Rotary Tools
 

Hello Everyone! I’ve always used the 60mm rotary cutter. I recently opened and started using my 45mm cutter that I purchased years ago. I have carpal tunnel and arthritis in my fingers. I was speaking with a lady recently that was using a 28mm and said it’s the only one she can use due to her arthritis.

If you use a rotary cutter, which size do you use and why?

How long should my rotary blades last? I find that my 60mm blades only last for one quilt cutting…is that normal or do I need to check the quality I’m buying?

I use the 45mm as it works the best for me. I don’t enjoy using the smaller one, especially if I want to cut more than 2 layers at a time.
What type of cutting mat do you use? Maybe that is affecting how long your blades are lasting?

With the health issues you have, I would suggest trying the Martelli cutter. There is a learning curve, but it’s much easier on the wrist and fingers since it’s designed to be ergonomic. You have to select 45mm or 60mm, and right or left handed. I strongly suspect you will see a drastic difference.

I use the 45. I have a 60 and a 28. My friend always used a 28 and she gave up quilting and gave me her cutter and blades. I tried it and settled on the 45. I don't have any issues that preclude it.

Hi Thimblebug6000. I use the Calibrae Art self-healing matt. Do you know of a better one?

45 mm works well for me. Grace Frame company sells a "Comfort Cutter" that looks like the Martelli. It comes in 28, 45 and 60 mm. I haven't used one, so can't advise on whether it is more comfortable than a regular cutter.

I use the Quilter's Select mat and Quilter's Select rotary cutter. 45m. The mat has a thin layer of memory foam that makes cutting very smooth. The rotary cutter is weighted so not much pressure is needed to push down to cut. I have used about every brand of cutter on the market over the years and for my hands now this one is best for me. If your mat is old, it's done for. May look okay but it is dried out and deteriorated. Lots of good ones to choose from that are made for rotary blades and not art tools.

One odd thing about mats. At a sew day we had a mat on a big wood table. Not one rotary cutter would cut fabric, We all tried. We moved the mat to a different table and no problem cutting at all. We never figured that out.

that happened to us when we quilted at our local quilt shop. Turns out the table we used to cut had a slight "bow" in it and moving the mat to a different table fixed it

I have used all three sizes. I find the 28mm one perfect for cutting curves. I felt the 60 mm blades wore out faster, especially if I was cutting multiple layers I usually use my Olfa 45 mm--the yellow one that you have to compress the handle for the blade to come down. It is the safest I have ever used. I have also tried the Martelli and, while I liked the comfort, changing the blade was a total pain in the you-know-where.

My favorite cutter is my Famore. It's a 45mm and I wish they made a 60mm. The blades cut so quick and smooth. I love that cutter.