Model D Rigby Strip Cutter
I have had many of you ask how to change blades or disassemble on a Rigby cutter for cleaning. Here are the short disassembly instructions for doing so. If you have a Model H – there is only one blade; if you have a Model D, there are two blades. The instructions are the same.
1. Remove the Rigby from the table (if it is clamped down.)
2. Turn it upside down and take off the thumbscrew that you see at the end of the cutter blade(s).
3. Completely loosen the red T-knob at the top side which holds the cutting wheel down against the cutter blade(s) (don’t take it off though.) That will open hole so the cutter blade(s) have room to drop down and be removed.
4. Now pull the handle out (the handle shaft runs through the holes in the cutting blades.) The blades should drop down and come out now.
5. Replace the blade(s) in to the hole (note where the little notches are and line them up) then run the handle back through the center of the blade(s), aligning the notch on the shaft with the notch in the blade(s).
6. Screw on the thumbscrew to hold the handle and blade(s) in place.
7. Clamp the cutter to your table. Now you can crank the T-knob back down to adjust for your fabric thickness.
I wish I had pictures to show you – it would make more sense. If you just do one step at a time, you’ll get it right. If you need to order new blades or cleaning fingers, you’ll find them at Halycon Yarn
Rigby - Cutter Blade
Rigby Cutter - Cleaning Finger
FOLK 'n' FIBER BLOG 
Good information, thanks. i do have a question. I purchased a Rigby cutting machine, and the only model # I could find was RB-1 on side of cutting blade. It has a blade on it and it is 1/2″. Can I put other size blades in? Thanks again!
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Barbara
I think you might have a cutter intended for braided rug making. I suggest you go to HalcyonYarn.com here:
http://halcyonyarn.com/rug_making.html
and see if you find the model you own. Give them a call and see if the individual cutter heads for rug hooking will fit the model you have. I know models C and H are for cutting wool strips for rug hooking, but I think Model B (if that is what you have) is for cutting wool for braiding rugs. If you bought the cutter used, and it is an older machine, the markings on the blades and the machine might be different than they use now. I am sure Halcyon could help you sort it out.
Sally
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I have a Ridgeway fabric cutter which isn’t cutting the fabric completely. How do you sharpen it? Thanks, Betty
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Hi Betty
Thanks for visiting my blog. If it doesn’t cut well even though the tension is tight, then you will need a new cutter head. Or, if you can find someone who sharpens them, you could try that. I am unsure who sells the Ridgeway cutters, or if you can still buy them. Anybody know? I would look for a new cutter head, maybe on ebay? I Googled it, but came up empty. If you belong to a hooking group, ask around there, too. Sorry I am not more help; just don’t hear much about the Ridgeway cutters.
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Rigby Precision Products
249 Portland Road
Bridgton, ME 04009
1-207-647-5679
Buy from the manufacturer at this address. Enjoy!
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Thanks for the contact info Pat!
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I need better or new Rigby blade and rubber bands. where do I find these
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Hi Judy – you can get almost all the Rigby cutters and accessories at http://halcyonyarn.com/rug_making_rag_cutters.html
They are really helpful if you have questions, just call.
Sally
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Hello: I too have a used Rigby Model B, and am wondering what size a #3 blade cuts, this is a new hobby for me, and I’m finding this confusing. Love you blog, Thanks much Wendy
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#3 is 3/32nds of an inch width. All cutters use 32nds for measurements. So for example, a #8 cut is 8/32nd of 1/4th.
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In your response to Barbara you say a C and H are for rug hooking … the D and H are for rug hooking not the C … I think the C is another one for braiding … the D is the Double blade and H single blade for rug hooking. Just to clarify things.
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Holly – yes, of course! You are right. I have a model D Rigby with a double blade. Sorry for my typing mistake and thanks for correcting it! I think C is for braiding strips.
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Is it possible to cut fabric such as cotton with the cloth stripper?
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You can cut fabrics other than wool, but your blades will become dull quicker. They can be sharpened though, so use it to your advantage.
