I've been using two tables - one for cutting/messy work, and the other for taping and times I need a smooth surface (it's an old countertop that's really smooth). I figured if I used the cutting table to tape, I might get bubbles trapped where the gouges and scrapes are.
Anyway, I was thinking of getting one of those 4'x8' self sealing cutting mats to use on one of my tables. If I buy one, does it seal itself enough that you can tape on it, too? One table would be great.
Thanks for any thoughts and comments.
Posted by Al Checca (Member # 2216) on :
Hi Randy, I get mine from speedpress. I buy 4 x 8 and 5 x 10They last about 2 or 3 years, and are not "healing mats" I wear one side out flip them over, destroy the other side then buy a new one. If I recall they are only about 100 bucks. I used to love to work off glass but you can go threw a lot more knife blades on glass.
Posted by Jane Diaz (Member # 595) on :
We love ours. We have tried all types of table tops (glass, wood, sintra, pressed board, sandblast mask, etc) and these are the best. You cna custom order them any size. Our is 12X3' and we ordered the optional graphed liner underneath. That graph used to be printed right on the top of the mat but now it is a seperate piece that you put under the mat. The graph helps us with keeping things straight but you wouldn't need that. We ordered ours from Speedpress too.
Posted by Doug Allan (Member # 2247) on :
I tape on mine.
I bought 2 at once thinking I'd only get 2-3 years. (I don't get many 4x8 pallets shipped out here, & my supplier said shipping it rolled was not reccommended.) I finally flipped over the first one after about 5 years, & mostly because it was getting dingy looking & the whiter side looked better. I got mine (w/o grid) for $100 ea.
Posted by Al Checca (Member # 2216) on :
I've have quite a few over the years and a ton of cutting on them. Bought them rolled, they roll so when you unroll them the correct side is up and it only takes a day or two for them to lay flat. I buy the ones with out the grid also. They place double stick tape on the underside if you want to use it, I never do. They last much long if you cut with and exacto type of knife. I have to cut showcard with a utility knife and they are much harder on them. Money well spent to buy one. I would go threw a ton of knife blades when we used glass. I'd break the tips on exacto's all the time.
Posted by Ricky Jackson (Member # 5082) on :
Jeepers, why do you guys buy this expensive stuff??? Call your plastic supplier and order 1/4" High Molecular Weight Polyethelene. It's the same thing they are selling as "self healing" mats. You'll cut thru the 1/8" thick stuff so be sure to get the thicker stuff. I've used the same pieces for the last 10 years and they've still got at least that much life left. Drill and countersink the screws into your tables.
Posted by Don Hulsey (Member # 128) on :
If you want them to last even longer, use an OLFA Rotary Cutter instead of the x-acto. I weed, cut, and tape on the same table. Mine is about 11 years old, and I am thinking about flipping it over at the end of the year. Don't know why, it ain't hurt, just thinking about it. Posted by Bruce & Deb Newton (Member # 2312) on :
We cut on ours, tape graphics, mix paint, etc. When it get real ruff from cuts and paint spills, we just break out the hand sanding block with 100 grit and give it a quick scrub.
Probably had it for ten years now - maybe it's time to flip it! I think it's 1/4" polyethelene kind.
[ November 14, 2005, 10:14 PM: Message edited by: Bruce & Deb Newton ]
Posted by Curt Stenz (Member # 82) on :
I got a 4x8 from Grimco ($126.00). It came rolled up in a box. Two weeks now and it still has humps in it, will not go flat. I am about ready to toss the thing and go back to my old sheet of mdo. Now I think I will take Ricky's suggestion.
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)