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There is nothing more frustrating than dull rotary cutter blades. For today’s crafters, rotary cutters are a must-have. Cut fabrics into shapes, strips, and forms using these fantastic tools to help save time. However, the blades become dull with regular use like any proper cutting tool. The blade will slip and slide, and you’ll have frayed edges. So, if, in any case, it gets dull, can rotary cutter blades be sharpened? This post will answer this question and more!
What Exactly Are Rotary Cutters?
A rotary cutter is a handheld cutting tool that can quickly cut through fabric. It consists of a circular blade that can be rotated. The blade is mounted on a handle, and you can use it to cut fabric in any direction. Rotary cutter blades are razor-sharp and come in various sizes; bigger blades are often utilized to cut wide curves and straight lines. Smaller blades utilize to cut minor curves and detailed work.
Types of Rotary Cutter Blades
The standard straight cutter blades are the most versatile and common type. These blades can cut a range of fabrics, including quilting cotton, denim, wool, and fleece. However, there are a few useful variations in addition to the standard straight-cutting blade, including Scallop and wavy blades, Pinking blades, Slash cut/chenille blades and Skip-cut blades. Let’s look at each of these in a little more detail:
➢Scallop and Wavy Blades
As the name suggests, scallop blades can create scalloped edges on your fabric or paper, while wavy blades create ruffled or wavy edges. These are great for adding a decorative touch to your projects!
➢Pinking Blades
Pinking blades are the most common type of rotary cutter blade and can be used for various fabrics. They create a zig-zag pattern on the fabric, which helps prevent it from fraying by making similar edges to pinking shears.
➢Slash Cut/Chenille Blades
You can use these blades to create chenille or corded effects on your fabric. It makes close-together wavy or straight cuts using a space guide. It is a great way to add texture to your project!
➢Skip-Cut Blades
You can use skip-cut blades to create various patterns on your fabric. It is created to impart a crochet or embroidery finish to fabric edges by punching a series of holes.
Now that we know the types of rotary cutter blades, let’s get to the question can they be sharpened?
Can Rotary Cutter Blades Be Sharpened?
The answer is YES! You can indeed sharpen your rotary cutter blades. But, it is essential to note that not all blades are created equal. The type of blade you have will determine how you can sharpen it. But what causes rotary cutter blades to get dull in the first place? There are many reasons why this can happen:
⬤Regular Use
The most common reason for a rotary cutter blade to become dull is simply from regular use. Over time, the blade will naturally become less sharp and need to be replaced or sharpened.
⬤Cutting Through Multiple Layers
If you’re cutting through multiple layers of fabric, it can cause the blade to become dull more quickly.
⬤Cutting Through Thick Fabric
Cutting through thick fabric can also cause the blade to become dull more quickly. For example, cutting through denim or fleece can strain the blade and cause it to become dull faster.
⬤Storing the Rotary Cutter Improperly
If you’re not storing your rotary cutter properly same goes for other rotary tools accessories, it can cause the blade to become dull. Ensure to store it in a safe place where the blade will not come into contact with anything that can dull it.
These might be common reasons why a rotary cutter blade can get dull. But, as we said earlier, you can sharpen it!
How Can Rotary Cutter Blades Be Sharpened?
Poor blades do not even produce precise cuts leaving fabric strands all over the place, making the final result seem unpleasant. Replacing the blades may be a lot simpler. However, it might need you to go further into the pockets. It’s fun to work with new blades, but why don’t you sharpen the old ones to save your money? So here are some methods and steps on how rotary cutter blades be sharpened.
Sharpening Rotary Cutter Blades With Edge Rulers
Edge rulers can help you achieve a sharp blade without much trouble. You can use this method to sharpen both 45mm and 60mm blades, and all you need is an edge ruler and a rotary cutter.
Some rulers are made of diamond-coated blades. You can use it to sharpen your rotary cutter blades. Using a diamond-coated edge ruler is the best way to achieve a really sharp blade.
