How to cutting/finish fabrics

To be honest, sewing. I don't think I'd buy anything that is fabric that isn't hemmed with thread.

 

Using a hot knife to prevent fraying is a valid technique. However, getting pressure, timing down is something that does take time to get right. That will also change depending on different fabric substrates as well.

Even getting really good at it, there is a difference between using a sewing machine (or underlock depending on the application) and using the hot knife for sealing. Although if it's a temp type of application, this may not matter as much.

I would actually crunch the numbers to make sure of that. May be surprised on that.

Get the glass if you are going to continue with this method.

 

http://go-foster.com/Products/CuttersTrimmers/FabricCutting/
I wish I'd known this existed previously, but honestly, most of my cuts were at least 96" and 20-30 ft long. I used a hot knife as well, and it takes some getting used to. We sewed a silicone edge to them, but having a straight edge was still important.

https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/...TztPTZJI9ooDUgZhQ6pXsj8wQXt7rEnGd1YQ&usqp=CAc
I used this knife with the guard along the bottom, Never needed to cut on glass. As long as I had a flat surface and a straight line to follow, it worked great.

Also, use the I can't imagine not using a sewn hem on anything fabric. I never found an adhesive tape that would have worked.

 

We had a JUKI industrial model that we bought used, and worked great without any issues in 6 years. It was heavy duty enough for anything we threw at it. Don't get a consumer version (in my opinion).

 

The '70s Juki home machines are a different matter. It's built like the industrial ones of today. I still have a home Juki overlock machine that I run alongside my Merrow machine for finishing patches. It's shame about "not built like they used to be". That machine is older then I am and doing better.

To the OP: if you start doing thicker materials, you'll want to have something with dual feed. A lot of people talk about the walking foot and that will somewhat accomplish the same thing, but dual feed is significantly better. It used to be only on Pfaff commercial and home versions, but once patent protection ran out, now a lot of companies are doing it. If can't get dual feed, get the walking foot option. Only if you are going to be doing thicker materials.