Best Cutting Mat/Rotary cutter
 

Hello...I'm new, nice to meet you all :-)

I am looking for a new cutting mat and wanted to get opinions on what you think is the BEST one. I have an Omnigrid 18 x 24 and it's served me well but I'm looking for something bigger now. Any recommendations?

Also, what about a rotary cutter, which is your favorite and why?

I like the Olfa ergonomic cutters. I have never tried another brand. I have never had one break, but hear that if they do, and you call them, they will replace it (lifetime guarantee I think). You can get them at a decent price with a coupon at Joann's or thru ebay. I like to watch for package deals that include several replacement blades. Last year I got a new cutter and 15 or 20 blades for under $20. You just have to watch for a deal.

I have all brands of cutters, Fiskars, Fons and Porter, Olfa, Gingher, and some generic. I have Fiskar, Olfa, Polar, Martelli, Fons and Porter, and June Taylor mats. I like the Olfa ergo cutter and June Taylor mats the best. Every table surface in my sewing room has a cutting mat on it with a rotary cutter within reach. I ride big as my DGD says!

I have a large cutting mat ... grid lines are 57 X 29 with a 2" border on all sides (so 61 X 33). It's actually slightly too large for my cutting table, but not by much. Mine is the translucent plastic made by Beba. It is now 1.5 years old and as good as the day I brought it home, no rotary cutting grooves, no trapped fuzz in groves (because there are no groves!), no warping ... it's just perfect. I don't even wash it that often, but when I do it's just a quick wipe with a wet rag and it's done. Also ... my rotary cutting blades last a lot longer with this mat than they did with the soft green self healing mats.

http://www.bebasboutique.com/cutting-mats/

Olfa quick change 60mm and gingher 45mm. I also have ergonomic olfa 45mm but have better control with the other 2 and they cut better. Best place is ebay for gingher

try looking for good deal on ebay.com you might find a good price on there

Martelli rotary cutter and mat! A little more expensive, but, well worth it.

They are more expensive but if you can afford them they are worth it

I really love my Olfa mat. I have a few of them from 24x36 down. I also have the two sizes of the rotating mats. They are great. I also use both the regular Olfa rotary cutter and the ergonomic one. I like the ergonomic 45" one. It is comfortable for long cutting sessions and I can maintain good control with that size. I always buy my cutters and mats at Joann's when I can use a coupon.

One day I would like to splurge and try Martelli's products. I don't think you can go wrong with Olfa - just be sure to use a coupon!