Model Boat Mayhem

Technical, Techniques, Hints, and Tips => Engineering Techniques and Materials. => Topic started by: g6swj on June 23, 2014, 11:26:33 am

Title: Cutting Mat
Post by: g6swj on June 23, 2014, 11:26:33 am

Hello and thank you in advance for help...

I have never used a cutting mat before - seems like you can spend peanuts or gold sovereigns on them.

So is it best to spend peanuts and replace them when needed or invest in a more durable product?

Assuming it's allows would appreciate Brand/Supplier info recommendations

Thank you
JonathanE

Title: Re: Cutting Mat
Post by: grendel on June 23, 2014, 12:35:18 pm

I have a large A1 sized one that cost a fair amount, but also use some small A4 sized ones that I picked up at the local market for £1 each. for anything small enough the small ones get used, the big one is on the workbench and just gets used for bigger items.
Grendel

Title: Re: Cutting Mat
Post by: dougal99 on June 23, 2014, 01:36:02 pm

I have several, all different sizes and materials. I haven't noticed any difference in durability. The smaller A4 ones are useful not only for small work, but can be readily moved around the work space as required.

Title: Re: Cutting Mat
Post by: inertia on June 23, 2014, 03:56:59 pm

I habitually buy a new one at every Warwick show. I use A2 size and find that they last about a year. The mats are branded "Space Fly" and are sold by a couple of the tool stalls there for not a lot of money. If you search for cutting mats on E-Bay then there are any number of suppliers and sizes on offer.
Dave M

Title: Re: Cutting Mat
Post by: Tug-Kenny RIP on June 23, 2014, 07:53:09 pm

They do offer a terrific advantage with the parallel lines marked on them. The semi grip surface is also comforting when using sharp knives.   %)

I've only ever bought one, Dave.  It self heals its surface secretly during the night.  {-) {-)

cheers

ken

Title: Re: Cutting Mat
Post by: inertia on June 23, 2014, 08:41:46 pm

Quote from: Tug---Kenny on June 23, 2014, 07:53:09 pm

I've only ever bought one, Dave.  It self heals its surface secretly during the night.  {-) {-)

And does it also secretly scrape off all the accumulated glue and other crud of the previous day as well as redrawing the grid after a good slosh of thinners spilled on it? Mine don't  <:( (and anyway I'm famously houseproud)
Dave M

Title: Re: Cutting Mat
Post by: CyberBOB on June 23, 2014, 08:48:54 pm

Save your old cutting pad, cover it with waxed paper, and use it for a glueing pad.  Works for me.

Title: Re: Cutting Mat
Post by: Buccaneer on June 23, 2014, 09:03:48 pm

Swmbo decided that the cutting boards in the kitchen were 'a bit scratched, stained, and didn't look very nice any more'. These were 9 mm thick nylon type material. Two bits about 6 inches square now reside in the drawer. Ideal for heavier work, e.g. hammer and chisel.

Title: Re: Cutting Mat
Post by: CyberBOB on June 23, 2014, 09:54:24 pm

I used to use the free promotional mouse pads (the kind with the vinyl top) as cutting pads.


I don't seem to get free ones anymore.

Title: Re: Cutting Mat
Post by: HUNTER on June 26, 2014, 09:28:19 am

Hi Guys,
The difference I have found over the years is in the quality of the mats. I always use a Swan Morton cutting blade in my cutting knives including a Stanley knife.
I find that the cheaper mats tend to start falling apart when they have been used a lot. The area which has been cut doesn't heal but actually becomes a rut with bits of the mat coming loose.
The next thing to do is turn it over and start again Also, notice that this happens much more in the winter when the mat is cold. Answer is to warm it up before cutting on it, works every time.

Title: Re: Cutting Mat
Post by: Peter Fitness on June 26, 2014, 11:41:02 pm

I always use those from the cheap shops and find that they last a very long time, one of mine is about 20 years old. However, I suppose it all depends on how much they are used, mine aren't used all day very day, but they have had quite a lot of use. If, like Dave M., you spill glue and thinners on them  %) , I would expect their life to be much shorter, as solvents tend to remove the grid lines and soften the mat itself, I know this from bitter experience <:( .


Peter.

Title: Re: Cutting Mat
Post by: Dainesh on August 09, 2021, 09:49:00 am

Hi,


I bought this one ages ago, and it is still OK :)
So I suggest use the cheapest one, and if you need to change it just buy a new one.


https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/392163981836?epid=2254271137&_trkparms=ispr%3D1&hash=item5b4ecb7a0c:g:QwIAAOSwGWJcWzrU&amdata=enc%3AAQAGAAACgPYe5NmHp%252B2JMhMi7yxGiTJkPrKr5t53CooMSQt2orsSU8qUIAeVPdz29zRlje3Lgzjcrh%252Bwww27dhZUi45PbsavgBWf%252FMBs08qF0RjaUtoyGWZ8U1EeC9mZzrE0L1F1Ao4b%252F3GXv%252B1cnARbs%252FcC9fZHonn4c9I5v47fqp5xA0Qe2wH9Wt3RhVObbbSUtgB5FZ2CqzxokA280lDwLT4P9nO%252BisTuNwck45fEExM%252F1TKllN1g4bsbU6gz4bg%252BeZ%252FOqu9RiF4%252BnEFNKP6hvyingT%252Fhbxlhg%252FEI7HoC96NPFsI3GOFZO5plUjMgK5Gd4r2d%252BCms67aBy4jDwYvqpfT6zvPKsxaSG4WkNP5k9JH7MnaESPAZeqv7G3pjringvElG3%252BxAmsOisj5SU2oR77OjHNO8vsPG6DZTdkDTDtW3%252BYkg7R%252B3R0pnabanV2mK3s7dOEQyU1rvc6fE0rIuz2qJ%252BV26ZykTr6jV%252F7D15brm7AWia0zKFl%252BOL5v3xv2mN5q4uD1nXKryPmM485haV94Tw7aLz%252BZVxFsgzBEicvjlq4%252BZgNxXYDshIQjmErW52qMENuwe%252BrMmPAlFdLr3Mj2Zg0ghmUSCb5UpyPszK4he39nX906%252Bu%252F8jJyLbAqF1SriWLuvJlr0xUV7dL2IMWOFdqDSitR3HDj5TszLLIlXOm9mfTZM6bDS0itnPvX5y8myXJQGdSxo8l6V8JhGpmJgv%252FKCANIyQRJlMr9fXQwh3ySYG7qcu0Pf%252B1rjC%252FJII1uPFU7y6PGV1wfb%252FAZn86btuqmPiJdqtsNBCqfphewAIf1xXSx0a9DTpP1Vma8qlHCpC1RhGcPv0qIHdwa3O5KnS3gM%253D%7Campid%3APL_CLK%7Cclp%3A2334524