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The Sew What’s New Archive
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From: bridesmom
Date: 10-24-2005, 08:37 PM (1 of 12)
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I know we go back to these rotary cutters and boards quite often, but I am now finding that even when using a new blade I am not getting a nice clean cut with my cutters. I'm wondering if it may be the board. Its an Olfa self healing board, but I am noticing lots of threads stuck in it here and there and some visible cuts. Is it time for a new board?? I did see where Pam rolled her board to get the threads out and I am going to go do that right now. Whacha all figure??
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: Chrysantha
Date: 10-24-2005, 08:51 PM (2 of 12)
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I roll tape or one of those sticky rollers over mine and then I turn it around. (and re-mark it if I have to). Selfhealing doesn't mean forever and sometimes I think it's less selfhealing than we're told....(you also need to check your angle. If you're cutting at an angle, instead of straight up and down, it sometimes tears the fabric and nicks your blade with the rulers...)
Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414 
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From: MyGirlFriday
Date: 10-24-2005, 09:32 PM (3 of 12)
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I never thought about using one of those tape type lent rollers! Great idea! I would think that threads would get caught in the small grooves~ Thanks for sharing Chrys! mgf~ 
Blessings & Smiles
Frogs have it easy....they just eat what's buggin' them. |
User: MyGirlFriday
Member since: 12-05-2004 Total posts: 288 
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From: esrun3
Date: 10-24-2005, 09:59 PM (4 of 12)
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Now I know why I just bought 6 of them at Costco! LOL I hadn't thought of that either. Thanks for the tip!
Lyn
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User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004 Total posts: 2345 |
From: HeyJudee
Date: 10-24-2005, 10:08 PM (5 of 12)
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I use a belt sander cleaner to rub the threads and stuff off my cutting mat. I was given this tip by a guy who sold cutting mats at a needlecraft show. A gadget to clean the mat is over $20 in a quilting store. I got the belt cleaner at Home Depot for approx. $5. It is a gum rubber stick and looks like a giant beige eraser...reminds me of the erasers that we used to buy when I was in school many years ago but a lot larger.
TTFN from
Judy |
User: HeyJudee
Member since: 01-25-2005 Total posts: 1366 
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From: carman
Date: 10-24-2005, 10:10 PM (6 of 12)
| do you cut your batting on it, it is really bad for sticking in the mat, as well as polyesters are like sand paper on a blade, they dull very fast with the poly's. |
User: carman
Member since: 04-17-2000 Total posts: 692 
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From: blackie
Date: 10-25-2005, 01:34 AM (7 of 12)
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I use my mat ALL THE TIME and it doesn't have threads sticking in it, and only has the shallowest of cuts. Am I doing something wrong? Or is this something that happens after years of ownership? ... Totally confused! Oh well, when my mats are acting up I know what thread to go back to for tips. see the mundane life of a housewife.
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User: blackie
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 594 |
From: Pudge99
Date: 10-25-2005, 09:39 AM (8 of 12)
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Here is a cheap, quick fix for getting the fabric out of the cutting marks. AN ERASER!!! This is the best thing I have ever used. You just follow the cuttting line and it pulls all the stuff out. Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures Pfaff 2040 Janome Mylock 134D Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch |
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001 Total posts: 1375 |
From: paroper
Date: 10-25-2005, 11:47 AM (9 of 12)
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I roll my self healing mat to open the cracks and then I clean it with a lint brush or even just my fingers. Once the cracks are open, you can clean it easily.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: bridesmom
Date: 10-27-2005, 05:35 PM (10 of 12)
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Thanks for all the tips. I think the reason there are so many little cuts are because I was cutting through fleece and terrycloth and using a not really sharp blade and using too much force. (Bad bad, slap my hand) I did read the little note on the corner of the mat and it says you can use both sides for cutting so I have flipped it over for cutting when I don't need the lines and will use the other side when I need the lines. I also rolled it and got rid of some of the threads, bought a sticky roller thing too and am looking for an eraser. You are all so helpful!!
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 10-28-2005, 11:17 AM (11 of 12)
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My first board I bought has a lot of slashes in it to catch threads.. 6 X 15.. I bought a bigger one when I started taking the Shepherd's ctr quilting classes, and I have learned to apply less pressure when cutting, so now I don't have a problem with slashes to catch threads and lint.. The boards that are green work better for me than the ones white marked in blue.. (can't think of the brands of either, right now) I still use that first board mostly for measuring triangles , etc. when I am making place mats or coffee rugs.
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: gm23237
Date: 12-01-2005, 08:33 PM (12 of 12)
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I have to try the eraser method! Everyone on theboards are so helpful. I have been using very sticky duct tape to clean my boards. |
User: gm23237
Member since: 11-03-2003 Total posts: 145 
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