Ergonomic rotary cutter recommendation?
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Cedar Falls, IA
Posts: 926
Ergonomic rotary cutter recommendation?
I cut 125 strips yesterday, and the arthritis in my hands is really complaining. A few times the pain was so intense my hand just couldn't push the cutter at all. I have the original style Olfa cutters. Does anyone have personal experience with an ergonomic cutter that would be better for my hands? I see lots of ads, but I would prefer personal experience. I can't continue with what I have now.
Pam
Pam
#2
Power Poster
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Michigan
Posts: 11,276
I like the martelli. They have them for both right and left handed people.
https://www.amazon.com/Martelli-Ergo...+rotary+cutter
What I have found works best is to use different cutters in the same cutting 'session'. I cut with a fiskars stick type, then use the martelli, then back to the fiskars. I find that if I don't hold my hand in the exact same position it helps a lot.
https://www.amazon.com/Martelli-Ergo...+rotary+cutter
What I have found works best is to use different cutters in the same cutting 'session'. I cut with a fiskars stick type, then use the martelli, then back to the fiskars. I find that if I don't hold my hand in the exact same position it helps a lot.
#3
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Tri-Cities, WA
Posts: 1,063
Pam, I have the ergonomic cutter - in a drawer. I couldn't get the hang of using it. I totally understand your problem. I just cut a little, then sew a little, and don't get nearly as much done as I'd like. Sounds like the Accuquilt Go would be helpful, especially the electric one. They are expensive, though.
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Southwest
Posts: 739
Yikes, you were on a roll. I agree with Mford.....just try to rotate your activity..sew, cut, press. You are probably passionate about quilting, but take breaks...that will ensure that you can continue sewing. We need to remember our backs, wrists, shoulders, etc. My hand/wrist usually falls asleep - so I just get the tingling/numbness if I overuse my hand...but that worries me because there is no control or grip! Take care, take it slower and enjoy the process!
#5
I have the Olfa ergonomic cutter and it's all I can use. You should still
take breaks when cutting. Don't want to cause any permanent injury.
Other things that helps when cutting strips is the Creative Grid Stripology
ruler. I also have the Slidelock rulers. I don't even use wrist bands now.
The Slidelock takes a lot of pressure out of your hands.
take breaks when cutting. Don't want to cause any permanent injury.
Other things that helps when cutting strips is the Creative Grid Stripology
ruler. I also have the Slidelock rulers. I don't even use wrist bands now.
The Slidelock takes a lot of pressure out of your hands.
#6
Power Poster
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Western Wisconsin
Posts: 12,930
It isn't just the cutter. It is the amount of repetitive motion you did. I would get the ergonomic Olfa cutter others recommend, space out the cutting *much* more, and start saving for an Accuquilt Go! Big. You want to save your hands as much as possible, and repetitive motion cutting is just asking for trouble.
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: NY Adirondacks in Summer and goes "South" to WNY in the winter!
Posts: 483
I love the Omnigrid . It's self-retractable and works best in my arthritic, Carple tunnel suffering hand. Got it on line at Walmart and have seen at some of there stores!
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08-22-2011 08:00 PM