I agree with everyone, we have to remember that our bodies are aging and we cannot do everything that we did years ago. Even though I tell everyone that there is nothing that I cannot do today that I did when I was 18 or 20, that is in my head ( dreams) I will be 73 this summer, the body just doesn't work today like it did years ago.

I have the Fiskars you are talking about. I love it, but still several hours might be a little over the top. If you do something today using different muscles, the others can relax.

I have to add that I mostly sit down when I am cutting. This could make a difference as well.

themadpatter, are you a right-handed cutter? If so, there is a lot of pressure on the left ring and little finger holding the ruler in place. Do you have something on your ruler to make it non-slip (I use the Guidelines 4 Quilting gripper strips)? If you non-slip your rulers, you will not have to press so hard to keep them in place.

I have damaged joints from RA and can no longer use a regular rotary cutter because of the pressure it puts on the right index finger. The Martelli cutter is much less stressful on the hands.

take frequent breaks and I'm going to also recommend a die cutter, it's helping me so much! I have some various ortho issues and rotary cutting is next to impossible. A die cutter (I have a Sizzix Big Shot Plus but there are lots of brands) has been life changing! Well worth the price not to be in pain. I have a 2.5inch strip die and I've been having so much fun with it, making binding and strip quilts and teeny squares and diamonds...

How do the strip cutters work? Are they open at both ends? I have one of those big red sizzix machines around here somewhere.

yes it's open at both ends and 25" long. works great!

https://www.amazon.com/Sizzix-Bigz-D...zzix+strip+die

Themadpatter: First of all, you are not getting old. I should know, I am 62 also and not getting old! :D:D

My advice, don't cut for extended period of time. I know, doesn't help much with your hurt now, but remember for next time. So sorry you are hurting, no fun at all. Sometimes applying ice to where it hurts can help. Ice for the first 24 hours or so (only keep ice on for 20 minutes at a time), then heat for the next couple of days (also only 20 minutes at a time).

Good luck! Hope you heal quickly.

I will be 73 soon. I can cut and trim for about 4-5 hours. I use my June Taylor strip cutter and rotary cutter. I stand straight and move my fingers around, take short breaks. My cutting table is perfect height for me. Makes a big difference, I don't have to lean to cut.

I suggest to you -- and remind myself! -- that an arthritis strength Tylenol or Aleve after cutting is always a good thing.

I recently did the same thing working on a log cabin quilt. After not having done almost any cutting/piecing/quilting for months, I spent 4 hours cutting, sewing, pressing, log after log and woke in the middle of the night in such hand pain I had to get out of bed and take meds. If I had done that just after, or even before I began sewing, it likely would have been a better story.

Got to remember that for next time!

Jan in VA

I had the same issues when cutting so long and had " Santa" get me an Accuquilt Go Big (the electric one) 3 years ago--I've had one shoulder surgery and no, thanks! to more. I was having some numbness and ache in my hand and elbow & orthopedist said repetitive motion and we talked about what to do. first is to set up table at correct height--stand straight and bend elbow and workspace should be where your hands are. Then he had me to through the motion--hold your cutter so you are pushing forward, not down (means a sharp blade needed). Like everyone else was saying, doc said to not do same thing for hours on end!, take a rest, have a fatigue mat under you so feet, legs, back gets some relief. and yes to an Aleve right afterward. A friend also showed me how to hold the ruler so you have a finger or two of the hand holding it 'off' the edge so the ruler is bracing against your finger--don't have to press down as much.