Fiskars cutter problem

Hi, Have any of you encountered problems using the fiskars cutter? I've only recently bought this system, and it seems the blade is blunt, and it moves off course. Has anyone experienced this or am I just not holding my mouth right? lol I'd appreciate any helpful tips.

Reply to
Cec
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Cec...I have that system and I find it works pretty well :o) However, you have be make sure that the template is the correct way up on your cutting mat and that your blade is going in the right direction to start with. Some say a plain old self-healing mat isn't good either and you should use either the Fiskars or a glass cutting mat. I have neither and mine's works okay on either the green variety or a CM mat I have.

Like all systems...I think there is a knack to getting the best out of them! You should be able to read FISKARS on your template face....as it would be if you were reading the packaging. If it is upside down that could be one problem. The other thing is to make sure the you adjust your cutter blade to suit the cardstock or paper you are cutting....using the little orange nob on top of the cutter. Spare blades are not too expensive but it may not be your blade that is blunt but your technique that needs some work :o) Don't apply much weight or pressure to the cutter itself....hold your finger and thumb firmly either side....towards the base of the cutter and once you have inserted the point of your blade use a sort of forward but slight sideways pressure to cut. I always stand up to cut as I thiks it is easier to control and see at the same time. If it cuts too deep and sticks in your mat, you are either using too much pressure or the blade could be digging into the self-healing cutting mat and going haywire!!!! The little orange blade component must be free enough to move and swivel to go round corners, etc. In some way it works a little like the Coluzzle swivel knife but the little orange blade holder protects the template edge. HTH.

Take care, Marilyn

Reply to
Marilyn

You mean the shapecutter? I got one on ebay and I haven't been able to make it work right more than once, so I'm 90% decided to try and sell it off again... if you get the blade height set absolutely right it works wonderfully, but it takes so much fiddling around that it's almost impossible!

Reply to
Karen AKA Kajikit

I'm not sure which fiskars cutter you're talking about. I have the 12 inch cutter that does straight lines. It's great for cutting 12X12 scrapbook paper. Anyhow the blade does go off course slightly on this one. I've learned to always hold it to the right to get an accurate cut each time. Also the blade does it dull with a lot of use. I usually cut in one direction and it's a 2 way blade, so when it get dull I switch the blade around. Then when it gets dull on both sides I replace it. The below link is to the one I'm talking about to see if we're even talking about the same cutter.

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Lynne

Reply to
King's Crown

Thanks Marilyn, I'll keep trying with it.... you know the funny thing is that the day I bought it DH unpacked it and he had it working perfectly!! Yesterday is the first time I've tried using it, I had my niece here scrapping and she wanted me to cut her photo's into different shapes..... alas I ended up using my exacto blade and cut them freehand (back to basics).

I find it so difficult to manage, but I guess as with all things it's only a matter of getting used to it.

Reply to
Cec

Yes Karen, I mean the shapecutter, sorry I should've specified that. I do find it difficult to adjust the height of the blade etc... mine doesn't seem to change much at all, perhaps that is just me again. I will perservere with it, at least until I can get new CM blades.... I'm used to the CM cutting system.... but I wanted to try out these fiskars shapes too.... and now I have 5 fiskars templates.... LOL.

Reply to
Cec

Hiya Lynne, No, I'm not talking about the 12" cutter, again I should've specified which cutter I have. I'm sure I will master the art sooner or later.... lol.

Reply to
Cec

I was never able to get the hang of it. I gave it to my girlfriend and she couldn't do anything with ity either. I think it is like coluzzles, either you have the knack or you don't.

Reply to
Scout Lady

Sounds like maybe all the Fiskar cutters take some getting use to.

Lynne

Reply to
King's Crown

I'm with you there. I bought one a while ago when they cost an arm and leg. I was never able to use it and finally gave it to Kenda who is an ace at using that thing!

Reply to
M-C

I hate BOTH the paper cutter as it cut crooked and the shape cutter thingy.

I however still use my shape cutter templates with a coluzzle knife. Just turn the templates upside down and there is a edge that the knife follows pretty good.

I agree on a couple things - the CM shape cutters are THE BEST and like coluzzle, if you are meant to use and like them, you gotta it made girl

- LOL!!!

OKC Dave

Check out my pix and crafts!

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Reply to
OKC Dave

Cec, I also had trouble in the begining using this system, but in the end when you get use to it, it works great. You need to "loosen" or "fasten" your blade according to the thickness of the paper or cardstock your are cutting. You do this with the little orange knob thingum. Otherwise it could tear or does not cut al the way through. Also check that your template is right way up, otherwise it "sticks". Don't give up! You'll love it after a while :)

Judy, SA

Reply to
Judy SA

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