Several weeks ago there was a discussion in one of my Yahoo groups about some rotary blades sold at Harbor Freight Tools for cutting carpet. One of the gals said she tried them in her rotary cutter and they worked great. Then there was quite a bit of conversation going back and forth with some saying they had tried them and didn't like them and others chiming in saying they had tried them and they worked as well as the expensive "quilting" rotary blades. In the picture above, the blade on the left is an Olfa and the blade right next to the cutter is from Harbor Freight Tools.
So, I decided that since a package of 2 was only $1.99 (and right now they are on sale for $1.49) that it was worth giving them a try - especially in light of the fact that I can cut up to 30-40 pieces of fabric daily for my little eBay store, plus all my own personal cutting. And, since Olfa blades can cost anywhere from $38.98 for 10 (at Hancocks of Paducah) to $34.99 for 5 at JoAnn's (with a 40% off coupon - $20.99), I thought I would order 10 at a cost of $14.90 and see if they really do work.
I figured if they do work, it will save me LOTS of money in the long run and if they don't work, I am out $14.90. PLUS, the shipping is VERY reasonable. They come out of California if you order them and since St. George is pretty close to California, the shipping was only $1.99 (for orders up to $15.00)!! Another lady who lived further east said her shipping and handling was $2.99. Also their website says they have 350 locations, so you just might be near enough one to just go pick them up!!
I test-tried one on a remnant and had no problem cutting through 4 layers. I am sure time will tell, but I thought I would let you all know about this find in the event you like to save money like I do!!
11 comments:
Hate to say this, but I have been using these blades before the 'quilt' buzz found them. Lucky to have a store near by and pick them up with their store coupon - so usually around $1.29 for pk of 2 blades. I find them much better than the 'quilter's' blades and last longer. And I sharpen them on my sand stone (bought many years ago for under a dollar) that I sharpen kitchen knives on.
I wonder if they would fit the Ginger cutter?
There's a store in my city so I'm definitely trying this. Glad to hear from Vroomans' Quilts that they are better than what I am used to!
Wow! Totally gonna check that out!
xx, shell
I have a store near me so I will be going there tomorrow. Then I will visit the quilt fabric store across the street to buy fabric with the money I saved. Thanks so much Lavender and Vrooman's!! You rock!
I have been using HF blades for several years now and they have lasted as long (if not longer) than the brand name blades. Whenever I'm in a HF store, I pick up some blades - I have nice stockpile of them now.
I have been wanting to drive to Harbor Freight to get some, didn't know I could order them online. The drive is about 2 hours...so I might as well order them!!
Thanks for letting me know about your experience. I really need to get over the Harbor Freight before they all disappear again.
oooooh! We have a Freight Harbor here in Reno! I'll have to go check that out!
Thanks for the tip!
Heavy sigh. No store in my town...but the shipping sounds quite reasonable...thanks for the money saving tip. I tend to wait too long to change my blades, because of the cost and then have to deal with lots of frustrating cuts.
Deb
Thanks for the tip. I have always thought that the blades for rotary cutters were WAY overpriced. I ordered myself a bundle of them. We have a store here, but this is more convenient.
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