Someone told me the other day that a 60mm - 2.5" Olfa cuts better than its smaller brother, the 45mm, not sure of imperial equiv, maybe 2.75".

Can this be true? I would have thought it depended only on the blade.

If my hunch is right, then why the different sizes? I understand the baby is designed for tight curves but why the TWO larger sizes?

The 60mm is great when you are cutting through lots of layers at a time. The 45mm is the most common and useful size. But if you are doing tiny pieces or lots of layers, the other two are very valuable. I use a 45mm probably 90% of the time. But it depends on what you are doing.

I wouldn't say one size cuts better than another... I really like to cut with the 60mm, especially when cutting WOF and large pieces. Sometimes it is a little too large to cut pieces that are less than 2 1/2 or 3", but it really is a personal preference. I usually use the one that I can find at the moment, 60mm or 45mm. I very rarely use the smaller 28mm.

the 45 is the most common-used the most often for a couple layers of fabric-
the 60 is good for flannels, thicker fabrics, more layers
and the small ones (28 & 18 i think-)are good for small pieces/shapes-going around curves, tight place, around templates, ect.

some people just like using the larger blade over the 45- some people hate using the large one and only do so when the project makes it necessary . the little ones are kind of project dependant- but come in handy - they are easy to go around templates with....more precise cutting- but not something you want to use for cutting yardage/large pieces

I had the 28 and gave it to a friend when she couldn't find her 45. I use my 45 all the time. I might have a 60 in the drawer somewhere but obviously don't use it. Haven't had a problem doing large or small cuts with the 45.

Mostly I like using the 60, but when I'm using the June Tailor strip cutter slotted ruler, the 45 works better. I've got a 28 too...rarely use that one.

I find that I have been using the 28mm more lately. It seems easier when cutting up to 4 layers of fabric and especially when I need to cut sitting down.
I use the 60mm when cutting batting.

Thank you ladies.

Do you know that those slotted strip cutting rulers cost well over $100 here in Australia and I can't imagine ordering it online. I think they would be so hard to pack, resulting in such a huge package but they are so cheap at QIAD.

I reckon you've answered my question on rotary cutters.

Interesting to note that Holice mostly uses her 28mm.

I found my 45mm hard to use at first but am now getting the hang of it.

Will have some pictures of my first project to show you soon.

Holice is NOT a "her".

Ah! Do we have another male quilter?

So sorry Holice, my mistake and a bad one too!

Incidentally, did you make your avatar wall hanging? Where did you get the pattern? I love it mate!

Don't know why I said that, I hate being called "mate". I won't do it again. Are you also on the QuiltGuy forum. That's a beauty - the fellows there are very clever.

I only use my 45mm cutter but then I haven't tried to do alot of small cutting either. I can see the 60mm being good for cutting stacks of material.

I use my 45 mostly, but love the 28 for trimming blocks. I don't have the 60.

To: malfrom......etc

Yes, I designed and made the avatar. It is titled Rainbow Dahlia. Uses the 6 prmary and secondary colors with 4 gradations. I have the pattern finished and now working on some instructions.

And yes, I am on QuiltGuy.......remember I suggested you sign on.....Must be something in the air down under and you are getting forgetful. lol

Hee hee :mrgreen:

Katie825 is my twin! I do things the same way. $100 for the strip cutter ruler? You need to start a local ruler manufacturing company!

Holice - we got off to a bad start.

I had made the assumption there were no other men on this board.

I have met so many lovely new "ladies" here - not being very good with names in the first place, I thought it was one of the ladies who had pointed me in the direction of QuiltGuy.

As for there being something in the air downunder - it wouldn't surprise me if there was :) I often make embarrasing mistakes! Damn, wish I wouldn't!

When you have finished with your pattern and instructions I'd love to organise to borrow/buy whatever. I love it!

Hey, on a brighter note I bet the ladies are sitting back enjoying my mistake. hehe (fraudien slip - should that have read, herher. lol)

Katie825 - $100 plus. I think they are kinda like $120+

Just as it's easier to do curves with the 28 it easier to stay on a straight line with the 60.

It's interesting -- in the USA there is no imperial equivalent for cutter blade sizes, they also go by 45mm 60mm, etc. Sneaking metricizm (I don't think that's a word, but I like it) I suspect.

:mrgreen:

Anyway, Cindy and I do nearly all our store cutting with 60mm blades, because all our cuts are WOF cuts, we're just lopping off lengths of fabric from the bolts, and the 60mm are easier to control and stay sharp a lot longer.

The only time I use a smaller blade is when I'm cutting applique pieces, then I turn to a tiny blade, 18mm I think it is, because it's easier to cut curves and do freehand work with.

I might have to give a 60mm a go - metrification is the word you were looking for :)

Thanks to everyone who chimed in on this thread - sounds like the large rotary saves time and money, since the blade lasts longer and you can cut through more layers. (although with my small amount of experience - I'm only attempting a couple of layers max)

I also find that no matter how hard I press down on the ruler (been using a 12x12" tonight) the cutter wants to push the ruler making me have to line it up again, half way through the cut - grrr frustrating.

I have them all and they all have their specific uses.

Mostly I use 45 but do have the larger and smaller one.

I love my 45" bt that is the size I feel most comfortable using I think the bigger vs smaller is personal preference a sharp blade is the most important thing to me

If you can purchase those little self stick sandpaper dots, they are helpful if you have trouble keeping your rulers from moving. They are also very cheap.

Thank you ladies - Sadiemae, reckon you can get them at your LQS? I've heard of them but haven't seen any in my travels.

We can pretty much get them anywhere here. Some of our grocery stores even have them.

Well I never! Must keep my eye out for them. Ta