Rotary Cutter Size
 

So I have a 45 mm rotary cutter and I'm finding that it doesn't cut through all the layers well. It is a new blade so I figure either I'm doing something wrong or maybe a 60 mm size cutter will be better. Any Opinions?

How many layers are you trying to cut? Is it a name brand blade? Has it worked in the past? More details would help. They say a 45 mm is good for up to 4 layers of fabric and over that you should go with a 60 mm.

What kind of condition is your cutting mat in? I have always used the Olfa mats but last summer I came across a very large Gingher cutting mat still in the original package and it was such a steal, I bought it. I can't stand it! It doesn't self heal as well as my Olfas and I wish I had saved my money and added some to it and bought a larger Olfa . Not my most costly mistake but definately one of my more frustrating ones.

Is the blade inserted correctly? How many layers are you trying to go through? By adjusting these it should make a difference. 45mm is good for about 4 layers. If you are attempting more go to a 60mm.

Do you by chance have 2 blades stuck together? I've personally yet to make that mistake but I've read of others who have and have had issues with cutting.

It is a brand new olfa rotary cutter and anything over 4 layers tends to have a problem. I'm using beba's cutting mat but I have the same problem on my olfa one...

I agree:
- how old is the blade?
- is your blade a knock off brand or ?
- are you using only 1 blade?
- what condition is your mat in?
- how many layers are you trying to cut?

Personally, I can only cut 2 layers at a time. But, that's me. My favorite mat is the Martelli brand. It has lasted the longest and I think the blades last longer with it too.

If I'm using a new blade on my 45mm cutter I can do as many layers as I want if it is a fairly short cut (ie a stack of squares to be cut in half). For width of fabric (folded in half) cuts, I can easily do 4 layers until the blade gets a nick, then it becomes a challenge.

it is generally recommended that you cut 2 layers at a time- more layers you invite un-even cuts
I have many cutters with a variety of blade sizes (18mm, 27mm, 45mm & 60mm) i generally only use my 60mm if i am cutting thick/heavy fleece/minkie, heavy layers of flannel, denim, corduroy, squaring a thick/lofty quilted quilt.
some people use their 60 for regular cottons- but it is generally easier to use the 45.

I still usually only cut one or two layers at a time.

Why? Because if I goof, I mess up less fabric at a time.

It's also easier for me to make sure that the grain lines are going the way I want them when I can see each layer.