seabee Report post Posted March 5, 2018 Good Morning All, Has anyone used the large Sullivan cutting mat from Joann Fabric? I an wondering if sharp leather knifes cut thru the mat. Should I think about covering it with HDPE. Thanks, Seabee Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mattsbagger Report post Posted March 6, 2018 If it's a self healing mat it should be fine. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LatigoAmigo Report post Posted March 6, 2018 They are "self-healing," but that does not mean indestructible. It will wear out over time, but when that happens you just flip it over. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mattsbagger Report post Posted March 6, 2018 Mine are all cut up. But as to cutting through it. That take a bit of work and really wanting to.lol Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sheilajeanne Report post Posted March 6, 2018 (edited) You know, I decided to buy a cutting mat the other day. Tandy only had the one size, 24x36, and I thought it was a bit too big for my tiny perfect leatherworking nook, so I went to Staples instead, and got a smaller mat for much less money. The following week, I was at Tandy's again, and saw they now had their mats on sale, and the price was a lot cheaper than any of the other stores that stocked this kind of mat. I took a look at their mats, and they were much thicker and more substantial than the one I'd bought at Staples. They also weren't quite as hard and slick, and would be kinder to whatever knife you are using for cutting your leather. I am sure they will also stand up to more wear and tear than the other mat too! I paid $59 (Canadian) plus tax, brought the mat home and it fitted my work space PERFECTLY! And Staples was happy to take their mat back, as I hadn't used it. Edited March 6, 2018 by Sheilajeanne Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
brmax Report post Posted March 6, 2018 Get a coupon, it sure helps! You will be happy using a sharp knife or whatever. Reason is less or next to no pressure with a sharp tool as i have found. The plowing cuts with dull tools I think really leaves all these surfaces we choose worse. I have a smaller white fiskars and like it, it replaced a green with black layers. Keep some seam tape. The peel n stick kind for outdoor stuff as I sometimes use this on bottom of mat. I like joanns but wont go nowadays without first printing a coupon. I feel the ones with inner layers of light and white plastic are, well just say more pleasant in the room for the nose good day Floyd Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
seabee Report post Posted March 7, 2018 Thank you all for responding, I bought a cutting board from Amazon, HDPE 1/4 x 24 x 48 for $40 free shipping. My cutting table is 28" x 8'. This will give me a cutting area, and work area. I have a different bench for sewing and tooling. Thank you again Seabee Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
