Rotary Cutter Game Changer
09-23-2023, 04:45 AM
#21
Power Poster
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Central Ohio
Posts: 15,763
09-23-2023, 05:32 AM
#22
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: The Finger Lakes of upstate NY
Posts: 3,819
me too. I love my olfa curved handle self close cutters. Getting cheap about changing blades is where my wrist fatigue comes in 
Because it is gradual I don't even think about it until it starts missing threads. Blades are the cheapest part of this expensive hobby, don't know why we fight changing them so hard.
Because it is gradual I don't even think about it until it starts missing threads. Blades are the cheapest part of this expensive hobby, don't know why we fight changing them so hard.
09-23-2023, 05:36 AM
#23
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: The Finger Lakes of upstate NY
Posts: 3,819
just be aware that I like those that close automatically too.... but if you don't push that little button to lock them in place after they close, they will still sometimes open if bumped hard enough. I stuck the blade of one of the ones that close automatically into the vinyl flooring in my kitchen when it dropped off the ironing board. I hate to think what would have happened if it had hit my sandaled foot instead. So, I am always hitting that button when I put it down.
09-23-2023, 07:50 AM
#25
Power Poster
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Southern USA
Posts: 17,858
I change blades at first skip. I have seen so many at retreats and sew days use a dull blade to make them last. I use to be that way but one day I was helping my husband in his shop and he changed out a $200 saw blade because it wasn't cutting like new He didn't feel any guilt at all.
09-23-2023, 03:48 PM
#26
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 505
One by One you raise an interesting point...I think women in general and makers in particular (and probably quilters most of all) are expected to be thrifty to the max: even if that impairs their ability to make the art they want to make.
You hear it less now but when I started quilting every second post on a chat board was about avoiding "waste". No one criticizes painters for making field sketches and "wasting" paint and paper. Why quilters? To this day when I hear "no waste" as an accolade it puts my teeth on edge (current fabric prices notwithstanding!).
The other thing that I had happen a few times were private messages from older quilters who warned me to build a big stash before retirement because after that, no room would be made in the budget for fabric/quilting purchases. These were women older than myself, of a generation given no access to the marital discretionary spending capital. And I had to admit, my own husband was not happy at first that I had taken up such a frumpy hobby, let alone one that cost money. Mercifully he gets it now.
But. I have built a VERY large stash!!! I will lay in some of those Headley blades as well : )
You hear it less now but when I started quilting every second post on a chat board was about avoiding "waste". No one criticizes painters for making field sketches and "wasting" paint and paper. Why quilters? To this day when I hear "no waste" as an accolade it puts my teeth on edge (current fabric prices notwithstanding!).
The other thing that I had happen a few times were private messages from older quilters who warned me to build a big stash before retirement because after that, no room would be made in the budget for fabric/quilting purchases. These were women older than myself, of a generation given no access to the marital discretionary spending capital. And I had to admit, my own husband was not happy at first that I had taken up such a frumpy hobby, let alone one that cost money. Mercifully he gets it now.
But. I have built a VERY large stash!!! I will lay in some of those Headley blades as well : )
09-24-2023, 07:39 AM
#28
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2019
Location: northern minnesota
Posts: 2,480
Ha! I have cutters in all sizes, each is better for something. I use the smallest size when cutting very small pieces., the 45 Is what I use for general cutting and trimming, and the 60 is wonderful for when doing larger cuts, multiple layers, flannel, or trimming the edges of a quilt. Just like machines, can't have too many cutters!
09-24-2023, 07:51 AM
#29
Power Poster
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 10,700
I also use the 60mm because I find it cuts thru fabrics better. I have a 45mm somewhere that I haven't used since I discovered the 60mm. I did buy a shark cutter a few years ago. It's good for cutting curves. I mostly use it for cutting out garments but it would be good for applique pieces also.
