slidelock ruler question
 

I came across this ruler in the Nancys Notions catalog and it looks amazing. I was wondering if anyone had purchased it, and if so, how do you like it. I am seriously considering ordering one. Here is the demo video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYOoRetnlfM

I have one and I love it! It seems to be the only way I can cut a straight line:D;)

I bought two recently, both the long and the 14" one. LOVE the 14" one, it's all I use.

In the past, I've tried the Gypsy Gripper, but did not care for them at all and gave them away. I've noticed that the LQS no longer uses them, either.

This truly is a product that works as it is demonstrated. I'm cutting strips and squares using this and a rotary cuttern now rather than getting my Accuquilt out. I've cut as many as 8 layers with NO moving.

If your mat is not extremely accurate, you do have to use in conjunction with an acrylic ruler. I have a Martelli mat, so know that the lines on it are as accurate as on my rulers. As a result, I usually do not use the ruler when using the Slide Lock.

There is a group buy group on Yahoo called JOSews; that is where I purchased mine. I believe the moderator might be doing another Slide Lock purchase soon.

How does this work to keep the fabric from moving?

The acrylic - which is much thicker than an acrylic ruler - has several holes down the center of it. When you press on the wood handle/bar, it causes a row of ?? silicone, maybe ?? balls to press down evenly through the acrylic onto the fabric. Much more grip than the grip dots that can be placed on rulers. But when you aren't pressing on the handle, the balls are raised, so the ruler slides across fabric until you press down again.

If you watch the video, the easiest place to see these is at about 5 minutes. If you go to their web site, you can kind of see them here http://quiltersslidelock.com/buy/

After a trip to the ER because of a rotary cut, I bought the Slidelock. I will not use a rotary cutter without a safety tool and the Slidelock is the best I've found. I could have bought every member of my guild a Slidelock for less then my cost after insurance. I have two of each size. No one would use a metal grinder without safety glasses so why use a rotary cutter without a safety tool.

I agree as I cut the end of my index off with rotary and I don't like the klutz glove so will probably try this one. Thanks for the info!

I have both sizes and love them!! I use the longest one for wof cuts. A really great tool!

I do not have one but this is a great idea. I just looked on the slidelock website and they now have some that are lighted. That would be great for my Mom since she has vision trouble. Think I might have to get us these. Thanks!

I have the shorter Slidelock ruler and love it. I'll have to check out those new ones with lights---I didn't know about that. Although I have a rotary cutter with a built in battery operated led light, and it's great, too!

I think they are not actual lights, but some kind of special edge that reflects light and appears to be lit.

Peaceandjoy,
Please would you give me the link for the JOSews group I have searched on Yahoo and cannot find the group to join.
Thanks a lot.
Jenny

Jenny,
Contact Brenda Hare at [email protected]. She is Sara's moderator for the slidelock buy. You need references to join. Brenda help.

I just joined the JOSews group and signed up to get the clear Slidelock but now I'm wondering if I should change my order to one with the lighted edge. For those of you who have one of the lighted ones, do you feel it's worth the extra money? I think the group buy is going to be open about 10 days more.

Can't help---I have the original.

The lighted edge ruler is wonderful. I bought mine at a quilt show, where it was being demonstrated. I love it, and have never regretted the purchase.

Well with all of the reviews - guess this will be your next purchase!

I have the slidelock and love it - however, I have arthritis in both thumbs, and I can't cut with it for very long -it hurts my left hand because you have to press down very firmly on the top piece so it holds in place. Just a little thought.

I have the "lighted edge" one, but it isn't really lit. Kind of a bright greenish color acrylic, so reflects ambient lighting. I do love the 14" one.

When cutting strips, I usually fold fabric in half twice - selvedge to selvedge and then fold that again. That means that the longer one, which I also bought, doesn't really get much use. Were I purchasing again, I'd get only the shorter one. However, having made this comment a couple of other places, many people said that the longer one is their favorite. I guess basically, you need to think about the cuts you generally make.

