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Member since 3/28/08
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Posted on: 7/7/08 4:31 PM ET
I got myself one because everybody has been raving about them (hooray for peer pressure) but I'm not sold. I don't know if it's my technique or my cutting surface.

- does using the correct cutting surface make a difference? (Right now I'm just using an old kitchen table whose surface I don't care about)
- how hard should you press? I always seem to have gaps where it doesn't cut at all.
- with normal use, how long should they stay sharp? I'm thinking cutting out a half dozen four-inch squares shouldn't make it unusable.
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Tricia
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The advantage of being a beginner is, nobody has told you "That can't be done." This is also the disadvantage of being a beginner.
  
Member since 11/26/06
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Posted on: 7/7/08 4:47 PM ET
In reply to tr1c14
I really think you need to start w/ a proper cutting surface. It's like using a culinary knife on the wrong surface...they dull much quicker, plus your surface won't be smooth for long which will definitely add to the skipping. Also, depending on the surface of your table, those grooves can snag your fabric down the road. Joann's sells a large cutting mat for about $60 (not the Olfa). It's not self-healing, but I've had mine for over a year and it's doing just fine...and the price is right, esp. with a coupon!

I find that sometimes the harder I press, the worse the cut w/ mine. A good, sharp blade should require minimal pressure on light-med weight fabrics.

A word of caution...that blade edge is soo thin that pretty much any time you hit a pin (or something else you shouldn't) you will nick your blade and it will begin to skip.

One other tip...I find that applying pressure from directly above the blade - as opposed to "pushing" the cutter from behind - gives me the best cut and my fabric shifts the least.

HTH!!
Eve
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People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it - Chinese proverb
  
Member since 1/12/06
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Posted on: 7/7/08 5:52 PM ET
I have to admit i have one and a self healing mat but i don't use it much.mainly for cutting bias strips but like you i'm not happy with the cutting.
i prefer to use my henkel scissors:)
  
Member since 7/19/03
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Posted on: 7/7/08 6:54 PM ET
Gaps are due to a dull blade.

The dull blade comes from the table top - instant dulling...

Not very much pressure is needed IF you have a sharp blade and a cutting mat. If the blade's dull, increased pressure will just dull the blade faster on that table...

You do really need a good mat. And yes, I'd say it's worth it, especially if you have any problems with your hands using a scissors for extended periods of time.

On the other hand, when I'm not home I use the Fiskars scissors/shears that has the spring opening mechanism and that works pretty well. But I do lose the advantage of the gridded surface for layout.


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blog: goodworks1.wordpress.com
  
Member since 3/28/08
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Posted on: 7/7/08 6:58 PM ET
Thanks, that does help a lot. Especially the bit about the thin edges, because I have nicked a few hard things (pins, ruler) and that can't be helping.
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Tricia
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The advantage of being a beginner is, nobody has told you "That can't be done." This is also the disadvantage of being a beginner.
  
Member since 9/29/02
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Posted on: 7/7/08 7:14 PM ET
Do get a cutting mat and practice a bit. I use mine all the time for cutting out garments as I am more accurate with the rotary cutter than with my scissors! I do miss the snick-snick of scissors though.
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Patti

R-r-r-ripping my way to fitting success
  
Member since 8/26/05
Posts: 1249
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Posted on: 7/8/08 9:16 AM ET
I just bought one of those mats at joann's to go on my folding cutting table, and I love it! I've never successfully used a rotary cutter before. I always had skips that I had to go back and cut with scissors. This weekend I got a new blade for my cutter, which as the seam guide attachment. I was able to cut out 4 patterns in the same amount of time I usually cut one. It was like slicing through butter with a hot knife. what a joy! I love BWOF patterns, and now I do not have to go through all the bother of adding seam allowances. Just lay on the fabric and cut! WOW
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Deb: www.thinkingcouture.blogspot.com
  
Member since 3/4/02
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Posted on: 7/8/08 10:09 AM ET
a mat is a must have. I saves your blade. Buy the biggest mat you have room for/can afford. It makes a difference. I've been cutting all of my garments on mats with rotary cutters for nearly 15 years and would never go back to the other way ;)
  
Member since 10/29/03
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Posted on: 7/8/08 12:58 PM ET
How long on average (about how many garments) does a blade last before it needs to be changed?
And has anyone tried sharpening their blades to reuse them?

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Beverly
  
Member since 6/14/06
Posts: 557
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Posted on: 7/8/08 3:42 PM ET
In reply to BJ1400
Quote: BJ1400
And has anyone tried sharpening their blades to reuse them?

I bought a sharpener and it does extend the blade life somewhat. One of the challenges is that, unlike a knife sharpener, you have to try to apply even pressure yourself. And you have to try to sharpen both sides of the blade evenly.

I finally used a Sharpie to draw a line on the sharpener. Now, the first time I sharpen a blade, a draw a line on each side of the blade. I put it in the sharpener, align the marks, and count how many times I turn the blade in the sharpener. Then I flip the blade over and do the same with the other side.

If you do sharpen a blade, I wouldn't try to use it on some really delicate fabric as it's not as sharp as a new one.

You might also look for blades on eBay. For my 45 mm cutter, I see blades in the store for several dollars each, but I've found them on eBay for as little as a dollar apiece.
  
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