I am wondering how often do all of you change your rotary blades?


Jeanette

Because they are SO spendy, I don't change mine very often, I flip them when it gets hard to cut with and that makes it last a little longer...... I got a package of five for Christmas and changed it then and just changed it again last week, normally I would probably go 4 to 6 mos without changing it.... but I cut four large quilt tops out with that one blade so it went fast!

I have saved all my old blades in hopes of buying a blade sharpener some day!

I change my blades when it does not cut all the way thru my strip of fabric. Sometimes they last a very long time and then again, they only last a short time. However one thing that helps them to last longer is a good board. I treat myself to a new cutting board every year. What a difference that makes. Because if you board has been used a lot and has grooves in it or dried out a little it will dull you blade. Marge

I too only change out my blades when they are not making a clean cut cosistantly. I will too at that time clean my rotary and then add a couple of drops of oil on the new blade. Sometimes I will do the cleaning and oiling on a used blade if it seems to slow down or have a bit of a pull to it. Usually a lint build up-even in the cutter:)). I agree that sometimes they seem to last a bit while others might not. Could be the differences in fabric you use. I always keep the refil ready in my sewing drawer-just in case:)). Skeat

Ladies, do save those rotary cutter blades and then recycle them. Do not throw them in the trash as they do not belong in a landfill.

Here is a place you can send your blades on Exchange: No return postage is charged.

http://www.houseofhanson.com/lpsharp.html

He does not sharpen your blades for you, but will take your blades in exchange for a better price on blades. He does sell resharpened blades if you are interested.

Then here is a place that runs sales on the blades at a very reasonable price. I have bought these as well, but you will pay postage here.:

http://jhittlesewing.funoverload.com/sewing/specials/new_items.html

scroll way down to this point for the 45 mm blades. You will pass the 60mm blades on the way down.

Replacement
45mm Generic Rotary Cutter Blades

They work as well as any brand name blade.

One other note, if you are cutting grooves in your mat, then you are using your blades too long. You will be spending more money to replace the mat. I don't like dull blades, so find that spending the money to buy them in bulk makes sense. I have plenty of blades and will put in a new one rather than damage my mat.

CHECK IT OUT.

Thanks for the site. Good info to know.

Sondra

I change my blade every second or sometimes third project. If I am doing a big project with lots of cutting, I change it before starting the next project. I found a place on Ebay that has replacement name brand blades cheap so I buy them in bulk. I also get my sewing machine needles in bulk because I change them every project.

Has anyone used Cutter Glide a product advertised to treat blades, scissors and even needles to make then glide easier and stay sharp longer?? Have found it on the internet but no quilt shop I have checked stocks it yet.

good question crh! I've never heard of that myself:0). I have seen the sharpener you can put your blades in to sharpen at keepsake quilting. Has anyone tried that??Skeat

hmmm.....i've never needed to buy a new mat. When i cut fabric, little bits of lint get stuck in the grooves, this is normal. I sweep it off with my hand. And every once in awhile, i run the mat under water. These mats are self healing, and when cleaned, with water, they should look brand new. I have a blade sharpener paid 20 dollars for, works great, i dont buy blades or mats.