Rotary cutter has me stumped
 

At the Houston Festival I picked up this Sew Easy rotary cutter. I can't figure out how to keep the blade open and put pressure down to cut.

https://www.sewingandcraftclub.com/i...TOKEN=29079050

Any suggestions?

press the little blue button on the side. it locks the blade open or closed

What Pagzz said. Mine is a different brand but operates on the same principal.

Did it come without instructions? You'd think there would be something on the packaging... ;)

The link you provided has a demo video on that page. She explains the button.

Thanks I didn't see the video, but it really doesn't help.

I am having a very hard time holding the button to expose the blade when I cut. I can't get it held open AND put enough pressure down on the blade with my forefinger.

It doesn't look like she is pressing the button with her forefinger when she cuts. However, it looks like she is holding the cutter in a more vertical position than other cutters.
Very curious about this one. Looks like my old favorite KAI cutter from the 90's that they don't make any more. The screw that held the blade on was plastic and it wore out.

Sherri, maybe you don't need to hold the blue button while you cut. I'm guessing if you push it in hard enough it will stay and the blade will stay open until you release the blue button. It just doesn't make sense to me that you'd be required to hold that in while cutting.

You do not need to hold the button, simply place the blade, push forward, the guard moves on its own to cut then closes automatically when you lift the cutter. There is a safety lock so make sure you haven't locked it so it isn't opening for you.

I am having problems with the smaller Clover cutter. Ready to call them because it acts like the blade is dull. Had to have a man undo the screw replacing the blade and it still cuts the same way. So frustrating but I have others I can use. Just might buy another 28mm if JAF has them on sale.

Thank you! That is what I was missing. I thought this was like my Olfa ergonomic rotary cutter.

You could be pushing too hard. How many layers are you cutting. You should never have to add much pressure and you should be able to in a relaxed fashion, easily glide the wheel to cut with it. If it's popping back in, it wasn't locking in the out position. First make sure you are locking it. Still having problems take it to your local fabric/quilt shop. They're always ready to help.

it automatically opens when you cut. You don't have to push/press anything

I don't think I'd be spending too much time on a rotary cutter, if I had to ask so many questions. Too much material to cut, so little time! I'd go to the store and purchase one I could use right away.

I bought one of these because I like the idea of it standing up. However, after I received it, I realized I couldn't use it, since I was left handed. Unlike the Olfa and some of the others, the blade cannot change sides.

Looks like you would hold the little blue button in while you cut. I have one similar to that.

The screw should not be so tight "a man" has to undo it! The blade should glide. I love the 28mm, although I learned to quilt with the 45mm-- it was the only one out there.


45mm--it was the only one available.

PaperPrincess: Was your Kai cutter like this? http://www.joann.com/omnigrid-pressu...m/7124597.html

Kai makes them for Omnigrid now. I found a Kai cutter in our guild cupboard last year, and fell in love with its guard that moved away when I cut (great for paper piecing!) It took some hunting, but I finally found them being sold as Omnigrid.

No idea! but that is a beautiful quilt in you avatar. What is the pattern?????

Thank you - this was a Jenny Beyer kit called Moonglow.