Mamaw322

Has anyone ever used a Rotary Blade Sharpener? I saw them at the store and wondering if they work. Seems like I go through a lot of blades and they are not cheap!

pocoellie

I've tried the hand held sharpeners and found that they're practically worthless, I've heard/read that the electric ones are pretty good. I'm wondering though why you're having to go through a lot of blades. I do a lot of cutting and maybe replace my blades every 3 or 4 months, maybe even less.

Mamaw322

I use a good mat and always close my blade cover in between cuts. Maybe I'm using too much pressure?

Zyngawf

I have one of the handheld ones and it does extend the life of the blades, but those of us that quilt a lot go through a lot of blades regardless.

tessagin

If I'm cutting through 3-4 layers of fabric, I use my 60mm. Other than that, I use my 45. I have one marked for paper. I also have the big old fashioned paper cutter with the huge blade on the side. I have that in one spot on my bench where my cutters sit. So heavy. I also buy them on sale when notions are 50% or if I have coupons. I purchased the blade sharpener and sent it right back. Worthless! Also cleaning the blade helps last longer. Lint gets caught up in it and feels like the blade doesn't want to turn. I also close after cutting. I reached for an item once and nicked my finger. Luckily it was not on fabric. Bandaid and antibiotic cream was all. When I buy blades on sale, I check for rust. Yep, I've taken them back because of rusty blades. I keep a magnifying glass in my purse now to see if there is any rust. I bring it to the managers attention.

patski

The electric ones are VERY loud. You may want to think about that part plus the blades don't seem to stay sharp all that long. You may want to soak your mat in water with a half cup of vinegar, it will plump it up and make it like new so you don't have to press so hard

dcamarote

Every year our guild has a retreat. One year someone brought their sharpener. It was extremely loud and from what the ladies said, not very good. I would not purchase one.

Stitchnripper

I just did a search in the search field about and it came up with many many previous posts that might give you even more information, good and bad.

Toni C

IMHO not worth the powder to blow them up. Should have known it was to good to be true sigh

Girlfriend

Invest in a Kai Rotary cutter, and you won't need to change the blades very often, I promise.

http://www.kaiscissors.com/category....category_id=51

Also, I use a Fiskers mat, and I swear it makes blades last longer....