Strip Cutting Issues
#1
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2019
Posts: 22
Strip Cutting Issues
Good afternoon! I have the Fiskars Rotary and Ruler combo. I used to love it, but lately, I'm finding my strips are not accurate when I cut. The fabric seems to "bow" when it gets toward the center of the ruler. I've had the ruler for a few years and it just started happening. After my fabric is squared, I'll line it up, and make the first cut. Then when I check the strip measurement I notice that it's a little short on the lower and upper half of the strip. In addition, my fabric needs to be squared again. I've replaced the blade too. If anyone has this ruler, do you experience this or what might cause this, or do I just need a new ruler? I appreciate any help
#2
Have you tried lining up a metal ruler or similar along the edge of the ruler that is giving you problems? It might show that it is no longer perfectly straight. I've also had problems when I didn't realize my rotary blade was wobbling while rolling because the blade wasn't secured tightly.
I hope you solve your issue - it is very frustrating to cut and then have to recut - such a waste of time & fabric. Good luck!
I hope you solve your issue - it is very frustrating to cut and then have to recut - such a waste of time & fabric. Good luck!
#3
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Join Date: May 2008
Location: MN
Posts: 24,666
Your ruler may have been used so much that it now has a curve in it. The only "fix" I know for that is to replace the ruler.
Use Notwendy's suggestion to stand the ruler on edge - If the ends are touching the table and the middle is not - that would explain the curves.
Try sliding a a thick piece of paper under the middle of the ruler - my favorite ruler was worn down a folded index card thickness in the center - on both sides (sob!) .
The wear is not easily noticed by just looking at the ruler.
Use Notwendy's suggestion to stand the ruler on edge - If the ends are touching the table and the middle is not - that would explain the curves.
Try sliding a a thick piece of paper under the middle of the ruler - my favorite ruler was worn down a folded index card thickness in the center - on both sides (sob!) .
The wear is not easily noticed by just looking at the ruler.
Last edited by bearisgray; 11-20-2019 at 11:52 AM.
#4
Power Poster
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Mableton, GA
Posts: 11,355
I noticed that when I cut on one of those common white folding tables, that I had the bowing - turns out they aren't that stable for cutting, at least mine aren't. I put a thick solid board (which was a cabinet piece from the IKEA as is section, so cheap) under the mat and my blades last longer and I get better cuts.
#5
Super Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Pacific NW
Posts: 9,585
Make sure your fabric is folded square and you're cutting exactly perpendicular to the fold. This means you'll need a square ruler. Use a horizontal line to make sure your ruler is lined up on the fold, then use a vertical line to cut.
#6
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2019
Posts: 22
Thank you all for the advice! I just laid it on a level table, and wouldn't you know it, there's a small bow in just the place where I see the issue in my fabric. I didn't know that could happen over time! These rulers are great, and I'm going to get another soon. It's good to know though
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