I am a believer.
11-06-2012, 06:02 AM
#22
Super Member
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Central Wisconsin
Posts: 4,391
I would like to hear more about dead spots in a mat. I have two very old mats and have been wondering about whether they are the ones causing more problems than old blades. But I have not been buying cheap blades either.
11-06-2012, 06:03 AM
#23
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Thornton, Colorado
Posts: 1,023
I bought the electric TrueSharp from Amazon a few months ago. I found it is best to use the coarse stone first a couple times before using the fine stone. It does a nice job but it takes time....what I do is sharpen a few at a time, asembly line fashon. I discovered the cutting mat makes a BIG difference. Those white mats that are sold by Joann Fabrics are way too rough on the blades and actually dull them faster. Olfa and Fiskar mats are better, but I found this Big Mat at a sew expo (also available at www.seweasyproducts.com) It has an extra smooth surface with a 5-yr. warranty. The mats come in several sizes, too. My blades actually stay sharp a lot longer. Hope this helps.
11-06-2012, 06:55 AM
#25
Power Poster
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Front row
Posts: 14,646
Always sharpen a sharp blade. I sharpen my blade before it gets dull and always before I use it for a lot of cutting. I use the Grace sharpener. I will change a blade at the first sign of a skip. Usually a blade that I keep sharp will last for months of cutting.
11-06-2012, 07:02 AM
#27
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: West central Illinois
Posts: 2,919
LOL! My hubby and I just had this exact conversation last week when I changed my blade for the first time in over 6 months.
It is amazing that we will spend up to $12/yd for fabric with hardly batting an eye and then put the brakes on when it comes to replacing a rotary blade. Most of us probably live near a Joann's where they have at least a 40% off coupon weekly that we can use on a blade and if you can afford to get a five pack - much better for you than a six pack!
In fact Joanns has a 5 pack of 45 mm blades on sales this week for I believe $16.99 and it is also Military appreciation and if you have Military ID you get an additonal 20% off of regular and sale priced items!
In fact Joanns has a 5 pack of 45 mm blades on sales this week for I believe $16.99 and it is also Military appreciation and if you have Military ID you get an additonal 20% off of regular and sale priced items!
11-06-2012, 12:09 PM
#29
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Thornton, Colorado
Posts: 1,023
I've tried different sharpeners over the years with disappointing results. The electric TrueSharpener by Grace Company is the best one thus far, and I do not have any regrets this time.
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