Work Mats for Benches

This may exclude the larger part of the audience, but if you work in the government or know someone who does, the liner of the cheap, cardboard government desktop calendar holders are made of the same stuff as the self-healing mats.  You don't have the nice lines, as it's plain black, but I've found it a useful table-cover item.  Many offices just throw these things out, since they rarely last the year.

Remember to check out the craft section of those "dollar store" type places.

Here in Aistralia we have a chain called "The Reject Shop" - recently I picked up an A2 sized cutting mat for all of (Aud)$6.00 . at today's rates, thats (US)$4.75. I'm sure that you guys have similar stores over there.

I agree that Micro-Mark's mats are a little pricey but, as Woody points out, the fact that they are self-healing and also gridded seems worth the price in the long run.

Thanks gents... Now I know where to look...

If I have to cut on it, I use a self healing mat. All other work like assembly or painting I use a piece of tempered glass. I too buy my mats at craft/fabric shops.

 

Or Micro-Mark.........mine is about 12x18.....but MM got over $20 for it. Shop around! 

I got mine at a fabric store, where they tend to have the larger sizes. Covers almost the whole work bench at 2 ft. x 3 ft. Just ask for self-healing cutting mats.

My mat has most of the name rubbed off, but I got mine at Staples. They're also available at Michael's, Office Depot and other hobby/office stores. They're also available in various sizes to fit your budget.