- First, you need to find a comfortable position to work in.
- Place the rotary cutter on a flat surface with the blade facing up.
- Then, take the edge ruler and place it on top of the blade at a 45-degree angle.
- Slowly move the ruler back and forth along the length of the blade.
- Do this until you’ve sharpened the entire blade.
- Once you’re finished, test the rotary cutter on a piece of scrap fabric to make sure it’s nice and sharp!
Sharpening Rotary Cutter Blades with an Aluminum Foil
Tin foil is an easy and convenient way to sharpen rotary cutter blades. It comes in handy when you don’t have access to a blade sharpener or the resources to purchase new blades.
To sharpen your blade using this method, you will need a cutting mat, fabric scrap, and heavy-duty tin foil.
- First, lay the cutting mat on a flat surface.
- Then, place the fabric scrap on top of the cutting mat.
- Next, take the rotary cutter and make a few cuts through the fabric scrap.
- After that, take the heavy-duty tin foil and fold it a few times to be about the same thickness as the fabric scrap.
- Now, place the tin foil on the cutting mat and make a few cuts through it with the rotary cutter.
- Do this until you’ve sharpened the entire blade.
- Once you’re finished, test the rotary cutter on a piece of scrap fabric to make sure it’s nice and sharp!
Sharpening Rotary Cutter Blades with a Blade Sharpener
A blade sharpener has two main parts: the abrasive wheel and the guide. The abrasive wheel sharpens the blade, and the guide helps keep the blade at a consistent angle as you sharpen it.
Most blade sharpeners will have adjustable guides set to different angles. You’ll want to set the guide to about a 45-degree angle for rotary cutter blades. Here’s how to use a blade sharpener to sharpen your rotary cutter blades:
- First, you need to find a comfortable position to work in.
- Next, dismantle the rotary cutter and remove the cutter’s body separately to expose its blade.
- Now, take the blade and hold it carefully. Then, insert it into the guide at a 45-degree angle.
- This blade sharpener comes with two different colored grits, with the finer one being black and the coarser one to be gray. Start with the coarser grit first.
- Now, take the abrasive wheel and place it on the blade.
- Slowly move the abrasive wheel back and forth along the length of the blade.
- After that, switch to the finer grit and repeat the process.
- Do this until you’ve sharpened the entire blade.
- Once you’re finished, reassemble the rotary cutter and test it on a piece of scrap fabric to make sure it’s nice and sharp!
As you can see, there are several different ways to sharpen your rotary cutter blades. Which method you choose will depend on what resources you have available. But no matter which method you use, be sure to test the rotary cutter on a piece of scrap fabric before using it on your project!
What to Look For in a Rotary Cutter Blades Sharpener
There are various rotary blade sharpeners available on the market, and it can be confusing to decide which one is right for you. Here are some factors you may want to consider when purchasing a rotary blade sharpener:
📌Ease of Use
When it comes to sharpening rotary blades, you want a sharpener that is easy to use. Look for a sharpener that has adjustable guides so that you can set it to the correct angle. There are manual sharpeners and electric sharpeners available. If you choose an electric sharpener, be sure to read the reviews to make it easy to use. On the other hand, a manual sharpener can be just as effective and maybe a better choice if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly sharpener.
📌Spin Speed
The spin speed is the number of times the abrasive wheel turns in a minute. A higher spin speed will result in a sharper blade, but it can also heat the blade, damaging it. If you choose an electric sharpener, be sure to read the reviews to see what others have to say about the spin speed.
📌Material
The type of material you’re going to be cutting will also play a role in which sharpener you choose. If you’re cutting delicate fabrics, you’ll want to choose a sharpener with a softer abrasive wheel. On the other hand, if you’re cutting tougher materials, you can choose a sharpener with a harder abrasive wheel. Low-quality materials will only serve you for a short time, and you’ll have to constantly buy new sharpeners, which is not good for your budget.
