Changing Blades

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M

MarkG1

MGF, Master Grumble Framer
Joined
Jul 4, 2002
Posts
509
Loc
Centralia, IL
Just how often do most people change blades on there mat cutter?

Mabe I change mine too often, but I'm with Framerguy, Better safe than sorry.

And what do you do with the old blades. Heck, over half of it is still brand new. Seems like a waste to just throw them out.
 
I was taught "if in doubt, change it out"

About 10 mats
 
I was taught to change the blade for each job. I might stretch that to two jobs if they are small. Definetly if I'm using black core.

I'll use a marker to put an "X" on the used end of the blade. Flip the blade end for end and use the good end. Then the next job I take out the blade. If it has an "X" on it I know the other end has been used, dispose of it and put in a fresh blade.

Denny
 
I change the blade after every mat. It may be overkill, but it gives me the comfort level I desire, knowing that when I turn the mat over, it will be a nice sharp cut every time. I keep a few used blades on hand for touch ups etc. The majority go into an empty coffee can. The can has the top on it with a slit in the top to accept the old blade.

The Other Mike.
 
Store your used blades in a quart plastic soda bottle with slits in the top. When it's full, cut the top off and stack the blades carefully in 2" blocks. Tape them together. When you have 3 2" blocks tape them together the tape the entire package together using heavy packing tape. ATG a piece of Suede matboard (Suede out) to the bottom and use them as poster and art weights.
 
We have an Esterly SpeedMat system in our shop. I insisted on this cutter after I spent five years getting used to its quirks at my last job. The blades the SpeedMat uses are similar to Xacto knife blades. They only have the one cutting point, so once it's ready to be changed, I simply put the old blade in an empty juice bottle. I change the blades about every 10 mats or so, depending on the size of the mats being cut. Also, call me nuts, but I usually change the blade for the first mat of the day, regardless of whether I cut 10 mats, or only one mat, the day before. I just like knowing that I am starting th day off "fresh."
 
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