ROTARY CUTTING SAFETY TIPS

With so many of us using rotating blades for our quilting and sewing projects, I feel the need to take a few minutes to share some important basic concepts for the use and care of these wonderful cutting tools. I can't tell you how many times I've seen a potentially dangerous situation due simply to the lack of basic safety knowledge.

Sometimes I think these tools have become so common that they are purchased and used without proper safety instructions or thoughts. I'm sure most, if not all of you, are using your cutters safely, but if you need a bit of updating, please be patient with me. Speaking as someone who has sliced the tip of your finger (only a small slice, but a slice, however), I hope this brief tutorial will help.

f:id:shauna21allen:20171114194443j:plain

Out of sight, out of mind

First of all, remember that the rotary cutter is a tool and respects it as one. There are so many different brands available, and because they are often bright colors, it is better to keep them out of sight (and reach) of young people who could see them as something fun to ' play '. Actually, I'm trying to keep mine out of the way of any family member. Although my family knows that I should not touch my cutting tools, apparently not all families are as polite as others. A friend recently shared this story. After returning home after a weekend, he opened the dishwasher to find his beloved spinning cutter tucked between the utensils. Curious, he asked his teenager how he had spent the weekend at home alone. When he explained that he had invited some friends to eat pizza, he was gasped, because he realized that the sharp blade of his cutting tool had been pierced by a sticky mass of cheese, pepperoni and anything else that was in his Way. Therefore, if not for another reason that you do not forgive this experience to the sheet, I suggest you keep it in a safe place.

Play It safely

On average, at least once a week, I find that students forget to close the safety latch, leaving the cutter on the table with the razor sharply exposed. The blade should only be exposed during the cutting process. Many newer cutters have retractable blades, while some of the older models require changing a latch to expose and/or hide the blade. Leaving a rotating cutter on a table with an exposed blade is a disaster that is about to happen. Protect and protect those around you by paying attention and playing it safe.

Pay attention to your parts

The second thing I notice is that the "parts" of the cutter are often out of order. Loose, wobbly blades are a good indication that all small parts have not been reassembled properly. I always suggest to my beginner students that when you change a sheet for the first time (because it is dull or nicked), it is advisable to place all the pieces online in the same order in which they were removed. This makes reassembly much easier!

These two parts are commonly assembled incorrectly. The washer/separator on the left is positioned as a bowl, with the curved side above. The nut, or whatever the technical term for this piece, on the right is inserted with the deep side down.

Once you begin to cut, be sure to keep your fingers away from the cutting edge of the ruler. Even the slightest extension can shave your fingertip ... the Voice of experience! Do not work if you are tired or have inadequate lighting. As a general rule, I never cut more than four thicknesses of fabric, for reasons of precision and safety. Replace the blade as soon as it becomes dull or dull, and always invest in new rules when the edges become rough and uneven.


Using Rotary Cutters

Until next time, cut safe and happy by sewing them all!

If you want to read more information, Visit here

Yoou May Also Like to Read