Rotory Trouble

[brook]

Okay, I've been quilting for awhile now and I think I've figured out how to replace the cutter blade, BUT I just replaced one today and the thing cuts horrible! With a fresh blade I cut 4 layers of fabric and I had to keep redoing the same cut line, which as you know leads to shreds. Not sure what's going on here. I know the cutting table (from JoAnns) has a little give to it but it's never given me problems before???? What ya think?

[Sandy Navas]

Coleen - are you sure it's a new blade? Is it the correct 'brand'? I know that some of the blades have a notch in them and some don't. Not all brands are interchangeable. Also, is it possible that you put the center screw on the correct side? Did you tighten it too much (which would keep the blade from turning properly)? I've accidentally put my cutter together wrong and it will act up - there's definitely a right and a wrong side for the screw and nut.

Okay - suggestion? Take a wad of aluminum foil and run the cutter through several times - if there's a nick or barb on the new blade this should be enough to remove it.

When all else fails, throw it out the window and buy a new rotary cutter.

[dmt148]

I once changed a blade and everytime I cut it left a TINY, almost a string, of fabric behind. Turns out, I had put on 2 blades instead of 1. Oops.

[MRoy]

Sometimes I haven't put it all back together just right and the results were awful.

Sandy, I just tried the aluminum foil suggestion to sharpen one of my Harbor Freight blades and it worked like a charm. Thanks!!

[Sandy Navas]

See, Myrna, sometimes I'm good for something. Momma used to tell me I was good for nothing . . . she didn't have to pay me to be good (she said if I complained).

[coffeebreak]

Haven't had that problem but was wondering...when cutting squares, not matter how careful I am to measure them..they will come out crooked! I have since learned some of that might be due to thepolyester in the fabric, so I now will use 100% cotton only, but was also wondering...in scrapbooking there is a blade that is like a curved zig-zag....SBer's use it as a decorative cut for the edge of the paper, but would using this kind of blade (long as it fits into the handle) help to stop the fabric from stretching and make the square cut evenly and stay that way?

[MRoy]

Oh Sandy...You're good for so much here!

You give great tips and provide links to requested info quicker than anyone I know
You're a math whiz when it comes to figuring out how much fabric is needed for a quilt size...AND
You always lift spirits and brighten days with your quick wit and humor.

These forums just wouldn't be the same without you! (((HUGS)))

[Jean Sewing Machine]

My rotary cutter works better on more layers of fabric, for some strange reason. Also, if I hold it near vertical rather than at a 45 degree angle, it cuts cleaner. They are a mystery sometimes.

[rebeccas-sewing]

My vote - you probably didn't put it back together right or the blade is a dud!

[brook]

I once changed a blade and everytime I cut it left a TINY, almost a string, of fabric behind. Turns out, I had put on 2 blades instead of 1. Oops.

Well, that is exactly what I did. Thank you! Thank you!