A Heavy-Duty Rotary Cutter
Written: Dec 20 '04
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Product Rating:
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Pros: sharp steel blade edge, comfortable to hold, cuts through layers of thick fabric
Cons: be careful not to cut yourself on the sharp blade
The Bottom Line: I stacked the Bottom Line in layers, and this cutter zipped right through ... neat and clean.
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| dlstewart's Full Review: Olfa (RTY-2/G) 45MM Rotary Cutter - 9651 |
I own two Olfa 45mm Rotary Cutters. This rotary cutter has a larger blade than Olfa’s 28mm cutter ... so it is perfect for cutting thicker fabrics. I have been sewing and quilting for over 20 years, and rotary cutters changed the way I approach fabric. This round razor blade on a stick is a terrific invention.
Description
This Olfa Rotary Cutter is the standard design with a round razor blade at the end of a straight, bright yellow handle. The Olfa 45mm rotary cutter measures 6 3/4" long x 1 7/8" wide. The handle measures 1 1/8" wide x 3/8" deep. At the end of the handle, opposite from the razor blade, is a hole so that one can hang the cutter if desired (or thread it on a chain or tie a piece of fabric or ribbon through the hole for identification).
The round razor blade is made from tungsten carbide tool steel. Olfa states that their blades are “the longest lasting blades in the business”. The round blade is wide at 1 3/4". This may not sound wide, but considering this blade is a round razor, it is impressive. The blade is attached to the end of the cutter with a screw, and a black plastic collar surrounds the edges of the blade when the rotary cutter is not being used. This safety device is operated by a simple push/pull lever that pushes the collar around the blade to cover its edges when not in use, and pulls backward to reveal the sharp blade for cutting.
The handle, though rectangular, has a rounded end so that it fits easily against the palm of the hand during cutting. The black plastic push/pull lever that operates the safety cover for the razor blade is easy to push and pull using the thumb. There are raised narrow plastic grooves near the razor head, offering a place for the fingers to rest while using the rotary cutter.
My Experiences
This is the rotary cutter I grab when I know I will be cutting through thick fabric, oil cloth or faux leather. The large diameter blade can also handle layers of folded fabric, producing even straight cuts. I own two of the 45mm Olfa rotary cutters and use them both. I have never had these cutters break, and I have owned them a long time!
I have no trouble cutting for up to two hours at a time with this cutter. The handle is easy to grasp, and the curved end rests against the meaty part of my hand. In case you are wondering, I have large hands. A person with tiny hands may not find this rotary cutter comfortable to use.
To operate the cutter, first grasp the yellow handle. Using your thumb, pull back the black plastic lever to uncover the round razor blade. Make sure the hand is firmly on the handle. The index finger rests on the raised plastic notches near the razor blade – be careful where you place your fingers. Set the rotary cutter blade against the fabric and push the cutter forward with firm, even pressure. The fabric slices as the rotary cutter rolls its way across the material.
Just as if you were using a pair of scissors, make sure the rotary cutter blade is straight up and down. If the cutting blade is angled, the fabric will cut at an angle. This would be more noticeable when cutting layers of fabric than a single piece of material.
A unique feature of rotary cutters is that you can cut fabric in any direction. Move the cutter forward, backward or on a diagonal. Cut a straight or curved line. Since this Olfa rotary cutter has a straight handle, it can be used by left- or right-handed people.
Primarily, I use this rotary cutter to cut multiple layers of 100% cotton fabric for use in quilting. I have also used this cutter to slice through home decorator fabrics, oil cloth, faux leather, and on one occasion fake fur. While the smaller 28mm rotary cutter can easily cut through four layers of 100% cotton, this larger 45mm rotary cutter can handle eight layers of that fabric.
If you are a rotary cutter novice, you are probably wondering what the fabric is resting against while all this cutting is happening. You need a rotary cutter mat. I use a self-healing Olfa rotary cutting mat (they come in a variety of sizes). The mat lays on a hard surface. The fabric is placed on the mat. Then the rotary cutter slices the fabric. The mat is designed so that as the razor wheel of the rotary cutter slices through it, the mat "heals" itself by merging together the cut.
