Daft question alert: are rotator cutters supposed to rotate? What am I doing wrong?

[ThursFriHappy]

Bought one with a mat, but not sure if it's me using it incorrectly.

The blade doesn't' rotate while cutting, and though I use it against a ruler, it doesn't cut 'straight', so I get jagged edges on the fabric.

And I almost cut my fingers off. Ouch.
It wasn't cheap, about £9, so what am I doing wrong?

[ThursFriHappy]

I am using it away from me, not towards me.

[mineallmine]

Yes it should definitely rotate as you run it along the ruler and you should get a lovely straight line. There'a a bit of a knack to cutting with a ruler and cutter. You always cut away from you, hold the cutter at a 45 degree angle and tight against the ruler.

What brand of rotary cutter is it? I have an Olfa and it has a black knob in the centre to tighten the wheel. Maybe this is too tight on yours and is stopping the blade from turning? Have you had a look on youtube? People put the most random things on there, you may find your brand of rotary cutter explained.

[lljkk]

great reply by mineallmine -- I'll second all that.

[ThursFriHappy]

Thanks both, I'll have a look at it and have another go. Without having to find it, it begins with X and I bought it from The Range.
And I'll have a look on YouTube.

[temporarilyjerry]

We ordered some and work and when they arrived, my colleague checked how sharp they were - with her finger. Ouch! Don't do that, OP.

[temporarilyjerry]

at work