motoxchic 33 Posted November 3, 2012 I am in the process of placing an order, but the 23x35" Greenie mat is out of stock on USC. So, I can wait, place another order, pay more shipping, or look at another supplier. What is your favorite mat? Price tells me I should wait for stock on the Greenie, but is there something better, worth the extra $? What size would be best? I am just starting, mostly designs aroung 18x24" and smaller (guessing?) but I do have a current sign job the largest being about 2.5x8'? Would I want to cover my whole work table (which does not exist yet, but working on that..)? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jay2703 704 Posted November 3, 2012 Do you have a local Hobby Lobby or Michaels? They can be purchased there for about the same price. We get 40% off coupons in the paper for both every Sunday. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vinylmotivations 143 Posted November 3, 2012 I found my big fiskars one at walmart. 24 x 36 I think was 25$ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
motoxchic 33 Posted November 3, 2012 Yes, we have WM and Michaels, etc. I will check there. Seems like the 23x35 ish mat is a good size, not too big, not too small. Does the thickness make much difference? I have a small fiskars mat for crafts, it seems a little slick and thin... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vinyl Expressions 10 Posted November 3, 2012 You can get that hobby lobby off the net for the 40% off and use one every day. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slice&dice 2,450 Posted November 4, 2012 Having a 2' x 4' mat is very practical. You don't really need to cover the entire 8' table with a mat, but do make sure the surface is flat and stable (especially when using app. tape) I worked just with the 2x4 for a long time, and only recently sprung for the few hundred $$ to cover my 4x8 table. The 2x4 is still maneuvered around as needed, and it "protects" my 4x8 mat from getting too messed up. I'm at the point where a new 2x4 would be worthwhile, since I've mostly destroyed the original one I bought over a year ago (the result of not being careful, and cutting through substrate materials with too much pressure and gouging the mat) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
OWJones 1,981 Posted November 8, 2012 I found my big fiskars one at walmart. 24 x 36 I think was 25$ The small town I live in doesn't have a Michael's or Hobby Lobby, and it's 90 minute drive to either one of them, so I ended up with the Fiskars 24x36" from Wal-Mart and it has worked out just fine for me. I found it in the sewing aisle, as I recall, along with a huge assortment of scissors and rotary cutters. I bought a Fiskar's rotary cutter while I was there, too, as it's safer than a knife (in my opinion) and cuts through vinyl and backing material like butter. Combined with a T-square and a good cutting board, you can quickly cut repeatable, straight lines, handy for knocking a big square of multiple decals down into singles. Takes up a lot less space than a large paper cutter, since you can work right on top of the mat. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
motoxchic 33 Posted November 8, 2012 Michaels was over $50 for a 2x3, same with Joannes..up to $65. ugh. Its 2 weeks to get the Greenies back in stock on USC, so I may wait. I did buy a Sullivans, The Cutting Edge "table cover craft style" gridded cutting mat (not self healing) in case I need it for the large sign job. It was $40 at 40% off. Our Walmart only had a 2'x18" avail for $22, but will check back next week. Hopefully those will be enough to get me started! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
