DIY Cutting System Intro

The current rotary cutting system marketed to home quilters is a joke. The blades can't be sharpened and they're expensive to replace. The self-healing mats don't heal. I've cut through three mats already. Those are also expensive. There is an acrylic template for every shape and size. Every time a new quilt pattern comes out, there's a fancy new template for it. Don't get me started on the expense of collecting them all. Now, there are quilt sticks. The only solution for sliding rulers and templates is sand paper or silicone sticky dots. Enough already!!!!

The problem with the cheap blades (Fiskar, etc) is that they are made in China with carbon steel which cannot be sharpened. All the complaints I've read online concerning the inefficiency of blade sharpeners has to do with quilters trying to sharpen carbon steel blades.

Olfa blades are made of tungsten steel which can be sharpened and the best sharpener available is the Grace True Cut linear ceramic sharpener. Quality tools equal quality work. Don't bother with the horrid blue sand paper sharpener. Sand paper doesn't sharpen anything. This is the one expense that should not be skimped. It's an investment that will save you money over time.

As for the other complaints, I've devised my own permanent system to correct them and save money in the process. Any money spent on materials is a one time investment. Being a lifelong crafter, I had almost every tool I used on hand.

This entire project only cost me $80. I also purchased a 30x36" sheet of acrylic for $24.92 to use as a light table and painting surface. Compare that with the cost of a cutting table, self healing cutting mat, ironing pad, all the templates, and quilt sticks.

Quilter's Table $341.97
 Cutting Mat 36x48" $106.00
 Super Ironing Board $276.98
 Cutting Templates $1,090.20
 Quilt Sticks $58.99
 True Grips (silicone) $5.99
 Fabric Grips (sandpaper) $3.48
 Light Box (12x10") $64.99

Total $1,844.20
DIY Savings $1,746.67