I see many of you with have mats like the one pictured below. I am referring to the mat, not the loco. J Where can I purchase one? What are they called? Are they available at local stores, like a Michael's or an arts supply store? Thanks for any suggestions. Michael This was taken from a post DiezMon made in the 'N scale - What's on your workbench?' thread. DiezMon, hope you don't mind my quoting your post.
You should be able to find them at virtually any hobby shop. I got mine at a military models shop. I'm sure the on-line shops would have them as well. Good luck, Wolf
They are called a "SELF HEALING CUTTING MAT". you can pick one up at Micheal's, Hobby Lobby or other craft type stores. The range in price for $55.95 for a 24" X 36" mat, to $9.99 for a 12" x 18" mat at Hobby lobby. BUt they do have them at most fabric or craft stores. Some hobby shops also sell them.
Thanks Wolf! Thanks Paul! I will try Michael's. Wow, they are a bit pricey. I guess it is the "Self Healing" part. Thanks guys, that was quick. Michael
"Self-Healing" does not apply to glue spills. Be VERY careful when trying to remove CA or adhesives with razor blades. Glue and paint will leach into mat, and you can peel the surface if you are not VERY careful. I have not tried solvents to remove the glue because I don't want risk destroying the surface.
20 % Off Coupon @ HOBBY LOBBY Watch in your local paper for a HOBBY LOBBY ad. Usually a full page ad that has the 20% off coupon. This coupon will give you a good price. And if they have a SALE on the mats, so much for the better.
Thanks Hytec, I will keep that in mind. Thanks, porkypine, I will keep that in mind also. Coupons are always good. I googled Hobby Lobby coupon and came up with a 40% off coupon good through tomorrow, 5/28. So I might be going to my local Hobby Lobby tomorrow. Thanks again, Michael
Rick, Thanks, I did find a 40% coupon from Michael's as well. They are closer and a few bucks cheaper, so I will be going there. $31 with the coupon is not bad. Thanks all, Michael
These are nice mats. I "discovered" them for myself when I was starting architecture school 15 years ago. I have a large one, a couple medium sized ones, and a small one.
Saw them today at the Hobby Lobby. I think the smallest one was under 10 bucks. One of things on my "list".
My wife has used a number of them, for years, for her sewing, so I was always familiar with them. Have a huge one that my daughter used at school (architect major), and a small one I keep in the train shed for ad hoc cutting needs. Besides the glue / CA warning, also don't let a hot soldering iron tip rest on one....
Better a sacrificial cutting mat than what it's on! I have been using these for years and bought a large one to custom cut and fit my workbench. I then use smaller ones on top of that.
I got both of mine for a lot less at WalMart. There also available at all the department stores with sewing and craft departments. They come in many sizes. Mine are 24"x24" and 36"x6". I also got my steel straight edges and a 'pizza cutter' style wheel cutter for fabric and paper/thin card stock. Don't let it scare you to take the ladies along. They have a few tricks up there sleeves as well. :tb-cool: I use parchment paper (used in baking) to cover the cutting mat for glueing. Richard P.S. Solder is very difficult to get off those cutting boards as well.
Well, I decided to get mine from Hobby Lobby. I had never been there, so I thought it was a good excuse to go. I purchased two, one is 22 x 18 and I think the other one is 8 x 10. They did not have the larger one. Thanks for all the replies. Michael
