Dense rubber cutting mat.

[toxo]

When I'm using one of my clicker knives under my 1 ton arbor press, I'm usually walking it around the knife on 2.4mm veg tan with a 6mm silicone cutting board underneath and it's not easy on some bits to feel when it's gone through and sometimes I'm halfway through the silicone mat. One time I went all the way through. I know the rubber clicker type mats are really expensive but it's something I might have to consider. Doesn't need to be large. Say 6inch square at least and preferably around 10 inches. Haven't got a clue about thickness.

So what are you guys using and where can I find it please?

[Northmount]

On 10/8/2020 at 12:45 PM, toxo said:

Say 6 inch square

Try UHMW Poly.  I had picked up some scrap pieces a few years ago.  That's what I have on my 1 ton arbor press.  It's about 3/4" thick.  I see some on Amazon 1/4, 1/2" thick. 

Or use a flat poly kitchen cutting board.

Tom

[toxo]

28 minutes ago, Northmount said:

Try UHMW Poly.  I had picked up some scrap pieces a few years ago.  That's what I have on my 1 ton arbor press.  It's about 3/4" thick.  I see some on Amazon 1/4, 1/2" thick. 

Or use a flat poly kitchen cutting board.

Tom

Thanks Tom, I'll have a look but I'm getting more confused by the day. One of my oval shapes went straight through the 6mm silicone board when I wasn't paying attention. I bought a 3mm one that's much too hard. People are recommending stuff but they're not saying if a clicker die will go through it.  In my head I'm thinking conveyor belt material would be about right but I don't know where to find it.

[Northmount]

15 minutes ago, toxo said:

clicker die will go through it

You may leave a mark on the surface of the UHMW, but you won't go through it.  Even the 1/8" stuff, I don't think you can go through that either.

Tom

[toxo]

2 minutes ago, Northmount said:

You may leave a mark on the surface of the UHMW, but you won't go through it.  Even the 1/8" stuff, I don't think you can go through that either.

Tom

That's good to know. But searching on Ebay for it says UHMW but further down it calls it High Density Polyethelene (HDPE) like this one. I know yhere are different grades.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/UHMW-PE-High-Density-Polyethylene-10mm-Sheet-Natural-Translucent-White-300mm-x/293759650336?hash=item4465708a20:g:jowAAOSw6olfc2wA

This one I've  got in my basket until something else comes along

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HDPE-Sheet-NATURAL-BLACK-High-Density-Polyethylene-PEHD-Polythene-mm/401002482629?var=670531748255

I've also looked at Neoprene but know nothing about it.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEOPRENE-RUBBER-PAD-200MMSQ-X-1MM-1-5MM-2MM-AND-3MMTHK/230691451712?var=530044149373

[Northmount]

1 hour ago, toxo said:

High Density Polyethelene (HDPE) like this one.

Looks like kitchen cutting boards.  They work.  I use them with drive punches and thonging chisels and such.

Tom

[Grumpymann]

I use conveyor belt cut offs from an industrial conveyor belt. I got it from a company that makes them. For free and Much more than I needed. All for the low low price of letting the guy help me put it in my car. (It was close than the dumpster.) 

[$$hobby]

regarding conveyor belt...

 

you may want to be careful on whats IN the belt.  Some may have some steel webbing inside.

 

 

[toxo]

Thanks for the replies peeps. Been changing my project room around and being small I have tp move stuff five times. Still, it'll be better for it. Will come back when I find something.

[bullmoosepaddles]

Not sure sure bout the UK. Most moderate size cities in the states have rubber belting companies in them. Like mentioned above, many have scraps  in the size you need. Often for free. worth looking into.