another expensive lesson
09-24-2014, 03:10 AM
#12
Power Poster
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Northern Michigan
Posts: 12,861
Visit the website of (LP Sharp). They are a company where you can send them your old/dull blades and they will send you new/sharp blades at a very discounted price. I have had good customer service with them and first started doing business with them almost 10 years ago. Also it solves that (age old) problem with what to do with those old blades.
09-24-2014, 03:56 AM
#13
Power Poster
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Michigan
Posts: 11,276
I have never believed that the Harbor Freight blades are as good as those made specifically for quilters. Some quilters like them, but others have complained about them being relatively dull and/or inconsistent in quality. For someone with poor vision, I'm not sure they are a good option because you may have to press harder to cut.
What I have done in the past is bought in bulk from eBay. There are some "generic" blades there that are very inexpensive, but the ones I have opted for are the name-brand Olfa blades.
Here is an example of the "generic" blades on eBay (10 blades for $8.45, free shipping):
http://www.ebay.com/itm/10-45MM-ROTA...item1c3ce898d0
Here is an example of the "lot" size I usually buy on eBay (15 blades for $30, free shipping):
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lot-3-15-OLF...item51c3cbffc1
Edit: I just realized that at least the second example above is still in the bidding process. What I usually do is click on "buy it now" to compare prices. I used to be able to get large lots of Olfa brand blades for about $1.50 each, but now they are running about $3 each.
What I have done in the past is bought in bulk from eBay. There are some "generic" blades there that are very inexpensive, but the ones I have opted for are the name-brand Olfa blades.
Here is an example of the "generic" blades on eBay (10 blades for $8.45, free shipping):
http://www.ebay.com/itm/10-45MM-ROTA...item1c3ce898d0
Here is an example of the "lot" size I usually buy on eBay (15 blades for $30, free shipping):
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lot-3-15-OLF...item51c3cbffc1
Edit: I just realized that at least the second example above is still in the bidding process. What I usually do is click on "buy it now" to compare prices. I used to be able to get large lots of Olfa brand blades for about $1.50 each, but now they are running about $3 each.
09-24-2014, 04:28 AM
#14
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Midwest
Posts: 5,051
I don't understand the frustration with TruCut's sharpener. As soon as a blade starts missing spots when I'm cutting I put it in my sharpener for 30 seconds on a side and go back to cutting. My rotary cutter then acts like I have put in a new blade. Have you tried keeping your stones oiled with a drop of oil before sharpening? My blades last a long time with frequent sharpening.
Good info. I bought one too but I need to test it out.
Sandy
09-24-2014, 04:29 AM
#15
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 3,559
I also have a TruSharp and quite like it. It does have a learning curve tho. I first tried it on a dull nicked discarded blade and was not pleased with the first result. But after re reading the directions and re positioning the little sharpening stones, I got an excellent result--considering what I started with.
I have ordered from Walmart online (US site--DH was travelling and did an instore pick up for me) and that worked out to just over $3 a blade. Shall check out the Ebay site too.
I have ordered from Walmart online (US site--DH was travelling and did an instore pick up for me) and that worked out to just over $3 a blade. Shall check out the Ebay site too.
Last edited by GingerK; 09-24-2014 at 04:31 AM.
09-24-2014, 04:48 AM
#16
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: New England, USA
Posts: 2,965
I too use the Harbor Freight blades. While they are fine when they are new, I have noticed that they do not stay as sharp as long as the pricey ones. That being said ... I can but a lot of HF blades for the price of an Olfa blade. I also have one of those hand held sharpeners that I bought at JoAnns that extends their life a bit longer.
09-24-2014, 05:10 AM
#19
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Sonoma County, CA
Posts: 4,299
I'm like many people here - tried Harbor Freight and the blades fit fine, but all of the ones I bought (2 pkg, so 4 blades) were horrible. 3 were completely dull and one was sharp in spots, so it'd cut dashed lines only. So I'm done with those! I also prefer 60mm blades and HF are the 45's.
I buy blades at Joann's w/coupons; or sometimes I find okay prices on Amazon or at quilt shows/expos. Blades are something I'm keeping a constant eye out for and when I find a good deal I stock up.
My philosophy is that life is too short to waste on things like dull blades. Plus I just love how slick and smooth a fresh blade cuts, it's very satisfying.
I buy blades at Joann's w/coupons; or sometimes I find okay prices on Amazon or at quilt shows/expos. Blades are something I'm keeping a constant eye out for and when I find a good deal I stock up.
My philosophy is that life is too short to waste on things like dull blades. Plus I just love how slick and smooth a fresh blade cuts, it's very satisfying.
09-24-2014, 05:19 AM
#20
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Posts: 1,040
I bought the Tru Sharp blade sharpener and what a big mistake. Now back to buying blades so my questions is, does anyone buy blades from Harbor Freight? I see a 2 pack for $1.99, not sure of shipping but I could buy 10 packs at that price. All I found there was a 45m rotary blade for a specific carpet cutter but says most all other rotary cutter. Any info would be of help. I go through lots of blades cause my eyes are bad and I hit my templates quite frequently. Have so much to finish in such a short time before Christmas.
Thanks
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