Cutting Table Alternatives

[Hags]

I have a rubber (I guess) poundo board I bought from tandy several years ago. I bought a new one last year,  but it is still sitting on the shelf. The old one still works. A lot of folks just use a thick piece of scrap leather. I actually have a punching/setting station set up. I got a knife block from good will, turned it around, drilled a bunch of holes in it, and that is where my hole, half round, corner,  snap and rivet setters, and a few other odds and ends sit. I have a piece of 6x12x1/2" steel next to ths poundo pad with a light over it. When I build a chest rig holster, I make several straps and connector pieces that need rivet and snap holes, the ends rounded,  etc. Then I have to put all that hardware in. I have a parts bin next to punches with rivets, snaps and Chicago screws I use. A piece of peg board above holds the belt loop punches,  screwdrivers, and a. Unch of other stuff that really need a better home. But, it is very nice to have it all in one place within arms reach. 

Edited December 2, 2022 by Hags
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[Gezzer]

11 hours ago, Burkhardt said:

Is it something you can get at the big box stores or do you order at building stores, online ect.?

McMaster Carr has HDPE in about any size you want .

https://www.mcmaster.com/hdpe/moisture-resistant-polyethylene-hdpe-sheets-bars-and-strips/

[Charley1]

If you don't need a very large board, Walmart sells a three pack of HDPE cutting boards, one 11x15, one 8 1/2x 11, and one about 6 x 8. Less than $10. Work fine for smaller projects.

[Burkhardt]

3 hours ago, Gezzer said:

McMaster Carr has HDPE in about any size you want .

https://www.mcmaster.com/hdpe/moisture-resistant-polyethylene-hdpe-sheets-bars-and-strips/

Thanks Gezzer

[Burkhardt]

18 minutes ago, Charley1 said:

If you don't need a very large board, Walmart sells a three pack of HDPE cutting boards, one 11x15, one 8 1/2x 11, and one about 6 x 8. Less than $10. Work fine for smaller projects.

Do you know where as in online, office supplies, kitchen or the arts and craft depts?

[doubleh]

I use a scrap piece of red oak under my leather when punching holes. It stand up to a lot of punching and won't damage the punch. Don't have a scrap? Go to Home Depot and buy a 1' piece of I x 4. It will last you a long, long time.

[Charley1]

5 hours ago, Burkhardt said:

Do you know where as in online, office supplies, kitchen or the arts and craft depts?

Kitchen utensils and supplies.

[MarlinDave]

Thanks everybody. Eventually I will get a permanent HDPE sheet for the table. I think in the meantime I will get a small  hard plastic  food cutting board for punching and ask my wife for the big cutting mat for Christmas. She makes the Joann’s/Hobby Lobby circuit and can find one on sale. Got plenty  of wood scrap too but I seem to punch twice on the same slot.

[bruce johnson]

For punching I would recommend something softer than the HDPE. I recommend either rubber sole sheeting or LOW Density Polyethylene. End gran wood blocks work too. These are much more forgiving on your edges than HDPE. HDPE is brittle and can crack as well. 

[fredk]

I keep my cutting mats for cutting and when I need to use a hammer punch I do it on my wood blocks. Sometimes I'll put a piece of scrap leather between the blocks and the project