Rotary cutting mats
#31
Super Member
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Ballwin, MO
Posts: 4,256
I have a Martelli mat and did not use their cutter as a rule and my mat has deep grooves in it and it no longer self heals. I contacted them concerning this and the company told me it was because I did not use their cutter. I will not buy another one, too expensive to only use a specific cutter, in my opinion.
#34
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 809
Martelli doesn't say you have to use their blades, its their cutters they say you have to use because the way they are designed the action is more up and down and less slanted. The idea being that if you do a slanted cut and then and up and down one, you may cut a skinny little chunk out of your mat. That'll leave a mark...
#35
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Horse Country, FL
Posts: 7,341
Dougstermd, Any mat should be better than the plywood deal you had, but it was clever of you to try that way first. I have used Olfa, Altos, Martelli, and other mats. It seems to really be a personal preference. I don't like the green mats. I have a mat that's yellow on one side and pink on the other. I really like it, because of the way the fabrics show up on those colors. So, in other words, when your current one wears out and you think you'd like to try another brand, go for it! Also, there are things you can do to extend the mat's life. There are threads on here, but I don't know how to link you to them. Most of the ideas include soaking it. Enjoy the process.
#36
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: So Plymouth, NY
Posts: 2,502
You gave me such a laugh. Can only picture you slicing and dicing on the wooden crate and your interpretation of the great one is spot on. If great one were to ever use a rotary cutter, do you suppose he'd slice through the favorite long red tie? No matter what mat you decide on, keeping a fresh blade in the cutter is what gives the mats decent longevity. I have a tendency to bear down much harder on the cutter than necessary which does help.
#37
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Texas
Posts: 2,369
So I’m thinking I want to buy a rotary cutting mat. I have a 25 inch square plywood shipping container to I have been cutting on. In my best trump voice...”its really fabulous. I have already drawn the greatest marks on it. It’s really nice the best in the world others might want to copy it but its fantastic.
looking on eBay seems mats are the same price as at Walmart. I’m thinking I would like to build a cutting table.
looking on eBay seems mats are the same price as at Walmart. I’m thinking I would like to build a cutting table.
Not your question at all, but I got a 12 inch rotating mat for Christmas and absolutely love it -- as something you may consider in future, after you buy your first large non-rotating mat.
The large flat one I use -- the non-rotating kind -- is an Olfa and I've had it for years, in fact the only large one I've bought. It's green -- a good color, I think, as a background for most fabrics -- and is pretty cut up in the center but still quite usable. The really big ones are better, of course, but mine has served my needs quite nicely so far, and I've made a lot of quilts using it.
But keep in mind a small rotating one, too .....when you're ready.
Last edited by Friday1961; 02-17-2019 at 03:48 PM.
#38
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Philomath,Ore
Posts: 499
I have a Martelli mat, and I use Olfa rotary cutters. I've had no issues. I also use the Olfa mats and like them just as much. I haven't tried the Quilters Select but would like to try them - love the rulers.
I've read/heard that the Martelli mats, you can only use Their blades, and I've tried their cutters and don't like them. Regardless, I wouldn't buy them, because I like all purpose. To me, you have a mat, you should be able to use any rotary cutter on it.[/QUOTE]
I've read/heard that the Martelli mats, you can only use Their blades, and I've tried their cutters and don't like them. Regardless, I wouldn't buy them, because I like all purpose. To me, you have a mat, you should be able to use any rotary cutter on it.[/QUOTE]
#39
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Havelock NC
Posts: 187
I finally used my hard surface June Taylor mat. Yes each cut left a little scar. It performs better than my plywood cutting board in that it gets a clean cut with less downward pressure. I don’t like how slippery the hard surface is. I had to really concentrate so I didn’t end up with a jagged cut. I thought someone mentioned a no slip ruler?
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