rotary blade sharpeners
 

What the consensus on rotary blade sharpeners? I've never tried one--I just buy new blades $$$! Have been wondering if they're worth the time and trouble. Does it really matter if the sharpener is by a different manufacturer than the blade?

There have been lots of posts on this subject. I believe they have been mostly negative as the sharpeners don't perform as expected. The sand paper like type don't really sharpen the more expensive electric one doesn't jutisfy it's cost as it doesn't give a good sharp either and none take out nicks which is usually what causes for a blade to go bad.

Maybe I let my blades go too far, but I have never found a sharpener that gives me the same performance as a new blade.

I had one. Didn't do anything to the blade. A big waste of $$.

I have found the sandpaper type will give me a bit more usage. Make sure you sharpen it long enough.
Nothing beats a new blade. I have bought new made by fiskars that wasn't as good as the blade. Don't know what is up with that.

I have never owned one, and most people say they are not really that useful, but I have read good things about this one - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I had a friend who use to sharpen them professionally but they still were not as good as a new blade.

This is the one I have. I bought it, tried it and wasn't that impressed. BUT, came across a youtube video on how to use it, (the video was a little different than the directions on the package, more passes.) It really did sharpen my blade. Haven't been quilting much this summer, (minor car accident, lingering injury) so I couldn't tell you how long the edge will last, but I took it out of the junk box and put it where it can be quickly found. Hopefully I will be able to do some serious quilting soon.

I really like my True Sharp electric sharpener. Wont get out nicks but sharpens well. I got mine with a coupon from joann.com. I see they are on sale right now. Perhaps you can find a coupon for free shipping

dunster i have that one [tru sharp] i love it ....i have the little round one as well it is ok ....i get a lot more miles out of a blade .......i also cut a lot of uph.fabric

I buy blades with a 40% off coupon so the price isn't that much. I'm very careful with my blades and really don't have to replace them enough to warrant purchasing another gadget.

I have the Trucut electric one that has sharpening stones on the top and bottom..........I LOVE it!!! It sharpens all 3 sizes of blades of any mfg.........just make sure you put the oil on the stones [don't ask me how I know, lol] as it does make a difference.

I have the trucut, and sharpen my blades after every project and it does make a difference

I have the TruCut it works really well.

I don't go through enough blades a year to justify the cost of a sharpener. They don't sharpen the 18 mm blades either. I rarely throw a blade because it is dull because it usually gets a nick before then and many, many posters have said that these sharpeners will not eliminate nicks.

Just bought one of these so I will use it for a bit and let you know how I like it