the thicker ruler does not make it easier, though i can see why we would think it might. actually if your ruler is thicker than about the 1/8" norm your cutting is not as accurate; thinner is better in this case. it is very important to always practice safety first and holding your hand on the ruler with a finger or 2 off the ruler braced on the table beside the ruler holding it so it can not move is best. it takes some practice to really cut accurately but a thicker ruler will make that more difficult, not easier.

it was nice of you to find these sites, i'm going to look for these shields, i was at joann's two days ago. to get the mat, and i didn't look enough to see whats there!!!! and i put the sites on my favorite list to read them again. thank-you.

I was out of town and forgot my rulers and mats. I had planned to buy a new mat, but new rulers were not in the budget. So I went to the hardware store and got some acrylic and made some. When I found the acrylic at the store, I found I had several thicknesses to choose from. I will now be making more rulers.

i would never of thought of this, what will you cut it with.? will you use a regular to make your marking?

I used a box cutter. I clamped a steel yard stick for a straight edge to the edge of plywood. I scored the acrylic along the stick until it snapped. I used the outside edge for cutting fabric with the rotery cutter, as the edge I scored was a bit rough. - I do woodworking and at home I have a band saw and belt sander. - Original piece 18"x24". Finished ruler- 5"x24". Left over acrylic - 13"x24". Total cost -$6.59. - I will mark as needed with a sharpie after scoring with box cutter for now.