Olfa rotary cutters
 

Interesting question. I bought the smaller one as it was recommended for a curvy design I was planning to try. Have not used that cutter yet. If it feels as stable in your hand and you get good results with it, why not switch to using it all the time??

The 28mm will make more revolutions than the 45mm to cut the same distance. Seems like the 28mm would get dull faster.

I feel it does get dull faster, it deviates slightly in the track of the large June Taylor cutting mat and it is more tiring on large cuts. I love mine, but only for curves. It was invaluable when I did a Drunkard's Path using a ruler with curved slits.

i feel that the larger blade has more surface to ride along the ruler, so easier to keep straight.

If your blade is getting dull faster maybe it's time to replace your cutting mat?

...How true!

I do 99% of my cutting with a 28mm cutter, the rest with a 60mm. The small one gives me more accurate cuts, it hugs the ruler perfectly, and I can cut for hours with no hand/wrist fatigue. I only use the large one for full width cuts. I think you'll really like your new 28mm cutter, Tartan.

I use my 28mm Olfa ergonomic cutter way more than my 45mm. I like the way it fits in my hand better than the larger one so I have less hand fatigue when doing a lot of cutting. I haven't really noticed if the blade gets dull faster than my 45mm but I'm one who has to be vigilant about not pushing too hard or I'll dull any blade faster as well as putting deep cuts in my mat. I really have to pay attention to that.

Cari

I prefer the 45MM cutter and blades.

I use the 45 mm exclusively at this point. I had the 28 but did not like the feel of it in my hand. If it works for you - go for it and enjoy.

That was my thought too. Trying to "think" this one out. Yup, more revolutions, so wouldn't it get dull sooner?

I can't remember when the last time I used any cutter other than my 28 mm, I have 45 mm and 60 mm cutters that are still unopened. I started using the 28mm years ago at the recommendation of Shar Jorgensen and rarely use any other. I don't find that I change my blades any more often than I think I should, if I just made a bed quilt then before I start a new project I would change blades. I really like the 28mm cutter it is definitely my favorite.

I just bought a Shark... very small blade...great for appliqué. Hold it like a pencil. I got it a MSQC. Love it.

Just wanted to say that I thought my blades were going dull really fast and I have a good mat. Turns out my cutting table (one of those white ones like Walmart, Costco, Sam's, etc) has a slight bow when I push down. So I put an extra piece of cabinet we had left from an IKEA kitchen. I'm sure any solid piece would do, over the white table, mat on that, and lo and behold, my blades all last a lot longer with less pushing. I mostly use a 45 mm. although I carry my 28 mm. with me too.

Love my 28mm. I use it more than the 45. So handy for trimming. As others have said, I just like the way it feels in my hand.

Circumferences:

28 mm: 87.96 mm
45 mm: 141.37 mm
60 mm: 188.50 mm

The smaller the diameter of the blade, the more often it has to rotate to cover a certain distance.

I think whatever is the most comfortable and easiest to maneuver is the one to use.
I tend to use whichever one I find first.
THEN - after I find they are all dull, I finally change the blades.

I have gotten "bad" Olfa blades right out of the package - it would not cut one or two threads -

I have a 28mm and just bought an 18mm to use for cutting applique shapes. Easier to go around smaller curves and narrow places.

i use my 60 mm for just about everything, it cuts through as many as 8 layers of fabric and because of the size it covers more distance with each revolution of rather wheel.

I only use the 28mm or 18 mm cutters for tight curves, or circles using my slotted half circle ruler.

Rob

I use my 28 often when needing a seam ripper especially on larger pieces and for curve cuts.

yes, but do you have the 28 rotary cutter itself? those blades will not fit the 45. I use the 45 almost all the time. i tend to pick up my 28 when ripping out seams but not for much else.

[QUOTE=nativetexan;7861401]yes, but do you have the 28 rotary cutter itself? those blades will not fit the 45. I use the 45 almost all the time. i tend to pick up my 28 when ripping out seams but not for much else. the blades were on the rotary cutters, so 2 Sets for $10 . Even if they get dull faster, still a good deal.

I have 3 different sized cutters but mainly use my 60 mm cutter. I find it more comfortable as I have arthritis in my hands . I bought the 28 mm when I bought my wavy rulers but so far haven't used them. (Note to self :- look into this.)
I also have a couple of 45mm cutters. One is my original Kai cutter as well as another Kai with an ergonomical handle which is comfortable to use.

I love my 28mm cutter, I use mine almost all the time. The only time I resort to my bigger cutters is when I am cutting several layers at one time, which isn't often. I still use my 28mm for cutting my FQ's for quilts. I love it.

My first rotary cutter was a craft kit. Small mat and the 28 cutter. I used it a long long time in my sewing. I didn't know there was a bigger size :). It was great!

I don't know why many think a cutting mat will last for years and think it's still good. It dries out, the bonding becomes brittle, and the surface deteriorates. I have all sizes of rotary cutter. I recently tried the new finger rotary cutter and it's great for intricate shapes.

Interesting topic!! Fairly new to quilting, I only have the 45mm. I have never given any thought as to why and the differences between sizes, but now I'm going to purchase a 28mm and give it a try. Love this Quilting Board. I learn so much from everyone. Thanks :)

28 mm is the only cutter I use. I own 18mm (never use), 45 mm (very seldom used) and a 60 mm (too big and clumsy of me). I have small hands (about the only part of me that is small!:D) and find I can control the 28 mm much better than the other sizes.