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Moderated by EleanorSews
Posted on: 1/16/09 7:44 AM ET
I can't get consistent results. I'm wondering if my blade is already dull. Also, I don't seem to get a good result unless I'm cutting with a ruler or curve guide and leaning against while I cut (could be why my blade is already dull). I'd be greatful if someone could guide me toward some rotary cutter info. I'm mostly cutting t-shirt jersey. Sometimes It turns out more like I was cutting a perforated line and have all these attatchments that still need to be cut.
Thank you for your time and help.
Thank you for your time and help.
Posted on: 1/16/09 7:50 AM ET
Sounds to me like you need a new blade. You hit a pin or those rulers and you get a nick and it's over -- time for a new blade.
And when you cut, hold the cutter straight up and down. If it leans your bottom layers of fabric will be slightly larger.
I think it is best to learn to do without the rulers when possible.
And when you cut, hold the cutter straight up and down. If it leans your bottom layers of fabric will be slightly larger.
I think it is best to learn to do without the rulers when possible.
Posted on: 1/16/09 9:37 AM ET
In reply to sambient
I agree w/ Vie. Rulers and guides for me spell disaster for my blades. The fact that the blade edge is SO thin (why it's such a sharp little bugger) means that you MUST be careful not to nick it at all. It usually only takes one nick to mess is up. Also, when you are cutting the natural tendency is to apply a lot of pressure to the cutter, thinking that it will help cut. Not so. In most cases, a sharp cutter needs very little pressure - any additional, IMO, will just dull the blade more quickly.
Eve
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Eve
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People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it - Chinese proverb
Posted on: 1/16/09 9:53 AM ET
Maybe this is an obvious question, but are you cutting out on a mat?
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Now blogging at http://sewwest.blogspot.com
Posted on: 1/16/09 4:28 PM ET
Thank you for asking this!!
I bought a rotary cutter a few years ago, and have *never* gotten the hang of it. I can't seem to steer the dang thing properly, and I end up with a more jagged line than with scissors.
I was hoping there would be some tips for good results (like, maybe, get a real brand?)! Keep 'em coming!
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I bought a rotary cutter a few years ago, and have *never* gotten the hang of it. I can't seem to steer the dang thing properly, and I end up with a more jagged line than with scissors.
I was hoping there would be some tips for good results (like, maybe, get a real brand?)! Keep 'em coming!
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~Elizabeth in the prairie
More Plans than Sense
PR's Most Relentless Babbler 2024
More Plans than Sense
PR's Most Relentless Babbler 2024
Posted on: 1/16/09 10:26 PM ET
Okay, I'll ask the next question on the same thread. Are blades changeable on all brands? The cutter I'd purchased wasn't an expensive one because I wanted to see if it was something I'd like, something I'd get the hang of. While I still haven't gotten the hang of it, I definitely do like it.
Should I pitch the Fiskars and get an Olfa?
Should I pitch the Fiskars and get an Olfa?
Posted on: 1/16/09 11:35 PM ET
In reply to sambient
Olfa is better than Fiskars in MHO - they're slightly better made, a lot more ergonomic, and seem to last longer. I used to throw my Fiskars across the room routinely before I switched. But I still have problems with skipping - a BRAND NEW Olfa is skipping and it IS TOTALLY MAKING ME WILD. I've been told the problem is with the washer not the blade - if the washer is properly curved, even a nicked blade is supposed to cut properly - it has to do with the "wobble" as it cuts.
I'm not sure if the blades are interchangeable? Good question! I would think that any 28 mm blade would fit into a 28 mm slot - but maybe not?
Relevant to me as I seem to burn through rotary cutters...
-- Edited on 1/16/09 11:38 PM --
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I'm not sure if the blades are interchangeable? Good question! I would think that any 28 mm blade would fit into a 28 mm slot - but maybe not?
Relevant to me as I seem to burn through rotary cutters...
-- Edited on 1/16/09 11:38 PM --
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Suo ergo maledicto
Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary. - Steve Jobs
Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary. - Steve Jobs
Posted on: 1/17/09 7:03 AM ET
All this information is superb, thank you all. So delighted in these responses am I that I'm going to throw yet another question on the thread.
Does size matter? Is it easier to control a small rotary cutter? I've assumed the small ones are good for more detail, while the large ones will work more quickly. Does a person do best with having both options?
-- Edited on 1/17/09 7:05 AM --
Does size matter? Is it easier to control a small rotary cutter? I've assumed the small ones are good for more detail, while the large ones will work more quickly. Does a person do best with having both options?
-- Edited on 1/17/09 7:05 AM --
Posted on: 1/17/09 8:55 AM ET
I only use a 45mm. There are very few circumstances where I feel the need for anything else...mostly just the innermost corners, which I snip with my teeny scissors. With practice,maneuvering your cutters will become second nature. Having multiple sizes is a personal preference tho, I think, also depends on what you most often sew. For me, it's just one more tool I'd have to buy/find/move out of the way/etc.
Eve
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Eve
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People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it - Chinese proverb
Posted on: 1/17/09 10:40 AM ET
I usually use a 45 mm but I sometimes use a smaller one for very tiny stuff like doll clothes. You might try the smaller for accuracy issues. It might help.
I have Olfa and Fiskers and use whichever I grab. The blades are interchangeable. I like the new Fiskers blades in the blue package with flowers. It seems like they last longer. But it could just be the recent luck of the draw.
I change blades often. It's expensive, I know, but it makes a big difference -- or at least it seems to.
Watch your fingers!
I have Olfa and Fiskers and use whichever I grab. The blades are interchangeable. I like the new Fiskers blades in the blue package with flowers. It seems like they last longer. But it could just be the recent luck of the draw.
I change blades often. It's expensive, I know, but it makes a big difference -- or at least it seems to.
Watch your fingers!
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