Cutting a Cutting Mat??
#1
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 17,715
Cutting a Cutting Mat??
Has anyone cut a cutting mat, to have it better fit their table?
Bought these, before I realized they were too wide for the table.
Thought I could "live" with them but it is all too problematic, as is.
https://canada.michaels.com/en/fiska...M10221520.html
Any suggestions on how best to cut them?
(switching the table is not an option)
Bought these, before I realized they were too wide for the table.
Thought I could "live" with them but it is all too problematic, as is.
https://canada.michaels.com/en/fiska...M10221520.html
Any suggestions on how best to cut them?
(switching the table is not an option)
#2
Power Poster
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Southern USA
Posts: 15,951
I have cut mats before. The best tool I have found to cut smooth is a pair of straight tin snips. There are left and right tin snips so be sure and use the straight. They are used to cut thin metal insulation. I use them to cut anything solid, zippers, wire, pipe cleaners, mats, vinyl, etc.
#3
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 9,518
I keep my old cutting mats and cut them to fit the bottoms of purses and bags. I've found the best thing to use is my husband's big "tin snips". I'm not sure of the correct name but that's what he calls them and that's what my dad called them.
#5
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Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 17,715
Thanks to the Other Ladies, Too!! ... I have the tin snips, but am hesitant, as I don't think I could snip and keep it straight and smooth. Or have you found a way to make that happen??
These are my main cutting mats.
Thus, why I am being a bit fussy about the end results.
#7
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2019
Location: northern minnesota
Posts: 2,354
If using a table saw, I might run it slow and wear a mask. I don't know how much particles and other fumes might come off of the cutting. My brother trimed an old plexiglass insert with an electric saw and it sure did smell because of the heat of the blade.
#9
#10
I've cut one of those selfhealing mats with a boxcutter before.Took a few passes but I was able to use a ruler to keep the edge straight like you do with a rotary cutter.
If you opt to use a power saw- table, jig, or circular would work- you might want to stick the mat to some scrap plywood to stabilize it. I wouldn't worry about a hard plastic, but a rubber one might bend on you.
If you opt to use a power saw- table, jig, or circular would work- you might want to stick the mat to some scrap plywood to stabilize it. I wouldn't worry about a hard plastic, but a rubber one might bend on you.