I got an email from a guy on freecycle . Said he can make me some squares... Good with rotary cutter?

UPDATE: The Freecycle....... Turned out to be WOOD paneling. Very splintery. I knew he meant well so I smiled, said thank you to the old gentleman.... And Left
I'm just gonna order them online. Its ok. At least It's a one time purchase.
Thanks everyone for your help....

Bev, acrylic is light but resistant to the rotary cutter, can he not make it out of this, its cheap enough to buy in a sheet?

Bev,
Formica is usually glued to particle board for counter tops--it's usually a very thin, pliable top that comes in several patterns.

I would think if you need a ruler, it would not have enough "lip" on it to successfully guide your ruler. If the plexiglass ones are too expensive, watch for a Joann's 50% off or 40% off coupon and get one then. I did that to get the jumbo Olfa cutting mat.

I also use an old t-square my hubby had--it's metal and used for shop work. It's a great ruler for quilting--very heavy and I also use it to cut wallpaper-- :lol:

HTH,

I called 4 different places today and yeah I can buy the plexiglass but no one seemed to wanna cut squares for me. They all it it was time consumed and VERY SPENDY..... Hubby just now told me each payday order 1 or 2 online until I have all I needed. He didn't realize they were a 1 time buy.. :D

:(

Bev, I had a problem finding rulers here in Spain, my DH bought a sheet and we cut it up together, it really isn't that difficult, you just need a good craft knife with a new blade and a straight edge of metal, you score it then snap it down while one of you holds it tight on the edge of a table or work top etc, we managed fine, then just sand the edge down slightly :D

I wouldnt use formica either. Same reasons.
If you don't want to have to deal with cutting a big piece of plexiglass for them, Home Depot has smaller pieces (11x14) for $2.50 each. You could get a square up to 11" out of it. The cutting tool is less than $4. You could just buy one piece as you need them. A 30x36 is around $15.

Your lucky. My hubby isn't crafty whats so ever and no tools...... Ok this guy said he can't remember the name but its not fornica. Here's what he said......"I have some thin hard paneling stuff, don't recall what it is called. It has a slick white surface on one side of it, would that do? If so I will cut some squares out of it for you tomorrow.... WHEN ASKED IF IT"S FORMICA...No, it isn't formica, is thicker than that. I'm sure it will work

Ask him to post you a sample, my worry would be if it isn't hard enough, your rotary blade will gouge bits out of it and then it wouldn't cut straight, plus ruin your blade Bev :?

Most any store that sells glass will also sell and cut plexiglass. With the right cutter it takes only a few seconds to cut a square, just like glass. Sounds like they just didn't want to be bothered. Talk to someone at a glass replacement place. Plexi comes in different thicknesses and they'll want to know how thick you want it. Use one of your rulers to get the thickness. Formica all by itself is VERY sharp!!

I bet it's the coated masonite that makes dandy templates for woodworking, but would probably wreck a rotary blade if you slipped. It is real handy stuff to have around, but would be better used as a top for an extension table.

Not to mention how it would stain the fabric.

I agree with auntluc and Moonpi - it's probably what they call "white board" and the backing is made by impregnating sawdust with oil, it is then baked together and then coated with a thin white plastic layer. Would be concerned about stains.

Is this material transparent? I kind of like to see what is underneath the ruler while I'm cutting.

I agree...
Just wait for some sales and get the normal acrylic rulers...
Cutting and piecing precisely is the key to a beautiful quilt...
Perhaps there are some quilters that would love to "donate" to you their older rulers so they can shop for new...
I personally only have 2 or 3 that I regularly use and bought years ago. Don't need any of the fancy ones...
I think all 3 cost me about 50bucks without a sale.
K

ko24 -which rulers do you regularly use?

I also went to Home Depot and they cut my squares the size I needed. They also had some scrap pieces and he cut one and just gave it to me. It sounds to me like that other store just didn't want to be bothered. Lots of luck.

WELL ITS FREE FROM FREECYCLE...... But I pick up the squares today.. I'll post a pic to see what ya'll think first before using them, otherwise, i'll say thank you to him, and do like hubby suggested and buy the actual rulers themselfs. Ken says if the bought rulers are better then its well worth the investment. :D

I think your right. We don't have a Home Depot here. I'd have to go to next town over to theres..

READ UPDATE.... 1st post