Rotary Cutters

[Fabriclovr]

If you are really pressing down on your rotary cutter to get the blade to cut, you need a new blade. It does not take that much force to cut up to 6 layers of fabric. If you cut any more than that, you run the risk of the cut being not accurate, damaging your cutting mat, breaking your blades or slipping and cutting your fingers! OUCH

60 mm blades are just to big (in my opinion) so I stick with the 45 mm blades. I started with a Fiskers cutter and quickly sent it to the drawer for life, bought an Olfa, then all sizes of the Olfa cutter and then went to the Ginger rotary cutter and have not looked back. I occasionally pull out my Olfa's when I need to do the tight templates that need the 18 and 27mm blade but generally stick with my Ginger.

Yes, the little thing that looks like a warped washer is the spring that keeps everything together, don't loose it and don't forget the way it goes on, get it backwards and your blades will not turn in the cutter as they should. My Ginger on the other hand, has one nut, inside that nut are 3 magnets that pickup and hold the blade for replacement and then ride on the blade to keep it in place.

You can get a Fiskers cutter at Walmart for less than 10 dollars and Olfa at a local chain store for anywhere from 10 to 25 dollars depending on the size, the Gingher was $70.

As for blades, I stick with Olfa blades. I have tried them all and come back to Olfa, even the Gingher blades are dull compared to the Olfa blades. You can get a package of blades anywhere from 35 to 45 dollars for 5.. little expensive, but if you do a lot of cutting, they are well worth it.

I use a Q cutting mat for all my cutting http://www.sewingemporium.com/ I have used it for over 10 years and I quilt alot and it looks banged up, but cuts like a charm so if you are looking for a new mat, I highly recommend!

[Lola2Ace]

I would contact the maker of your blades. They may have had a bad batch and would possibly replace them.
I like my 60mm for cutting thicker fabric, mainly fleece, but my absolute fave is my 45mm Fiskars stick rotary cutter. It is just like Jenny uses in most of the videos. I am ambidextrous (sp?) and I can use it in either hand without changing the blade from side to side, which is amazing!

[auntiemern]

I only use 45mm cutters. Mine are fiskers. I buy all of my new blades from e-bay for a fraction of what they want any where else.

[PlanoDebbie]

Are you sure that you don't have a 65 mm rotary wheel? That's what I have. I also made the mistake of purchasing refill blades that were 60 mm and had the same problem. I know order my replacement blades on line in packages of 5 at a time.

[Musical_Starling]

I would contact the maker of your blades. They may have had a bad batch and would possibly replace them.
I like my 60mm for cutting thicker fabric, mainly fleece, but my absolute fave is my 45mm Fiskars stick rotary cutter. It is just like Jenny uses in most of the videos. I am ambidextrous (sp?) and I can use it in either hand without changing the blade from side to side, which is amazing!

That's the one I just bought because I'm also ambidextrous and it was a huge selling feature for me

Most people would give their right arm to be ambidextrous...

[Lola2Ace]

That's the one I just bought because I'm also ambidextrous and it was a huge selling feature for me

Most people would give their right arm to be ambidextrous...

Too funny Dee! There are a few things I am definitely left handed at, eating, writing and cutting veggies and such, but I use scissors right handed and discovered I am comfortable using the rotary cutter with both, which comes in very handy! LOL

[buckeyequilter]

I bought an Olfa rotary cutter tonight, so far so good. Big difference from the Fiskars that I have.