Cutting Mats - are they all the same?

[Ralf]

Hi all, 

 

Planning on buying a few more cutting mats so I can leave them with parked projects on and still work on others, now the question is are they all broadly the same (apart from size!). I know there's various brands and colours but has anyone any thoughts if they're all just re-brands or if some are better / worse than others?

 

I assume they all come out of the same factory and thus I may as well go for the cheapest option but interested in any other views... 

 

Thanks

Ralf

[RexAshton]

I've had several over the years. They all seem pretty much the same to me.

[The Johnster]

They are all more or less the same, except for those that are different...  I like your idea of keeping separate mats for each project!

[tomparryharry]

We used our cutting mats for taking samples of pre-impregnated glass fibre. As such, it stood up to about 6 months of heavy  industrial abuse before replacing. In my world, I've only the one now, and capable of all of that I require. Shops like Hobbycraft, etc.

[Steamport Southport]

Price wise try the ones from The Works.

 

Often sold in bargain packs of three and available in different sizes from A5 to A2. They sometimes even have the huge A0 ones.

 

If they don't have them in stock at your local branch then you can get them on line, either sent to your house or to pick up.

 

 

 

Jason

[smokebox]

I have two cutting mats.  One has non slip surfaces which really helps hold it in place on the work bench and also holds the material being cut.  I find the one without the non slip surface a bit dangerous as it slips and slides about.

[TheSignalEngineer]

Besides my proper cutting mat which came from I know not where, I use those thin chopping mats from Aldi or IKEA as working surfaces. Great for having three or four painting or weathering jobs going on at the same time on different boards.

[Scottish Modeller]

Hi all,

 

Not all cutting mats are equal!

 

It's a case of the cheaper they are the, less likely they are to stand up to extensive use for cutting on.

 

The ones from The Works are a case in point - the quality varies with the size.

 

The larger A0 green ones are different and do not stand as much use before the surface holds the cut marks.

 

The smaller A4 and A5 blue ones stand up to the cuts a lot better.

 

Thanks

Phil H

 

[Jonboy]

If you go to hobbycraft be careful, the ones in the sewing department are around twice the price of the ones in the art department, but not noticeably different in use.

[Enterprisingwestern]

5 hours ago, The Johnster said:

  I like your idea of keeping separate mats for each project!

 

I couldn't afford that many mats!

 

Mike.

[Ralf]

On 14/02/2020 at 17:25, Scottish Modeller said:

Not all cutting mats are equal!

 

Thanks Phil, it seems there's no real knowing what you'll get until you've got it! 

Ralf