Self healing cutting mats

[David Hammond]

We’ve got a clear one, works really well.

My only niggle is that vinyl sticks to it really well.

[Robert Lambie]

very expensive for what you are getting.
Be very careful on buying them because most are no more than a clear rubber, or whatever, matt. No self healing properties as such.

[Jon Marshall]

We got one from Signgeer which is a matt finish material which isn’t grabby like the clear rubber ones. Not sure if it’s really self healing either but better than having something like Foamex

[Peter Johnson]

I originally started with a few of the large green 60cm x 90cm mats off evilbay. They were alright for when I first started out, but I quickly outgrew them.
Since then, I’ve bought 3 from Signgeer, the largest one being 1.7m x 2.4m. As Rob says, they were quite expensive, but I’ve now had them for years. You can get them cut to size, some are clear some opaque and there is a choice of standard and anti-static. And they are also self-healing.

[Martyn Heath]

Thanks guys, yes signgeer is where im thinking of purchasing them from. With regards to cuttng on them, like you say they are "self healing" but do you still get cutting marks/grooves like you do in foamex?

Currently using 5mm foamex which i replace at the beginning of the season. Just thought if this magical self healing rubber had a lifespan of……….forever 🙂 might be a good investment.

[Derek Heron]

hi after a post on uksb
we started using the reverse side of lino
suprised how good it actually is its worked cost effective as well the local carpet store sells it in 2 metere wide lengths
and sells us the off cuts and we cut to strim to our benches

Derek

[Peter Johnson]

Well, the oldest mat I have I’ve been using for several years now. It’s shows signs of cutting, but pieces of it don’t start breaking off after excessive use, or sticking to application tape. I think it’s got a good many few years left in it yet and then, I can turn it over and start again.

But, while I remember, I’m sure I saw a similar topic on here about the same thing and somebody suggested using some 5mm polypropylene sheets (I think).

Apparently quite tough, not too hard on blades and very durable. Might be a more cost-effective way to go if you can get a sheet big enough for your purposes. I may even order a sample piece myself as I want another surface for a new workbench I made.

[Martyn Heath]

Nice suggestions. I will take these ideas forward thanks

[Leigh Howden]

I have one if the green mats. 1m × 2m and it has now been in use for 15 years! Never been replaced and not looking like it is going to give up any time soon

[Chris Wilson]

quote Peter Johnson:

Well, the oldest mat I have I’ve been using for several years now. It’s shows signs of cutting, but pieces of it don’t start breaking off after excessive use, or sticking to application tape. I think it’s got a good many few years left in it yet and then, I can turn it over and start again.

But, while I remember, I’m sure I saw a similar topic on here about the same thing and somebody suggested using some 5mm polypropylene sheets (I think).

Apparently quite tough, not too hard on blades and very durable. Might be a more cost-effective way to go if you can get a sheet big enough for your purposes. I may even order a sample piece myself as I want another surface for a new workbench I made.

Yea that’s what we bought after seeing the post. Quite cheap. Think I was £90 for 3 8ft x 4ft sheets including postage to the highlands of Scotland. It is showing signs of wear and needs a good hoover every week.

That said Omar called me from mounters mate a few days after and I mentioned it. They do the self healing mats and he was a lot cheaper than I was expecting. Might be worth giving them a shout.

[Dan Osterbery]

Hi All,
we have clear self healing mat from Omar at mounters mate as well, but we have also bought from access plastics in Ireland, they sell 2440 x 1220 3mm poliprop mats that are about 70 pounds each and come in a variety of colours, they don’t self heal but they are great to cut on and don’t disintegrate. We buy them every 4 years, first 2 years on one side then second two years on the other. Another member passed me their info years ago, so just passing it on!

Cheers

Dan