Rotary Cutter Safety
National Quilters Circle EditorsLori Baker discusses the proper safety techniques that you should implement when using a rotary cutter for your quilting projects. She suggests getting a tool that has a safety lock, keeping your fingers far from the edge when using a ruler and rotary cutter, and putting it away from reach when you aren’t using it.
We're going to talk just a little bit about rotary cutters and safety. A rotary cutter is essentially a rolling razor blade. So, we really need to respect them and treat them with care. I like the kind of rotary cutter that has a lock, so when I pick it up, I can't engage it until I unlock the lock button. And then, if I forget to re-lock it, this particular kind actually retracts the blade just when I set it down.
I try to remember to lock it when I set it down. Just that little extra bit of care. When I use the ruler, I want to be sure my fingers are back. Even if I'm just cutting an 1 1/2" strip, I want my fingers back from the edge. So I always make a habit of resting my pinky on the mat, and then my hand just isn't big enough to get my fingers in the way.
That pinky on the mat also stabilizes the ruler so it doesn't slide around. And just kind of be aware, like I said, that you've got a rolling razor blade in your hand. I lock it before I lay it down, when I'm done with a project, I actually put it up high so that it's not where somebody could get it and not know what they had and start playing around with it. Great tool, we just need to be aware of what we've got.
This is serious, have spent all day in emergency with a side of my finger cut in a neat edge. Be careful.
Better yet go to the local electric supply store and buy some "cut gloves"...cheaper than ordering on line from various quilting shops plus these come in more comfortable sizes rather than one size giant cut glove! No more cutting my fingers now!
Is this a joke? Nothing to do with rotary cutters, a cartoon commercial.