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I would turn it over and use the other side. When it gets worn out cutting it up for purse bottoms sounds like a dandy idea! :o
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I gave a pretty much used up one to my husband for his workshop and he thinks it is the best thing he has ever had for his cutting tools as he works on his model railroad and wood projects. It covers the top of his work desk. My newer one is not very new anymore but is very usable. Some of the markings are disappearing because it has been used a lot.
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Originally Posted by NoraB
(Post 8055599)
okay guys....I'm opening this thread up again. I have two Olfa rotating cutting mats...they are at least 20 years old and the green color is getting paler in the middle (where I guess I cut a lot). I like to utilize the heck out of my stuff.......but, I'm not sure this is a good thing for the mats. How do you tell when it's time to replace them? I did pull out my brand-new 17" rotating cutting mat and used it last night. It seemed to cut much better with the same rotaty cutter. So, I'm assuming the other 2 are old. I've seen where people rejuvenate them by soaking them in a tub, etc. Have any of you successfully done that? Does it enable you to use them longer or is it worth it? Lastly, if it's time for them to be repurposed........what do you do with them? They are the rotating ones, so can't flip to the other side. I guess I can use them to protect the surface of some of my sewing room furniture (but I've already gone some old mats there). How long do you keep yours? Did mine have a good run? Let me know your thoughts. I just don't want them going to the landfill without squeezing out their last bit of usefulness! Thanks!
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Absolutely! I never consider a mat "done" until I have worn out both sides.
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Definitely-I have an old olfa that had pretty deep cuts in it (it was old) and I just turned it over and have been using the backside for some time and it works just as good as the other side.
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My hubby does model rr work too! And, like yours, mine loves his desktop protector. Now he can exacto cut, solder, paint, and no worries.
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I cut down an old one, eliminating the worn center, so now l have 2 small ones. I use one near machine for trimming up squares and use other when l travel to quilt group meetings. I use a smaller ruler and cutter while there, as table space is at a premium.
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i never use the printed side of a cutting mat if i can help it.
so flipping over an old one seems a very sensible idea to me. love the giant mouse pad idea, too. my own is a small cutting mat. they last forever. :) |
When a mat is truly done for cutting I have put it in my trunk so it is easy to slide things on and it is easy to take out and clean up if something spills or I am taking plants home from the store. My husband has taken over one of my big old ones turned back side up on his desk to protect it and the mouse moves easily on it. The ideas never end!
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Has anyone recycled their mat to use with an Accuquilt cutter instead of the Accuquilt mats?
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