Rotary Cutter skips.
07-06-2011, 06:25 AM
#51
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Keller, TX
Posts: 1,927
Brand new Gingher rotaty cutter....way too expensive to have problems right out of the package...skipped everytime I tried to cut...bad blade. It had a chip out of it....very frustrating. Check your blade for nick(s), also check the area between the blade and the handle where it is attached with the screw. Sometimes lint or debris gets in that area. If you take it apart, turn your blade around and put the screw back in and test it to see if it still skips.
Sorry you are having this trouble. We have all been there.
D in TX
Sorry you are having this trouble. We have all been there.
D in TX
07-06-2011, 06:57 AM
#53
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: IN
Posts: 1,153
I received a new rotary cutter in my Christmas stocking last Christmas. It was an EXPENSIVE one. I couldn't wait to use it. When I finally got a chance to use it I was so disgusted with it, I nearly returned it to the LQS that it came from. Before I did, I checked the blade that was in it when I opened it. I could not believe what a piece of garbage they put in that expensive new cutter. Changed the blade and all is well. I really believe that some rotary cutter manufacturers are putting junk blades in new cutters in order to assure that they get a blade sale too. Sign of the times I'm afraid, sigh.
07-06-2011, 06:58 AM
#54
Banned
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Colorado
Posts: 1,376
Just my humble opinion --- try holding the cutter a little higher so that the angle of the cutter to the fabric is a little more defined. Your cutter will skip if your hand is too close to the mat when you cut because it is harder to control the pressure. Be sure to apply steady, firm, consistant pressure as you cut. Rotary cutting takes a bit of practice to get used to.
07-06-2011, 06:59 AM
#55
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Springfield, Ohio
Posts: 5,446
I had this problem for a long time and finally discovered that I needed to hold the cutter a little differently. Experiment with different levels of pressure and tilt it more sharply and see if that helps.
07-06-2011, 07:22 AM
#56
Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Yakima, WA
Posts: 244
I would first put a new blade in. I just tried one of the Harbor Freight blades and am not impressed - they skipped threads right out of the package. Tried the second one in the package and it did the same thing. Also, sometimes your cutting mat can get grooves in it and that makes the blade not as effective. If you are afraid of cutting yourself, you could buy one of those special gloves you wear on the hand that holds down the ruler. I believe Fons and Porter sells one on their website. Hope this helps!
07-06-2011, 07:30 AM
#58
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: maine/washington
Posts: 1,572
Also -- how smooth (no cuts or grooves) is your mat?? a cut in the may will cause a skip.
Mim
Mim
Originally Posted by frugalfabrics
1) Not pressing hard enough/consistently.
2) Blade is dull or chipped and needs replacement.
3) Possible cutting thru too many layers of fabric...
2) Blade is dull or chipped and needs replacement.
3) Possible cutting thru too many layers of fabric...
07-06-2011, 07:34 AM
#60
Member
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 5
Saw a young man at a quilt show giving tips on cutting... he said to make sure you hold your hand straight up... that if you tilt it just the slightest to the right your cut will not be straight and you can skip... when I concentrate on holding my hand straight.. it helps... also a sharp blade is necessary... good luck.. just keep practicing..
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