Rotary Cutters Help
 

I have Arthritis in my right hand and find it painful to use my rotary cutter, some where I saw a rotary cutter which was developed for people with hands like mine. Has any one any knowledge of this cutter Any help would be great
Thanks in advance

Dale.

http://quiltbug.com/notions/martelli.htm
this is what I found on the internet search
Do not know anything about it though

The Martelli rotary cutter is ergonomically more correct and therefore puts much less stress on the hand and wrist. I have one and I have to agree it's easier on the hand and wrist. However, it does take some time to adapt to the different hand position. I also (if I am remembering correctly) found it difficult to use with the June Taylor Shape Cut mat for cutting strips.

Aside from the Martelli rotary cutter, you might want to consider investing in an Accuquilt Go! or Accuquilt Studio die cutter. Lots of people with arthritis find those machines easier to use. The downside is the dollar-cost.

Edit: Here is a link to the rotary cutter portion of the Martelli website:
http://www.martellicatalog.com/mm5/m...tegory_Code=RC
They also have quite a few videos on Youtube. Here is a link to their Youtube video about the cutter:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJRQGFYoO2Q

Note that their cutters come in a right-hand and left-hand version. You need to order the correct one for your handedness.

Thank you,Becky B and Prism 99 for your instant replies, yes that looks like the cutter I saw, I doubt if I could buy that in New Zealand, but will see if the MSQC has them, I could combine the cutter with a daily deal vbg
Dale

Do the Marttli cutters take the Olfa blades?
Thank you
Dale

http://www.fabric.com/notions-patter...nd-blades.aspx
this says no but I do not know for sure

About the Martelli rotary cutter:
- you need to have intact right [or left if you are a lefty, or have become one due to arthritis] index finger because in using the ruler you need that index finger pressure. OK, sometimes you can use the third finger, but those joints need to be intact also.
- since Martelli blades fit the Olfas I expec the Olfa blades would fit the Martelli. However, many friends do report that the Martelli blades do last longer .... esp in combo with a Martelli mat.

With arthritis in your hands, expect things to change as you go. I started with a Fiskars, changed to a Martelli, then am now back at Olfa - the one with the retractable blade when you don't use it ... sorta a pistol grip, if you will. Adaptation to what fits you is the key. TYry friends' cutters before you buy if you can.

I also now use my Alto's QuiltCut2 more consistently as holding rulers hurts. The Alto's only requires one pressure point to hold the cutting edge in place and even that doesn't require as much pressure as most rulers. Some rotary rulers work better for me. Again, try different ones before you buy.

With arthritis it is better if you can also adapt the height of your cutting table. This will help you preserve function longer.

The type sewing machine you use may change. I went straight to Pfaff due to the dual feed technology so I don't have to work to hold my fabric like I used to.

I also have what was called a Third Hand - for cutting templates - not the third hand for hand work. It had a revolving base and an overhead central clamp to hold a template while I cut around the template, revolving the base as I cut. I'll try to find out if such a thing is made anymore.

I use the Martelli rotary cutter which is ergonomically made to hold in you hand more easily.

You might also look into the Comfort Cutter from True Cut.

I would suggest an Omnigrid 45 mm rotary cutter. The handle is thicker . There is no left or right. Your thumb is the potion which controls the blade.