Learned something new about rotary cutters!
 

I have been dealing with poor cutting with my olfa rotary cutter that I have had for years. I have replaced I don't know how many blades way sooner than I thought I should have in order to get a better cut. Well, finally, I ordered a new cutter, the Splash from MSQC was on sale so I ordered it. Well, lo and behold, it cuts like a dream. I am now convinced that the cutter was bad!!! I guess I have really wasted some kind of money on blades when I didn't need to. Just passing this along in case others have had a cutting problem. just fyi!

Hmmm... Interesting - which Olfa was that? I use the OLFA ergonomic and have for years with no issues. I had the original style and could never get it to work right for me so I pitched it. I just bought the Martelli and now am trying to re-learn how to use a rotary cutter.

The Olfa ergonomic works great for me too. The trick is not to tighten
the screw too much. Each rotary cutter is different. I got a new Clover
and I can tell there's a learning curve to it. I think I'll stick with the Olfa
ergonomic.

I knew something wasn't right with my cutter when I borrowed a cutter at retreat that was on the cutting table. It was smooth cutting with light pressure. It was the same brand as mine but newer. Now when a quilting tool does not seem right after many uses, I get a new one. These tools do wear out. No use keeping them for years, the bad sneaks up on you and you don't know how bad it is until you get a new one.

I have used an Olfa for several years and like it.
I got a Martelli a few years back, but it doesn't feel right to me.
I guess everyone has something they like and works well for them.

Sometimes, it is the mat that causes the cutting problems. We have tendencies to cut in the same areas on them.

Linda in MO

Olfa has a lifetime guarantee. If you send it back to them, they'll fix it at no cost, except shipping.

I was wondering that about my fisker cutter. I tried an older but less used one and it seems to work better. Next I may try turning my mat around. I do cut in the same places very often.

I am still using the first Olfa cutter I bought about 30 years ago. It is my favorite. I have added a few - One to keep with my travel machine, and the 28 mm, and one with pinking/wavy edge cutters because they were on sale and I had a gift card.

When I had the rug business and cut lots of fabric, I would wear out a rotary cutter. The plastic stem that goes through the hole of the blade would get out of round. If it got real bad, the whole thing would hop. Take yours apart and look at the stem. If it is even slightly out of round, it's toast.

Marcia