Beba's cutting mat

[Renata L.]

2 blades in 3 1/2 years :shock: that is good going!

[Renata L.]

Well, remember, I don't make as many pieces as a lot of you do... I still feel, though, I got some mileage out of my Martelli rotary cutter. As the first blade started to get dull, I folded over a piece of aluminum foil and sliced through it several times and was able to get a sharper edge for a while longer.

[Renata L.]

Wow Renata! I have never heard of a blade that lasted that long! Not that I change my blades that often, but more often than 2 in 3 years!

And cutting through aluminum foil?? I've never heard of that as a way to sharpen blades! Guess it's worth a try, a dull blade is of no use anyway.

[Renata L.]

Michelle, I can't stress enough how little I've done--only three quilts were larger than a table runner! Everything else has been table runner-size or ten-inch practice squares and I don't cut batting with the same rotary cutter. And who knows, maybe I should have been changing the blades more often... :wink: And on the Sedona Star, I got half-way through it, got stuck and then lost steam on it! Maybe this Chinese Whispers quilt I'm working on will inspire me to do more!

[Renata L.]

I have the rulers that are used for cutting strips but mine is not Martinelli so it does not have the non-slip. I like it but care needs to be taken that you are not pushing so hard against the ruler that you make the section move. It gives a wavy cut. I have the rotary cutter and like it. I have not found the blades last any longer but then I usually have problems with blades if I nick them. That is when the cut seems to skip.

[Rita C.]

I have used the aluminium foil to sharpen my rotary blades and also for sharpening scissors.

[Lois B.]

I don't have anything to add regarding mats, but I do have regarding the Martelli rotary cutter. I have one and I love it. It has spoiled me for any other style rotary cutter. However, I have a very annoying problem with it and I don't know what to do about it. I have had it for about a year and the spring has worn out twice. Each time I call and a new spring is sent to me in the mail free of charge and the last time they sent 3 springs. Problem is I can't get the spring back on the way it is suppose to go. I googled the problem and found utube videos but I still can't get it installed properly. Since this problem I have purchased a couple of new rotary cutters thinking that there has got to be one out there that I like but I can't find one that works as well for me as the Martelli when it's working. Any suggestions?

[Lois B.]

I just watched a lot of the Martelli youtubes and am tempted to do a comparison test. Though I'm not sure if I want to invest in all the different products. But I do need a new cutting Matt, and maybe I'll try the rotary cutter. So torn on what to do.

[Lois B.]

I don't have anything to add regarding mats, but I do have regarding the Martelli rotary cutter. I have one and I love it. It has spoiled me for any other style rotary cutter. However, I have a very annoying problem with it and I don't know what to do about it. I have had it for about a year and the spring has worn out twice. Each time I call and a new spring is sent to me in the mail free of charge and the last time they sent 3 springs. Problem is I can't get the spring back on the way it is suppose to go. I googled the problem and found utube videos but I still can't get it installed properly. Since this problem I have purchased a couple of new rotary cutters thinking that there has got to be one out there that I like but I can't find one that works as well for me as the Martelli when it's working. Any suggestions?

Have you tried to talk to Martelli, and tell them you are having an issue with the spring? I'm sure they would want to know that there is a problem and want to help you any way possible.

[Lois B.]

Writing about the problem I had with my cutter made me more determined than ever to get that spring on properly. I carefully watched the video again and again then went to work trying once more. I had 2 springs and discovered that one of them had gotten bent out of shape in my former struggles. Of course, I could not attach it properly. I tried the other one and got it in place successfully. I am so very happy. I love that cutter. Now I've watched the videos regarding their mats. I want a mat that measures about the size of there large size mat. I like the idea that you get 2 sides and 2 colors. I am thinking about it. I will be reading everyone's comments very carefully.

[Lois B.]

Good for you Lois!

FYI, Olfa mats are also 2sided, although the color is the same on the back side. There are no grid lines of course so the back side is great for cutting when you don't need the lines.

[E.M. T.]

Sure wish they could get rid of that smell ! :shock: :?

[Lois B.]

Good for you Lois!

FYI, Olfa mats are also 2sided, although the color is the same on the back side. There are no grid lines of course so the back side is great for cutting when you don't need the lines.

Good to know. I like the price of the Olfa a whole lot better.

[Karen W.]

I'm using Grace's TruCut systems and love the cutters, rulers and mats. Perfect colors and performance.