📌Size and Portability
If you’re going to be traveling with your rotary cutter, you’ll want to choose a small and portable sharpener. Some electric sharpeners can be plugged into an outlet, so if you have access to an outlet when traveling, that may be a good option. Otherwise, manual sharpeners can be stored in a small bag or box.
📌Blade Compatibility
Be sure to check that the sharpener you’re considering is compatible with your blades. Some sharpeners can only be used with certain types or sizes of blades.
📌Price
The price is always a factor to consider when purchasing anything. But when it comes to rotary blade sharpeners, you don’t want to choose the cheapest option because it probably won’t be very effective. But at the same time, you don’t want to spend more than you have to. Look for a sharpener that is reasonably priced and has good reviews.
Now that you know what to look for in rotary cutter blades sharpener, you can decide which one is right for you!
Tips on Keeping Your Rotary Cutter Blades Sharp
Now that you know how to sharpen your rotary cutter blades, here are a few tips on maintaining its sharpness.
✔️Proper Storage
One of the best ways to keep your rotary cutter blades sharp is to store them properly. Be sure to store them in a safe place where they won’t get bumped or jostled around. A good option is to invest in a blade case that can hold multiple blades.
✔️Avoid Cutting Through Thick Layers
As mentioned above, among the common reasons why rotary cutter blades become dull is because people use them to cut through thick layers of fabric. If you can, avoid doing this as much as possible. If you must cut through multiple layers, be sure to use a self-healing cutting mat so that the blade won’t get damaged.
✔️Clean Blades Regularly
Another good way to keep your rotary cutter blades sharp is to clean them regularly. It will remove any built-up fabrics or threads that can dull the blade over time. To clean the blade, simply use a lint roller or a piece of tape to remove anything that’s stuck on it.
The Advantage of a Sharp Rotary Cutter Blades
👉Convenient
A sharp rotary cutter blade can easily make even the most challenging cuts. A sharp blade can slice through fabric effortlessly, making it less likely for you to make mistakes.
👉Accuracy
When your rotary cutter blades are dull, it can be difficult to make precise cuts. But when they’re nice and sharp, you can be sure that every cut will be accurate.
👉Less Fabric Waste
Perhaps one of the biggest advantages of having sharp rotary cutter blades is that it can help you save fabric. When your blades are dull, you’re more likely to make mistakes that result in fabric waste. But when they’re sharp, you can make cleaner cuts and avoid fabric waste.
So, there you have it! These are just a few advantages of having sharp rotary cutter blades. Be sure to keep your blades nice and sharp to enjoy all of these benefits!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I replace my rotary cutter blade?
Many users prefer to replace their rotary cutter blades every few projects, whereas others prefer to replace them after a particular number of hours of usage. Although there is no one-size-fits-all answer, you should replace the blades as soon as it begins to miss a thread.
Q: Why sharpen your rotary cutter blades?
As mentioned above, there are many advantages to having sharp rotary cutter blades. For one, it can make even the most challenging cuts with ease. Also, it can help you to save fabric and make more precise cuts. But above all, it can make your quilting projects more enjoyable and convenient.
Q: How can I tell if my rotary cutter blade is dull?
A few signs can indicate that your rotary cutter blade is dull. You may notice that it’s taking more effort to make cuts. Also, the cuts may not be as precise as they used to be. And finally, you may notice that the blade leaves frayed or uneven edges. If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to sharpen your rotary cutter blades!
Q: How do you ensure that the blades stay sharp for long?
As with any tool, there is no guaranteed way to make the rotary cutter blades stay sharp for a long time. However, you can do a few things to prolong their lifespan. As outlined above, be sure to store the blades properly, avoid cutting through thick layers of fabric, and clean the blades regularly. By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your rotary cutter blades stay sharp for a long time!
Final Thoughts
Since rotary cutter blades are such an important part of the quilting process, it’s important to keep them nice and sharp. There are many advantages to having sharp rotary cutter blades. So be sure to follow the tips above to keep your blades tip-top shape!