When cutting multiple layers of fabric for my quilting projects, I usually need to cut in straight lines. To maintain a straight line, I use a thick acrylic ruler that is designed to use with a rotary cutter. These rulers come in all shapes and sizes. One of my favorite rulers measures 6" wide x 24" long. When I have my fabric folded and ready for cutting, I align the ruler so that it is straight along the grain of the fabric. Then I anchor the ruler in position with one hand (fingers slightly spread) while the other hand wields the rotary cutter. I place the blade of the cutter along the edge of the acrylic ruler and roll the cutter across the fabric. When slicing up to eight layers of 100% cotton, I make sure that I am standing above the ruler so that I can apply not only forward movement to the rotary cutter but also apply downward pressure to assure that all layers of fabric are cut.
One really nice feature of the Olfa 45mm rotary cutter is that Olfa provides different types of blades (purchased separately) to use in the cutter.
1. The traditional smooth round blade for standard cutting.
2. The pinking blade that acts as a pair of pinking shears. Use it to reduce raveling of fabric edges or for a decorative edge finish.
3. The scalloped blade is actually two blades in one. Set the blade one way in the rotary cutter for a scalloped edge. Remove the blade and turn it around, replacing it in the cutter, and you have a blade that produces a peaked edge.
4. The wave blade produces a wavy edge that is nice for finishing off polar fleece or other fabrics that don’t fray.
The decorative blades can also be used to cut fancy edges on paper. I don’t use the 45mm cutter for cutting paper. If you decide to cut paper with any of the blades, note that paper dulls blades faster than fabric.
Care and Cleaning
When the rotary cutter is not being used, always make sure the safety cover is in position around the wheel. The razor wheel is very sharp! Please keep rotary cutters away from children and animals.
Make sure there are no pins, rulers or other obstructions on the mat or under the fabric when cutting. Even though the rotary cutter wheel is made from steel, a stray pin can nick the metal.
To clean the Olfa rotary cutter, remove the blade, which is simple to do by removing a screw and washer. Set the blade aside and wipe away lint from the area where the blade usually sits. Before replacing the blade, carefully wipe it clean. If desired, place one drop of sewing machine oil on the face of the cutter before replacing the blade. (I have never used oil on my cutters, and I have owned them for years and years ... and they work great.)
If the rotary cutter blade should dull or become damaged, replacement blades are available. It is simple to replace the blade in the cutter. It only takes minutes to do.
Purchasing
Joann Fabric sells the Olfa 45mm rotary cutter for about $12.00. The rotary cutter comes as one unit with the razor blade already installed. Many fabric and quilting stores sell these cutters, such as Hancock Fabrics (www.hancockfabrics.com).
Olfa also manufacturers a Deluxe Olfa Rotary Cutter in the 45mm size that costs about $20.00. The deluxe cutter has a slightly curved handle. Instead of the push/pull lever that operates the safety cover for the razor blade ... the deluxe version has a safety lock built into the handle. The handle is in two pieces, almost resembling a pair of gardening shear handles.
Summary
I love my two Olfa 45mm Rotary Cutters! These cutters are great for cutting through multiple layers of fabric as well as thicker materials. I enjoy the ease of rolling the blade instead of wielding a pair of scissors. Using a rotary cutter is easier on my hand and quicker.
I hope you have found this review useful.
Enjoy your day,
Dawn
http://dlstewart.com
Additional Information
Olfa North America
33 South 6th Street
Terre Haute, IN47807
Toll-free Phone: 800-962-OLFA
Please read my other reviews:
Olfa 28mm Rotary Cutter
Olfa Rotary Cutter Replacement Wheels – all sizes
Fiskars Pinking Shears and tutorial
Quilter’s Dream Sewing Table
Horn of America Sewing Chair
Janome Jem Sewing Machine
Black & Decker Pro Finish Iron
Bernina Accessory Box
Quilt Pro Software
Keepsake Quilting Online Store
Joann .com Fabric & Craft Store
Copyright 2004 Dawn L. Stewart
Recommended:
Yes
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