Now I don't know about this

[sewbug]

An elderly quilter at guild was helping me cut fabric and I noticed she locked the blade of the rotary cutter and then cut. I have the Olfa with the red button lock. She opened the blade and then pushed the button to lock the blade when it was out and then cut. I guess I didn't read the instructions on how to use the cutter but I assumed the blade unlocked while cutting. I tried it her way and the blade does move but seems it would make the lock give out eventually. I asked her why she did that and she said that's the way it's suppose to be used.

[QIAD-Linda]

Hi Sewbug,
I always lock my blade when cutting. It allows me to cut better with out having to hold the handle open so tightly.

[sewbug]

This is really new to me! LOL. I never thought about locking the blade while cutting. I always locked the blade when I laid the cutter down, do you unlock, and lock again, when you lay it down?

[carrieg]

I might have to try that! I always just squeeze the handle while cutting. But I'm such a klutz, I would make sure I unlock it when I put it down. I'm skeered of sharp instruments LOl

[qltsbme]

I use my blade both ways. If there are no children around I will lock it open but if there's a child around (sometimes the ladies bring their kids to the quilting get togethers that we have at church - grrrrrrrrr) I am very careful to not lock it open just in case I forget and leave it.

I do try to always lock it closed when I am done but my pea sized brain sometimes forgets or thinks the hand did what it didn't do.

[qltsbme]

I don't know that there's a "s'posed to" rule about locking or unlocking it open. I think it's totally personal preference.

[gardenquilter]

I lock mine open when cutting and lock it shut as soon as I finish the cut before I lay it down

[Evie]

What brand of cutter are you using? I don't understand. I have Fiskars.

[IowaGal]

I always lock it. Linda is right, it is much easier on your hand.