What a difference a blade makes....
07-25-2014, 04:59 AM
#12
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Sonoma County, CA
Posts: 4,299
I hate cutting with dull blades, so I am pretty quick to change them out. I used to try to get every last bit of usage out of my blades but got tired of gnawing through fabric with dull blades and quit doing that. I also think a fresh blade is safer - I cut with a lot less pressure (and less frustration) so I think I'm less likely to mess up. Plus I can cut through more layers at a time with a fresh blade, so it saves time as well.
07-25-2014, 05:06 AM
#13
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Athens Ga
Posts: 11,420
I just ran into that problem. blade got dull. and I was close to finishing the cutting for my quilt, and noooooooo more blades. Then I remembered something I had read in a quilting magazine a couple of years ago. Just get a piece of aluminum foil. and run your blade through it a few times. it will sharpen it, but not for long, but long enough for me to finish 
07-25-2014, 05:07 AM
#14
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Corpus Christi, Tx.
Posts: 16,105
I totally agree!
Usually when I am starting a brand new big project, I replace my rotary blade. I figure that if I am using $150 - at least - on fabrics, then it is worth the couple of dollars for a new blade. Same thing with my needle, new project, new needle. And large projects have the needle replaced during also, sometimes more than once.
07-25-2014, 06:40 AM
#17
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Rapid City, SD
Posts: 4,961
I'm very careful with my blades but when they skip I replace them. I'm using the 28mm cutter to cut denim circles and it really needs to be replaced now. That is the top item on my to-do list for my next visit to town! A sharp blade really does make a hug difference.
07-25-2014, 07:33 AM
#18
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Pratt Kansas
Posts: 1,222
Tell me more about this, please?
07-25-2014, 09:02 AM
#19
Power Poster
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Southern USA
Posts: 16,511
A self healing mat needs to be kept hydrated so it will be pliable to heal. Soak the mat in tepid water over night and let dry. I soak my mats about once a year. A dry climate may need to be soaked more. I use a child's wading pool for my big mats.
07-25-2014, 09:46 AM
#20
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: South West Ontario
Posts: 2,237
I change my blade when it starts to skip, or if I notice I need to use alot of pressure to get it to cut. But, I reverse the blade in the handle first, and that gets me a little more time out of it sometimes. I have a tassel I put on the handle when I reverse the blade, so I know if I decide to change the blade, and the tassel is on the handle, I just throw that one away as it's already been reversed and get a completely new one out
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