New quilter
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Dallas, TX
Posts: 669
When I was first learning to use a rotary cutter I banged up my blades & dulled them fast. Not sure what I was doing besides banging them into the ruler & probably not holding it properly, but I only use one or occasionally 2 a quilt now.
#12
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: howell, Mi
Posts: 2,345
Goodness, I only change blades when absolutely necessary. I never kept track, but I believe it is probably every 5--10 quilts. I use an Olfa mat and either Fiskar or Olfa blades. I recently bought some titanium blades and really like them. I wonder if you are hitting the ruler with the blade and that is dulling them. Another thing, I don't cut too many layers at a time. Usually 2--4.
Sue
Sue
#16
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Morris Plains, NJ
Posts: 1,802
I think it's your mat too. I have a few used areas on my self healing Olfa mat and it seems like the blade doesn't cut through on those areas. I also agree with the others that maybe you are hitting the ruler. Also, I have to be standing and using a lot of pressure. It doesn't work with me sitting down. Not enough pressure or right angle.
#18
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: England Alton Towers
Posts: 6,674
Beside the mat underneath some fabric is not very goof with blades. I find poly and thicker fabrics cause problems. Perhaps a look at sizzix or the cutters would end up bet ter for you although one are cheap.
Quilting"
Mats and cutters expensive and need replacing sometimes.
Fabric getting more and more expensive .
Notions expensive.
Scissors guard with your life ONLY FOR FABRIC.
OH BUT IT IS SO RELAXING, THERAPUTIC, GREAT FRIENDS TO MEET , AND ADDICTIVE
Will stop the cleaning, cooking and soap thrills .
Keep quilting and enjoy all these wonderful things all wrapped up in cotton fabric.
Quilting"
Mats and cutters expensive and need replacing sometimes.
Fabric getting more and more expensive .
Notions expensive.
Scissors guard with your life ONLY FOR FABRIC.
OH BUT IT IS SO RELAXING, THERAPUTIC, GREAT FRIENDS TO MEET , AND ADDICTIVE
Will stop the cleaning, cooking and soap thrills .
Keep quilting and enjoy all these wonderful things all wrapped up in cotton fabric.
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 381
I am old fashioned and have muscle issues. If I am making strips or even blocks I tear the fabric as much as possible. It keeps the grain straight and saves a lot of that bearing down with a cutter that is so hard on my arms and back.
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