it to mesure up to the hype. It doesn't take care of nicks and blade doesn't sharp like new. For 45mm I get the Harbor Freight. My blades seem to last a long time so I don't find the sharpeners worth the $$. If an individual is selling one on ebay I would assume they didn't find it useful or worth the $$.

I also have the TruCut and it is ok, but if the blade is nicked, it won't work. I use my re-sharpened blades to trim blocks, but prefer a new blade for cutting pieces. I used a 50% coupon at Joann's a few years ago and it was less than $20. I have probably gotten that much use out of it.

I havethe cheaper Tri-Sharp
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3hpkFU3hD0...1600/blade.jpg

But the truth is I only use it when I remember I have it and can dig it out of the quilt-related junk drawer

I buy the Olfa rotary blades in quantity on eBay, so my cost per blade is really low (usually ~$1).

I know how to cut well, almost never nick the blade, and so if it gets dull, I just toss it and put in a new one.

I do the same as MTS -- buy in bulk on eBay. Seems as if I don't have to change blades too often, so $40 worth of blades lasts me a *long* time (and it's a lot more convenient than running a sharpener, which I think involves oil).

I have the tri-sharp in my junk drawer too - just taking up space as it never really worked for me. I use blades from freight harbor which work well in my olfa cutter and they cost me on sale about $2 for two blades so even if I go through them a little quicker I'm still saving quite a bit.

I have the True Cut. It won't fix nicks, nothing will. If you use it on a blade that is just starting to get dull, it does work.
I've had a bit longer use from 45mm blades.

I've bought two and neither work very well. The Tri-sharp with the sandpaper rings and the centre piece to twist was the cheaper and better of the two. The Orbitol sharpener was almost $40 and was next to useless. Neither of them would sharpen a blade enough to make it worthwhile. I would rather stock up on blades when they are on sale because at least new ones usually work.

I gave up on trying blade sharpeners I have tried several . Nothing cuts like a new blade.

quilt out loud had a ruler that one edge sharpens rotary blades. I am looking but have not found it.
the sharpeners don't work very well in my experience.