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Rotary Cutter Blades dull after one cutting
kcstarr49 Beginner MO USA Member since 10/7/08 Posts: 116	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 7/11/09 1:33 PM So I recently purchased a rotary cutter and mat, at the suggestion of my sewing instructor, since I can't seem to cut a straight line. I enjoy using the rotary cutter as it seems to be a bit more efficient. I am concerned though, because I recently used it for the first time and cut out four pattern pieces and by the end, the blade was very dull. Is this to be expected? If so, this efficiency created by the rotary cutter, can also turn out to be very expensive.
sewsally   Intermediate WA USA Member since 8/18/02 Posts: 1200	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 7/11/09 1:51 PM This is very unusual. I use mine for years. What kind of fabric did you cut?
kcstarr49 Beginner MO USA Member since 10/7/08 Posts: 116	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 7/11/09 1:54 PM I cut out the pieces for B5191 (skirt, pants, halter top, and sash) in a knit fabric. After cutting out these pieces, the blade is very dull.
Michelle L   Intermediate MO USA Member since 1/20/08 Posts: 1293	Login to reply to this post In reply to kcstarr49 Like this post Date: 7/11/09 1:56 PM What did you cut on? Did you use a mat? My nephew dulled mine by cutting directly on a plastic table. ------ Michelle http://cheapandpicky.blogspot.com/
Liana Advanced NE USA Member since 8/31/03 Posts: 888	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 7/11/09 2:45 PM If your knit was nylon, that might be it. Nylon will dull scissors, pins, needles, and rotary blades very quickly. ------ Liana http://sewintriguing.blogspot.com/ http://artisanssquare.com/sg/ http://www.pbase.com/lianasews
kcstarr49 Beginner MO USA Member since 10/7/08 Posts: 116	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 7/13/09 6:15 PM Hi Michelle - I did use a mat. Not sure why the blade got dull so quickly. I will just chalk it up to a wacky first time experience.
Kaitlinnegan Intermediate WI USA Member since 8/13/06 Posts: 602	Login to reply to this post In reply to kcstarr49 Like this post Date: 7/13/09 6:50 PM What type of mat is it? I know Joann's sells one that is just a sheet of plastic - I haven't used it, but it seems like it would dull a blade quickly. The self-healing mats seem to work well - Fiskars, Olfa, whatever. I have noticed that Olfa rotary blades seem to last quite a bit longer than Fiskars.
ukdame Intermediate FL USA Member since 8/1/08 Posts: 1820	Login to reply to this post In reply to kcstarr49 Like this post Date: 7/13/09 10:12 PM Quote: kcstarr49 Hi Michelle - I did use a mat. Not sure why the blade got dull so quickly. I will just chalk it up to a wacky first time experience. I am on number 6 or 7 blade in the last year, however I do sew a LOT and cut about once a week or more. Fleece will dull your blade faster than most fabric per my dealer ( guess who chose fleece as her first project ) I also think cutting batting w/it dulls it also. I use my large scissors to " uncatch " threads not cut on my rotary cutter line. I also do a better cutting job w/rotary for some reason. Wish they could be re-sharpened. ------ It is common sense to take a method and try it. If it fails, admit it frankly and try another. But above all, try something. ~ Franklin D Roosevelt 1843 Janome 19606 ,Janome My Excel 4023, Brother 1034D, White 1750C, Kenmore 158.1803, White 764, Brother 780D.
dscheidt Member since 6/8/09 Posts: 250	Login to reply to this post In reply to ukdame Like this post Date: 7/13/09 11:51 PM Quote: ukdame [quote] Wish they could be re-sharpened. Who says they can't? I use a jig and drill press to do them, which might beyond most sewers, but there are any number of commercial services that sharpen them. There are also a couple gadgets to sharpen them. The one from Prym-dritz doesn't work; there's a newer one that I don't know anything about, but there's no reason it shouldn't work. Rotary blades are flat beveled, and they're all at the same bevel, so building tooling to hold them in position is easy.
minggiddylooloo   Intermediate VA USA Member since 5/17/05 Posts: 1794	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 7/15/09 10:39 PM If you're looking to get replacement blades, look to eBay. I got a bunch (12 packs of 5 blades/pack) of 45mm Olfa blades for $40 w/ out shipping. ------ I'm finally a blogger! sewming.blogspot.com

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