Suggestions Looking for a........................................

[Gino]

Self-healing mat.

I know there's different kinds out there and was never really interested in them, but I need to look into one or two presently. Are there various kinds, thicknesses, long vs. short term, sizes ?? Oh, and who's selling them ?? I asked two of my vendors and they don't handle them.

Gino​

 

[Snydo]

Grimco sells them in various sizes and they are pretty decent quality and seem to hold up well. A 4' x 8' will run you a couple hundred bucks.

 

[Fred Weiss]

You should be able to examine a variety of them at ...

Joann Fabrics
Lowes
Graingers
Walmart

 

[ikarasu]

Check out yellow tools. They have a really thick clear one It's about twice the price, but worth it. If you have a rolls roller, it is like the healing mat on that. The Rhino brand that Grimco sells Isn't bad, but it is nowhere near as good.

Yellow tools is also by the Roll. So if you have a 20 foot table and you wanna cover at all with one mat, you could.

 

[Billct2]

I've been using Rhino for years and have been satisfied.

 

[GB2]

I also have always used Rhino mats, here is a good source:

http://www.speedpress.com/products/2/1

 

[ikarasu]

http://www.yellotools.us/Cutting/Cutting-Mats/ here you go. They'll cut it down to any size... So if you need 49x96 they'll do that. Good for oversized tables, or custom ones! A lot softer and lasts a lot longer than rhino Matt's... Though we use both.

 

[GAC05]

How about a self healing rug instead?

 

[Gino]

Yowsa, he's so heavy, he's bending the walls, the floor and that gong is gonna roll away, soon. Also, thanks for all help, so far.

 

[MikePatterson]

We run the Yellow Tools Mats here. Saves blades and vinyl doesnt slide around like the HDPE type mats.

 

[d fleming]

Never really like them. My tables are covered in galvanized pans. 21 years old and still working like a champ. They have been painted on, cut on, hammered on, glued on, everything I can build indoors has been on these tables. Magnet sticks to it making holding things down or working on magnetic itself easy. Yes, it kills xacto blades but we buy them by the 100 pack for a reason right?

 

[Andy D]

The best prices I have found is Reece Supply, & I'm very happy with my mat.
If they don't deliver to your area, I think they will pay for shipping if it's over $200, but
you will need to double check on that.

A couple price points:
4' x 8' $115
5' x 8' $148
5' x 10' $179
4' x 12' $171
4' x 12' $216


https://www.reecesupply.com//searchPage.action?keyWord=cut mat

 

[Andy D]

Also, years ago, I looked into mixing & pouring my own mat & found the components ( I don't have the link, but it wasn't hard to find).
My thought was (and I'm not 100% sure this will work) once the mat got in bad shape, I wanted to "recoat".

 

[Boudica]

Andy, I'm guessing you haven't tried it yet? I'd be interested hearing about the process and the results - specifically the time with out being able to use it again - curing time etc

 

[Andy D]

Andy, I'm guessing you haven't tried it yet? I'd be interested hearing about the process and the results - specifically the time with out being able to use it again - curing time etc

No I didn't, I'm infamous for coming up with ideas, doing the research & then getting sidetracked.
Here is a link to a video:

Full disclosure: I have no idea if that mix makes a good cutting mat,

 

[Pewter0000]

I can't help suggest a brand, but I can tell you I've ruined one by ironing on it! So be careful about heat, if that's helpful at all.

 

[eahicks]

I've been using Rhino for years and have been satisfied.

Been getting the Rhino mats; they are ok. We have to replace them every couple years, they don't seem to last that long. They just don't have the best 'healing' property, to me. After a while there's too many cuts in them.

 

[2B]

We gave up on "healing" mats.

we now use PVC board, 12mm or thicker.
we use a sander to smooth out the heavily scarred areas and when it gets too bad, flip it over and use side 2.
Toss when needed and buy another

Cheap and easy to replace and all vendors carry them

 

[Gino]

That's what I've been using for years, but only a 3mm thickness. Works great, but lately, we've been running along and catching other grooves by mistake and it takes us off course. As small as it is, it's a pain, so I figured this self-healing stuff is better. Got a price just a few minutes ago for 2 pieces at $163. ea with free delivery Rhino 3/16" Seemed reasonable.

If I may, why did you give up on the mats ?? If I get 2 years out of the 3mm I feel lucky. Not the cost, just the pain changing things out all the time. How long did your mats last ??

 

[2B]

Healing mats have a life span and have the same issue of "grooves" changing the blade direction.
for the cost spent on mats, it is more effective to use PVC for us

we get a 60" x 120" 12mm delivered for $150.00.
$75.00 per side, typically get 1.5 + years per side