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rotary blade sharpeners? do they work?
avatrx   Advanced Beginner IL USA Member since 12/16/05 Posts: 347	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 10/19/12 1:02 PM I've been using rotary cutters for a while now, but I seem to burn thru them fairly fast. could be because of the polyester fleece I've been cutting. they work for a short time and then they skip. doesn't matter whether or not I'm using a cutting mat like the green ones (OLFA) or my large mat with the gridlines on it. I think it's called a Megamat. I hate to buy new. Do any of the sharpeners designed for the rotary blades actually work? if so could someone recommend a brand and a good place to find one? thanks, -susie
Warbler   Advanced VT USA Member since 4/15/07 Posts: 2583	Login to reply to this post In reply to avatrx << 1 member likes this. Date: 10/19/12 1:33 PM The general consensus is the sharpeners do not work unless you get something industrial. It is cheaper to buy blades in bulk and on sale. It is also better to use a sharp blade than to milk the blade for all its worth. Yes they are expensive now, with metal prices up but it is a tool worth spending for. ------ Janome MC6600 Bernina 240 Juki MO735 Singer 201-2 Singer 221-1 Singer 15-91
CdnSkier Advanced Beginner IL USA Member since 3/18/09 Posts: 67	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 10/19/12 4:18 PM Someone else posted this in another rotary cutter thread, but thought it might be worth posting again. I don't know if I would use these for fine knits and expensive fabrics (haven't tried yet) but they work great on fleece, home dec, canvas, etc. and you can't beat the price. They fit my 45mm Olfa cutter perfectly. Harbor Freight Blades
Nancy K Advanced NY USA Member since 12/28/04 Posts: 7590	Login to reply to this post In reply to avatrx << Like this post Date: 10/19/12 6:08 PM I haven't found that they work. I buy blades on ebay where I've found the best pricing for larger amounts of blades than 5. ------ www.nancyksews.blogspot.com
Scrappy Gram Advanced NY USA Member since 12/27/03 Posts: 147	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 10/19/12 7:31 PM I bought 100 blades (45mm) on eBay for a little over $1 each. My blade sharpener was useless.
SheBear0320   Advanced MB CANADA Member since 4/8/08 Posts: 2793	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 10/19/12 7:46 PM IMHO avoid the sharpeners and find a source for good quality, reasonably priced blades in bulk. I've tried the sharpeners and they just don't give you the same sharp edge that you get on a new blade. And yes, polar fleece will dull your blades faster (same with your scissors -- I keep a pair of scissors just for fleece). ------ Sheila "sewing very slowly to fill an empty closet" 2012/2013 Stash Busting Sew-Along: 27.25 yards sewn (as of 05/15/13) 21.75 yards purchased (as of 05/15/13)
goodworks1   Advanced IL USA Member since 7/19/03 Posts: 3300	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 10/19/12 8:36 PM I've sharpened blades, especially when I was cutting 2.5" quilting squares to sell on ebay back in the late 1990s. The sharpeners work, sort of. If you are good at sharpening your own knives and scissors, you can probably get fairly good at sharpening your rotary blades. But they don't stay sharp very long. And it's always such a relief to get a brand new truly sharp blade. (And saves your wrist, shoulder and arm also!) ------ blog: goodworks1.wordpress.com
heathergwo Advanced Beginner CA USA Member since 11/14/11 Posts: 766	Login to reply to this post In reply to Nancy K << Like this post Date: 10/19/12 11:46 PM Would you mind sharing your link for buying blades??? Would love to find a good source for cheap ones ------ Brother Innovis 1250D Singer Curvy 8763 Brother 1034D Janome 385.19606 Brother 2340CV
nancy2001   Advanced AL USA Member since 12/3/05 Posts: 6124	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 10/20/12 9:46 AM Many people have been disappointed by rotary blade sharpeners. Although you can refresh the edge of the blade somewhat buy running it through several sheets of aluminum foil and then spreading a little sewing machine oil on the blade, there is no substitute for a fresh rotary blade. Harbor Freight, a chain of discount hardware stores, with over 300 stores in many parts of the US, sells regular 45mm rotary blades at less than one dollar per blade. These blades are packaged as a two pack of "carpet cutters" for $1.99. I have used Harbor Freight's blades on many projects (wool, silk, polyester, Ultra Suede) and and have found they are virtually identical in form and function to Olfa's blades. I believe they represent the best value in 45mm rotary blades. -- Edited on 10/20/12 9:52 AM -- ------ The essence of life is statistical improbability on a colossal scale. Richard Dawkins
JOshiro   Advanced Beginner MN USA Member since 5/14/05 Posts: 150	Login to reply to this post In reply to avatrx << Like this post Date: 10/20/12 11:34 AM I reviewed the TrueSharp sharpener earlier this year - link. I am pleased with it, overall, and I do recommend it.

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