Rotary Cutter Blades
 

I put in a new blade to cut a crib size quilt. At the end of the cutting, the blade appeared to very dull. I should think that the blades should last longer than that for what they cost. I am using an Olfa cutter and blades. Have any of you experienced this? Would you suggest I use a different rotary cutter?

Try going to the Olfa website that is listed on their packaging. I think it is really just Olfa.com. They have videos showing how to replace the blades in their different cutters. Now I thought I didn't need to do that because I have been replacing these blade for about 5 years, but all of a sudden my blades were going bad really fast. So out of frustration, I decided to look at their video and wouldn't you know, I was not doing it correctly. It was a very simple fix after I watched that. I think because the blades actually last so long, I forgot how to replace them, even though I thought I was following the diagram on the package. Something about seeing it done just clicked for me. Good luck.

Good info suern3!

I have replaced the blade several times and all was fine. There is no way to replace them incorrectly with the quick release. You simply release the blade by sliding the lock on the back of the handle. Put new blade in and re lock.

I know Jeannine 1948, I'm 1948, too. Just saying, can't hurt:)

Are you sure you just have one blade? They are notorious for sticking together. Be REALLY careful, but try to slide them apart and see if you have 2. Could be your mat too. Ask me how I know!

Yes, a blade should last longer than one small quilt, but some of them just aren't machined as well as others. There could also be another factor working against you, such as a mat that needs replacing, causing you to press harder on the blade than you should.

Thanks for the input. I've checked the blade, only one. My mat is relatively new. So that should not be the issue. I've contacted Olfa directly so I'll patiently wait for a response. In the meantime I've put a new blade on the cutter and all is well.

There is a really good tool out there called TrueCut. It sharpens 3 sizes of blades. I haven't bought a new blade in over a year. A blade can be resharpened several times. The cost of the sharpener will be covered fairly quickly if you use rotary cutters a lot.

I have to remind us that there are many mats out there that *will* dull your cutting blades pretty fast. Fiskars gray mat is one; there are others. If you are using Olfa blades and cutters, it's worth your while to use the Olfa mats too, which were specifically designed for use with their cutters.

Jan in VA