Die cutters
 

Just read the thread about changing rotary blades, needles, and getting scissors sharpened and replacing seam rippers. Someone mentioned her blades last longer now she is using die cutters.

it made me think. How long do die cutters remain sharp and can they be sharpened?

I gave the Accuquilt Go, don't really know, but from experience with die cutting machines for card and paper, it's not so much the sharpness but it's the pressure exerted by the rollers that produces the cut. I have used my go a lot and the dies still cut up to 8 layers, depending on fabric and if it's been backed for appliqué, cleanly and with no fuss.

I have had my Go for several yeas and I am still using my original dies without a problem.

On the cutters like the Brother Scan n Cut, Silhouette, Cricut, you do have to replace knives and mats.

You do have to replace cutting mats on the other die cutters as well.

I've had my Go for about 10 years now and the first dies I bought still cut like new. The cutting mats have to be replaced but they are inexpensive and do last for many cuts. My rotary cutter is seldom used when I use the dies to cut my fabric, in fact I don't use it at all come to think about it.

I have had my die cutter ( Accucut) for over 20 years and used it for my paper business. Some papers contain clay, or other minerals, which makes them dull blades, scissors etc. more quickly than fabric. I have some dies that I have used for tens of thousands of cuts without any dulling at all. If a die does not cut well, I need a new cutting mat, not a new die.

I have a Sizzix die cutter and love it. I bought mine used from ebay. I have replaced the cutting pad but the dies are still accurate and sharp. I have the XL strip cut dies which have been used numerous times. I belong to a sewing group and all the girls use it. You might read on the mfg website and see if you can get an idea of how many cuts to expect for a die. Most of my dies are old, used beyond regularly, and still going strong.

Thanks for the replies. It's good to hear they last a long time, especially as they are so expensive. I'll keep cutting and not thinking about it.