Rotary Cutter Blades
 

About how often do you end up changing the blades on your rotary cutters? Do you have a favorite brand that you recommend? They seem expensive, but I'd really like to do a better job of changing them. Suggestions?

I loved the newer Ofla blade, but it is only in the 45mm size. I think it is titanium. Normally it is difficult for me to cut through 2 layers of fabric. I cut ore with this blade, & easily.

I usually change my blade when it starts to skip and drives me nuts. Once I change it, I wonder what took me so long. A new blade "cuts like butter". I will usually buy new blades with a JoAnns coupon.

Try pricing blades at one of the major retailers that sells on line. You will find them priced considerably lower and if you have them shipped to the store you pay no shipping. What they actually do is just take them out of the stock they have on hand at the store. You can order them earlier in the day and pick them up that evening or first thing the next morning. Our store also offered to sell at the lesser price if I would show them on line price on my phone. I guess one gets the lower price as it allows them to sell without paying wages to anyone in the store. I just purchased a hedge trimmer and I could have saved money there as well if I had ordered on line. Sounds strange but it is true.

i don't change mine often enough. i wish there was a 'mileage meter' on them LOL

Really doesn't matter the brand. I haven't noticed a difference. I change at the first skip. It will only get worse so why wait it out. I have dozens of 5 packs stashed all bought at great discounts. Many flash deals on Facebook for 50% or more off rotary blades at least once a month.

I use mine a good part of each day. Some last longer than others. Price per blade at full retail price is not that much.

I use mine until I realize I can't cut anything with them, then change and make a mental note to change more often! I have used several brands, and they all seem the same to me.

I change after the 4th or 5th cut in a row that doesn't cut right.
I normally buy the Olfa, but hear most brands are good.
I have been thinking of getting a blade sharpener, but wonder if it is worth it.

Good one, Nan! Yes, I have a tough time telling when to change as well. When mine has me on the brink of saying naughty words, I change. My Sis gave me about 4 not long ago. Haven't had to buy one in a while.

I used to change the blade when it starts skipping because they are so expensive. I now buy a 45mm blade from Harbor Freight. They are called carpeting cutter replacement blades and you get 2 blades for $1.99. The cost makes it a lot easier to toss them quicker. I've never had one to be dull or cut funny right out of the package but you do need to wipe the oil off them before using. If you read the reviews for the blades most of them are quilters who like them.

I'm now using the 10 pk of Premium blades from Amazon and am VERY happy with them!

DH buys new saw blades and turns in the dulls one for a small discount if he remembers to take them in. There is no way he would even attempt to use a dull or nicked blade in his saw. The wood is too expensive and it's a safety hazard. His blades cost over $50 each. I don't even blink at changing a blade, I have changed blades three times in one cutting session before. If the blade doesn't cut like new I change it. I know I have a least 10 packages of five blades hanging on my peg board. I buy a lot when I find a good clearance price. I save money because I'm not stuck buying them at a more expensive price later on. There are too many online shops that have flash sales to pay regular rice for any quilting supplies. The last thread flash sale I got a dozen large spools of Aurifil for $4 each. All neutral colors. I'm set for along time for thread until the next sale comes along to restock.

You just haven't bought blades here in Canada, 5pkg. of 45mm blades $50+.

Is there anything in Canada not overpriced?

Quilting wise, I don't think so. Just now trying those Ormkraft blades I saw mentioned here. A pkg. of 10 45mm blades $20 of course they have a different price for the USA, about $5 less.

I change my blade when it starts skipping. If I have to recut, trim skipped threads or apply more pressure it's time for a new blade. So, it depends on how much cutting I've been doing and the fabrics I've been cutting. Some fabrics dull a blade faster than others. ( like flannel)

I changed my blade yesterday and wondered why I waited so long also. :)

Connie

AVFD215.. save your money and just buy new blades. The blade sharpeners are all a big disappointment!

I see Jenny Doan cut through 4 layers of fabric slick as a whistle but my new blades sure don't do that....never did. Get my Olfa blades at JA's. Is there such a thing as seconds on blades?

Where do you find out about flash sales on craft items like rotary blades and machine needles?

I've tried the "carpet blades" from Harbor Freight....to me it was a waste of money as they skipped and found them to not last long at all.

I would like to know this also. And where did you find the thread at that price. I will follow on FB if you can share where you find them. Thanks for sharing.

I bought some of those blades from Harbor Freight too. They skipped so much right off that I tossed the package in the trash. Now, I'm trying the titanium blades from Amazon. They seem ok. Price was about what you pay at JA on sale.

I buy mine through Amazon. They have a 12 pack for just $12.99. Just a tad over a dollar apiece. That way I don't feel guilty if I through one away before it just plain stops cutting!

I have to assume wages are higher in Canada?

I bought a blade sharpener and now I hardly ever buy new ones! Sharonve

I only change my blade when it gets a nick in it and starts to not cut thru the fabric. I prefer olfa and only buy them when I have a coupon from JoAnn's or Michael's.

I live in Northern Ontario, Canada & at our Fabricland store, they are $64.00 for a package of 5 blades!! Needless to say I only buy them when Fabricland has their 1/2 price sale.

You are so right. I don't buy anything from Canada, I live outside St. Louis Mo.

Years ago I bought a "circular sharpener" for mine. Have used it quite a bit. But have bought new blades at Harbor Freight - cost less than name brand & work just as well. I don't change like I should either....