Cutting mat problems

this has potential

http://www.tcpglobal.com/kustomshop/ksmask2.aspx

lots of other uses as well

This;

http://www.earthskids.com/contactpaper.aspx

I don't know if it's called the same think over where you are, but here we would use clear "Fablon" or as it's sometimes called "book covering film". It's pretty common over here & everyone knows what it's all about -  most of us spent hours in primary school covering books in it.

I use a coarse sanding stick on the super glues drops and then even it out with a finer grit.

Looks like crud but at least it's even.

i use a new chisle blade and they pop right off....it not try a bit of acetone/debonder....might rub of a bit of the gridlines but those lines are for me at least a bit useless...the film idea is pretty good too...just remember that super glue might eat through that too..

1/4" glass is perfect! It's been there for about 6 years. Had all sorts of glue/cement and paint all over it. I swipe it with a razor blade between each project. Still good as new! I put some tape "tabs" at the top, so it could be lifted to clean underneath or slip in paint charts.

Fermis, I really like your idea. You really should submit it to Reader Tips (remember, FMS PAY$ for tips).

Yep I use a piece of 1/8 inch glass myself. Why worry about ca drops paint whatever when it won't stick regardless.

I actually intentionally drip a drop of CA right on the glass when using it in a lot of cases.

The surface starts totally flat remains totally flat and is imprevious to harm.

I usually will tape white paper under it so it makes ANYTHING no matter how small scream out at you. The ideal way to see microscopically small parts easy.

I use a blade that has lots its totally sharp nature as a scraper for clean off.

I have yet to ever see any real thrill in using those cutting mats myself.

I will either use glass or a machined steel surface, in my case an extension from a table saw. Heavy cast iron machine to a nice level surface. Great for doing scratchbuilding layout as well as working with PE. CA doesn't bond to it and if a drop does get stuck, a pass with a razor blade removes any residue. When I need additional hands I use magnets to hold pieces in place until they can be glued.

I like that transparent plastic. I'll order some and give it a try.  Thanks.

Don,

Try transparent friskit film from Micheal's Arts & Crafts.

Don, give Press N Seal a try. When applied to a surface you can see through it, it protects the surface from dribbles, is cheap, and it sticks to whatever you apply it to and won't slide.

Why would you put a cutting mat under a piece of glass?  Doesn't that defeat the purpose of cutting mat?

Fermis,

Thanks for the outstanding tip!

I installed a heavy slab of glass on my work table and it's great. I can get any spill off of it! I now use a small cutting mat and have no use for the large sized one (except maybe to cut it into four small ones at a later date!)

Instead of placing the mat under it like in your photo, I cut out the box art of the model I'm working on and slide it under the glass. Always there as a quick reference and inspiration. You can even slide the instruction under there!!!

usmc1371

Why would you put a cutting mat under a piece of glass?  Doesn't that defeat the purpose of cutting mat?

Thanks you. Glad I'm not the only one....

hkshooter

 

usmc1371:

 

Why would you put a cutting mat under a piece of glass?  Doesn't that defeat the purpose of cutting mat?

 

 

Thanks you. Glad I'm not the only one....

Me too.

I keep both a cutting mat and a hard cutting surface on my bench top. I prefer the hard surface for cutting PE, but the cutting mat for other things. One reason is the blades seem to last longer when using the mat.