This is concerning rotary cutters. I just recently purchased a new gingher and am Very disappointed in it. Blades do not cut a straight cut. Should I just stay w/ Fiskars??

Is the blade tight enough? Maybe you just got some bad blades, can you take them back to the store and exchange them?????

I thought that Gingher was the best of the best. Take it back and get a replacement if it doesn't cut right. Do you have the self healing mat to use under your project? I've found that some dull the blades faster than others. I'm using a gray Omnigrid mat now, and am absolutely delighted that my blades stay sharp for a long time.

I am far from an expert on the rotary cutters but I did read somewhere that you should not use these cutters for cutting stabiliser, I don't know why other than it will blunt the blades quicker.

Stabiliser (by other names) has been around for donkey's years and we always used our dressmaking shears to cut it, but back then there were travelling, professional knife sharpeners who used to come around, every 6 months or so, to sharpen and re-align scissors to keep them at their best.

I now sharpen my own scissors, knives and garden tools using a STEEL, or a special scissor sharpener I have. I also have a flat stone, so I will probably use this for my rotary blade when it needs it.

I think that in your case Stella dear, that there could be something amiss with your new cutter and I would take it back and have it exchanged for an Olfa.

If you can afford to have your cutting tools conditioned professionally once a year, they will last much longer, but beware who you use. Don't go to those key cutters set up in booths in shopping centres, their training is minimal and the can damage your valuable tools. Go to a hardware store where tradesmen take their tools and don't be afraid to tell them to take extra care with your valuable scissors.

Hope this helps a little,
hugs n roses, Meganne

2 comments

by poohbear 27 Oct 2011

One of the people from Olfa told me there is a little spring type washer that is around the screw you remove to change blades. He said it sometimes falls out without being noticed when you change blades. Without it, the blades do wobble. That might be something to check

by theduchess 27 Oct 2011

Guess it's back to the shop today.I bought a sharpener from Gatco. Works great!I do my kitchen knives,pocket knife,even my garden tools.Most hunting stores will have it.Just type -Gatco and several sources will show it.

Stalla, are you using a ruler to follow the cutting edge? I do and it seems to help alot.

1 comment

by theduchess 27 Oct 2011

Thanks Shirlene,Yes I am using a ruler and a good self healing mat.Cutter skips if I cut a line longer than 2 inches.My fabric is only two fold so it can't be that. Just bad blades I guess.

I have always had trouble with rotary cutters ,I don't seem to press hard enough for them to cut the whole length of fabric properly. 4 thicknesses of cotton seems to be my limit too but usually do 2 to avoid problems

I HAVE TRYED MANY BRANDS OVER 20 YEARS AND NOW I HAVE A SHARPENER AND AFTER EVERY PROJECT I USE IT FOR I SHARPEN IT :):) CAROLYN

2 comments

by coachmenlemon 26 Oct 2011

Would you tell me about the sharpener? What brand and do you know if Joannes sells it?

by justonlyme 27 Oct 2011

What brand of sharpener do you have?? Reviews say that they aren't so great. I want to hear what real people say!!

If it is new, I'd take it back to the store as occassionally a blade will not be quite right. Gingher is a very good brand and most likely they would replace it.

Yes I agree, the blades do dull quickly. Mine is an Olfa and it says that the blade is tungsten steel. I am very fussy about what I cut with it. Only cotton patchwork fabrics and not more that 4 layers. [usually less]

Have you tried holding a ruler against the cutter blade? Since I'm not very adept with the rotary cuttery, it seems to help a lot. I also find I have to vary the angle of the handle; used to hold it too high. Also had the same problem with skipping. Maybe someone can enlighten on this...

I have tried several but always seem to come back to Fiskars.

My blades dull quickly also. I have a Olfa. Have seen a cutting ruler that has a blade sharpener on the side. Wonder if those help? Those blades are expensive! Has anyone tried to sharpen the blades with that little thingy?

are you sure that the bolt and nut that tighten to hold the blade is firmly seated? Tight? I do not use a Gingher, Olfa and Fiskars, but this is the first thought

2 comments

by theduchess 26 Oct 2011

When I make a cut it skips. I changed from Fiskars, and Olfa because the blades don't last. Maybe I should just buy the laser gun?Though I might wind up pointing it at the carpet and Cut that !Ha ha

by justonlyme 27 Oct 2011

I have a laser. You would cut through your project, and the table, and the floor and keep on going... :) I've joked with my husband that it would cut the neighbor's house in half.