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—so happy to find a website regarding rug hooking. I’m new at this!
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Welcome Shirley! I am not the most prolific blogger, but you can keep up with me here:
https://www.facebook.com/FolknFiber
Also, for tons of help and hooker friendships, join this Facebook group.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/theoutofhandrughookers/
It is a wonderful group of helpful ladies who share knowledge and patterns, and photos.
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Can you tell me the value of a rigby cutter , good condition, with three blades and fingers? #8′,7,6 .Would like to sell it! Thanks
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Hi Carol
I have seen Rigby cutters go for $150 and higher on eBay, even in very bad condition. Go to eBay and search ‘Rigby cutter’ and select ‘completed’ as the auction type to see what has sold recently and for how much – the prices will show in green. Prices in red are those that were listed but did not sell. Perhaps someone in one of the Facebook rug hooking groups would be interested . . . mention it here in this group on Facebook – Out of Hand Rug Hookers. Someone is always looking for a good, used cutter.
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Thanks so much, will do!
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Hi
I know you posted this several years ago. I just recently bought a rigby on ebay. It cuts very well except I want to install a #6 blade. My model is older than the one pictured above. I follow along with the instructions but find I have no way to remove the handle. There is only what appears a little hole as if an allens wrench could fit in it but the hole is completely circular. Does the handle come off with a narrow fine screwdriver inserted into the blade itself????? I don’t want to force this if I am wrong.
Help, please!
Thanks
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Hi Pam
There are notches that fit the handle into the holes in the blades. You might have to fiddle with the handle (turn it a bit and pull as you go around) to get it to come out. When the notches line up, the handle will slide out. Then you can remove the cutter heads and install new ones. Do the same thing to fit the handle into the notched slots in the blades, line it up, push it in through the hole of the blade and secure it. Give it another try. If it’s not sliding out, its not lined up.
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I cannot get the handle off are you sure it doesn’t need a screwdriver. Help
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Line up the notches on the handle shaft with the cutouts on the cutter blades, then pull the handle straight out. Shoot a little WD40 into the hole the handle fits into before you reassemble. Keep moving parts lightly oiled to keep everything in good working order.
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I would like to try weaving rag rugs, and I have been given 3 Rigby cutting machines. They are old and may need new heads. But mostly, I’d like to know which model should be used for weaving rag rugs, and what size strips should I be cutting? I’m really not sure where to start. Any help would be appreciated.
I did check out the Halycon site you recommended, but they have nothing about Rigby machines, only Ault.
Thank you.
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Hi Karen, I am not knowledable regarding woven rag rugs…do you mean braided or locker hooking? If you want to cut 1 inch wide strips for braiding, I believe the Rigby model B is the one you want. It accommodates one cutter head, which will have the size marked on the side, and has a large opening where the head sits. Halcyon doesn’t carry Rigby equipment any more. You could contact Larry Ault (Aults Rug Hooking) and see if he has the cutter head you need. He takes in used Rigby equipment and refurbishes it.
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I am attempting to remove the cutting blades on a used Rigby D model. I have removed the thumb screw and washer from the end of the 2 cutting discs, but the handle won’t pull out. Is there a trick to getting the handle out? I have sprayed WD 40 on the end hoping it is just stuck.
Thank you.
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Hi Debbie
First, know that there is a bump on the handle shaft that aligns with a notch on the cutting wheel. Those need to line up for the handle to slide out. To find that alignment, you want to pull on the handle as you turn it…you will feel it fall into alignment and you should be able to pull the handle straight out.
If you know they are aligned and it still won’t slide out, and If the handle hasn’t been removed in a long time, wool dust can build up inside the shaft and cause it to be stuck. Let the WD40 sit overnight, wiggle that handle a bunch, then spray it again and let it sit. You will have to be sure it is all lined up properly, and give it a wiggle as you pull outward.
I suspect they aren’t lined up properly though. Work with it and you will get it out as soon as the notches line up.
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