One other thing - the acrylic on the Slide Lock, regardless of the size length you get - is 3 1/2 inches wide. So that's been really nice when cutting for Celtic Solstice as it took so many 3 1/2" strips that were then subcut.

thanks everyone for your opinion. I have decided to order the lighted one. Excited to get it

feffertim (and others) please let us know how you like it. Please keep the replies coming as I'm still on the fence wondering if I should just get some of those true grips circular stick on pads to help me keep my 24" ruler straight. I think I'd use a 24" ruler a lot more if I could just keep it straight. Plus the idea of such a thick acrylic ruler, sounds like I wouldn't have to worry that I'd break it.

I ordered one from Nancy's Notions and got it today. Just used a little bit, but think I am going to love it. Prompt service from Nancy's notions, too.

Jenf, I just posted an update recently and there are many many replies saying how much they love this ruler, as do I. http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...t-t239186.html Check out this post.

I have a question, is it any cheaper in a group buy?

Feffertim, when Fayberry responded so quickly, and I already had it in my NN online basket, plus no tax and a free ship coupon, I took the plunge and ordered. Thanks for the other thread link because although I searched on slidelock here, I somehow missed that thread. I too wait with anticipation and plan to repost after I get mine. I'm excited and hopeful about many things about it besides the fact that I'm dreaming of accurately cut strips from one end to the next and the speed and confidence in cutting I hope to gain.

Here are the additional hopes I have for the 24" yellow version I just ordered: 1) safety (I'm sure it can happen easier than one would think, and I know I wouldn't take the time to put on special gloves). 2) the thickness. I'm predicting that it will be thick enough that if I put it down in an odd way, say lean it against the wall, it will have enough strength that I won't even think about it breaking. Also that it won't sliver on the edges, like my all time favorite "use for everything" "Guidelines for Quilters rulers" set are doing (I love them and they are 12" long so I still plan to use them for shorter cuts). and 3) the process of keeping it always at my left sounds so darn sensible (in my case since I'm a strong right hander) so I'll measure and cut with my right, which is how I think, from left to right. It should solve a pet peeve I have: you see I always cut that first sliver off with my ruler at the left and then have to flip everything around so I could continue; so I have to carefully line the fabric up all over again, so annoying, lol!

Please confirm if I'm on the right track with all these hopes?

Can anyone possible help me with a free shipping code for Nancy's notions. Thanks!! :)

I got rid of my catalog already, but you should google Nancy's Notions coupon or Nancy's Notions free ship and you'll probably find one.

We were just discussing this exact same thing under the heading of "best invention yet"!!! I also ordered one and am waiting for it to arrive!

It isn't exactly lighted - not like a battery operated light would be. It is made with this color that does make it easy to see. I LOVE LOVE my slidelocs. I have both sizes and they are the lighted ones - this I like also. It's worth the extra $.

I don't know what NN charges, but the group buy saved us some money.

Yes, you are right on all counts. No more flipping the fabric around after cutting a straight edge, so no more chance of the edges slipping when you move them. The ruler is thick, so it will not distort at all, it would be almost impossible to slip and cut yourself because your hand is way out of the way, so it is safer, faster, completely accurate, and a perfect tool. Love mine, enjoy yours

Hi again! Just an update that my slidelock 24" yellow version has arrived and I'm liking it very much! Its doing everything I'd hoped and improving my cutting confidence so I'm working faster.
--Jen

UPDATE: I'm writing in to make a correction to my post above as I DON'T recommend the slidelock. I was working with flannel when I first purchased it and not doing much cutting so I only tested it once or twice on the flannel. Now I've tried it with regular fabric and it slid. I work at countertop height and I held the slidelock down as hard as I could (I don't mind pressing hard), but it did NOT work. I think the only reason it worked well the first time is due to the flannel fabric. I'm very disappointed with it. Really need something that works.

I don't understand why you are having a problem. If you hold down on the handle and the little plastic balls come down in contact with the fabric, there is no way the fabric can slip. Make sure the little balls underneath are coming in contact with the fabric, maybe you did not place it correctly

Got it recently and LOVE it!

I have both sizes and love them. I wish they came in a smaller size like 8" to use for trimming up blocks.

So happy to hear I can buy the SlideLock from Nancy's Notions. I was going to but it directly from the website, but they only take PayPal, and I absolutely refuse to deal with PayPal ever again. I thought that was the only place to get one, so I'd resigned myself to not getting one. Now that I know Nancy's has them, I'll be ordering one tonight. Yaaay!