Advice on Rotary Cutters & Blades
#12
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: The Finger Lakes of upstate NY
Posts: 3,572
It seems like a lot of people have problems with rotary blades. So far, I'm lucky - I've not had problems. Yes, they do get old and not as sharp, but not in an unreasonable time. I do use a Martelli mat, and love it for its own merits. Not sure if that makes any difference, though. I also have their cutter, but don't use it as it's a very unnatural position for me. Hopefully, I won't ever get to the point where I need to use that style.
I buy my Olfa blades in a multi-pack when they are on sale. The larger packs are a bigger investment, but much more economical per blade.
I buy my Olfa blades in a multi-pack when they are on sale. The larger packs are a bigger investment, but much more economical per blade.
#13
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 2,414
I've been buying Sewology blades in 5 in a pack containers. They come individually wrapped so you don't accidentally use two at a time. They are inexpensive at Hobby Lobby with the 40% off coupon, and seem to last as well as the name brand ones.
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 540
I think a lot of a blade getting dull is how it is used. If you put pressure on the blade to cut into the mat then the blade will get dull faster. A good cutter with sharp blade does not need much pressure to cut fabric. If you are pushing down on it to go into the mat and not stay on top of it then of course the blade will get dull. A weighted rotary cutter have enough pressure without adding any. Quilter's Select, Tula Pink, Ginghers are all weighted.
#15
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Florida
Posts: 3,832
A new quilter was dulling & nicking a blade with every quilt. After watching her technique realized she wasn't cutting along the template but leaning the blade to the left and angle the cut to the left. She was cutting the template and fabric. She realized what she was doing when the template was removed and she practiced cutting a straight line. Now her dulling blades is similar to everyone else.
Not saying anyone is doing this, just an enteresting experience.
Not saying anyone is doing this, just an enteresting experience.
#16
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Carroll, Iowa
Posts: 3,484
I find using the right mat helps the blades last longer. My old mat was just a main brand mat but my rotating mat was a self-healing mat and I found my blades cut better and lasted longer so when I went to make a larger cutting table I searched for a self-healing mat. I also have a blade sharper from Nancy's Notions and found if used correctly it did sharpen my blades. Also heard if you turn the blade around when it starts to go dull it will give you some extra cutting time. I sharpen my blades once when they go dull on me, use them again and when they start to go dull on me again I use them in my rotary cutter for "paper only". I label my rotary cutters so I don't get them mixed up. This way I'm getting a second use out of them before I finally toss them out. I keep the containers they come in to keep the blades that need sharpened and those that need to be tossed so I don't get them mixed up.
#17
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Yorkville, IL
Posts: 7,639
I use and love Olfa titanium blades. They are a bit pricy but they last quite a while. I sharpen them once before they are tossed. I think a sharp blade makes all the difference in cutting my fabrics evenly.
#18
Power Poster
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Southern USA
Posts: 16,412
I sharpen a sharp blade and it is always sharp unless it gets a nick. I use the Grace vertical blade sharpener. Same principal that men used when they sat and whetted their knives every day. Sharpen a sharp blade.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
craftybear
Main
13
08-08-2011 11:15 AM