Go Back  Quiltingboard Forums > Main
Self-healing mat - Is it beyond healing? >

Self-healing mat - Is it beyond healing?

Self-healing mat - Is it beyond healing?

Old 07-09-2012, 05:09 PM
  #1  
Super Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Washington State
Posts: 1,628
Default Self-healing mat - Is it beyond healing?

I know I push too hard when I cut. I also walk hard & wear out heals, chew hard and have TMJ. I think I just like to live at full speed but now it's getting serious... There's actual grooves in my self healing mat. Last night when cutting out pieces for mariner's star, sometimes the fabric would sink down into a groove in the mat - very messy. The edge of the fabric would fray as I pull it out & didn't always cut all the way through. And yes, I am using a fesh blade in my rotary cutter. Is there any way to save this mat or is it too far gone? How long should they last? I've had this one for at least 10 years.
beatys9 is offline  
Old 07-09-2012, 05:17 PM
  #2  
Power Poster
 
dunster's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Lake Elsinore, CA
Posts: 15,133
Default

There's info on the Olfa site about how to care for your mat and increase its life - http://www.generations-quilt-pattern...tting-mat.html - apparently fibers get caught in the cut marks and keep the poor mat from healing. I need to try this on my mat too. Thanks for reminding me.
dunster is offline  
Old 07-09-2012, 05:28 PM
  #3  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Illinois
Posts: 9,312
Default

It is entirely possible to wear out a self healing mat. I think I have gone through at least 6. Yep.... I press too hard, don't clean them as often as I should ... and cut too much in the same place... don't change my blades as often as I should all of which are bad habits.
Lori S is offline  
Old 07-09-2012, 05:32 PM
  #4  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Piedmont Virginia in the Foothills of the Blue Ridge Mtns.
Posts: 8,562
Default

You have spent less than a penny a day on this mat over the 10 years you've enjoyed using it. Maybe it really is time to replace it.

Jan in VA
Jan in VA is offline  
Old 07-09-2012, 06:27 PM
  #5  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 1,991
Default

Treat yourself and buy a new one (the extra large size)!
Shelbie is offline  
Old 07-09-2012, 06:28 PM
  #6  
Super Member
 
DogHouseMom's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Knot Merrill, Southern Indiana
Posts: 5,781
Default

If you are that hard on mats, and decide you want to replace it .. You might want to consider a different kind of mat other than self healing. I purchased a Beba ... Translucent plastic. I was also very hard on mats, but I dont have a problem with this one.
DogHouseMom is offline  
Old 07-09-2012, 07:05 PM
  #7  
Super Member
 
M.I.Late's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Spring, Texas
Posts: 2,032
Default

When your mat starts eating the fabric it's ready for retirement.... Sounds like it has served you well
M.I.Late is offline  
Old 07-09-2012, 07:21 PM
  #8  
Power Poster
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: MN
Posts: 24,370
Default

Why do we think our mats should have an eternal life?
And our blades?
And our needles?
bearisgray is offline  
Old 07-09-2012, 09:33 PM
  #9  
Super Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Washington State
Posts: 1,628
Default

I know I should know better... I just never gave it much thought until it started eating my fabric! Thanks for the link Dunster - it will help me take better care of my new one, when I get it shortly.

Originally Posted by bearisgray View Post
Why do we think our mats should have an eternal life?
And our blades?
And our needles?
beatys9 is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Marcia_PA
Main
13
03-07-2024 06:25 AM
tothenci
Links and Resources
8
05-19-2012 02:49 PM
NewsletterBot
Main
6
04-16-2011 10:07 AM
DogHouseMom
Main
4
03-13-2011 05:21 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


FREE Quilting Newsletter