Go!
 

Been busy today cutting 2 1/2 inch squares with my GO cutter for the birthday swap and it seems like it's cutting a bit dull, Does anyone know how long the cutting mat will last? I have cut about 600 squares with multiple layers.

The mat will wear out most quickly if you cut the exact same die in the exact same spot. you need to move the mat slightly for each cut, flip it end for end and use both sides. You can try putting a piece of copy paper between the fabric and the used cutting mat and see if you can get some more cuts. If you have cut bunches of the same die, the mat can sometimes be used with a different die because it will be cutting in a different area.

I would say that the mat would need to be replaced as often as you would replace a rotary blade. You should always have an extra mat on hand!

Those machines must be very nice.

if the blade is seeming to get dull, try cutting a couple of layers of aluminum foil. that should sharpen them up a bit.

The dies don't dull - not in your lifetime anyway - and by then it would of paid for itself by then ... I would not recommend cutting foil something about that sounds bad to me.. I've never done it and I've had my go and dies for at least five years now.. And yes I can say I do use them very often.. Not a week goes by without me pulling out a die or two or three.

Change your mat often. Move them over so the die does not cut in the same exact spot every time .. You do not need to cover the entire die with your mat just over the blades ... Flip and turn your mats after every pass through. And invest in back-up mats . They are not expensive, and worth not having the added stress your having now ..

Dont toss the mat you have been using but use for another die... I have multiple mats to use at any given time .. When one isn't cutting smoothly I grab another till it works out..

Remember don't toss out the UN- usable mats instead repurpose for tote bottoms .

My GO is the best investment hubby has ever made for me ... So much so, that I have two ...

Good info given time for a new mat.

I have the 2 1/2" square die and the first time I used it I thought it wasn't as sharp as I thought it should be. After a few uses it cut fine. I still have a few snips to make but no problem. The Go is as essential to me as my sewing machine. I think of the mats as the thread to the sewing machine. If the mat has a crack, even a hair line one, the fabric will not cut where the crack is. I always move my mat a smidge with each cut so it's not cutting in the same spot all the time. The mat only has to be over the die blade you are using so I manipulate old mats that may have a good corner or spot not used. When I find a sale, I stock up on mats same as I do thread.

Thank for good info guys, I love the idea of reusing the mats in tote bags as the bottoms, very good idea.. I think I have a defective die because you can see the cutting blade all the way around it, and you can't see it on my other ones. I may just call the company in the morning.