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123 
Member since 2/17/03
Posts: 1709
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Posted on: 6/2/06 6:36 PM ET
I have been checking out getting a new cutting mat and ran across a place that sells them and the description sounds like the Olfa mats and it appears to be much cheaper. The one I have is over 5 years old and pretty worn.

I e-mail the company and they told me that they will custom cut any size mat. Of course, they didn't say what the cost was but I can't believe it would be that much.

It's a plain mat and you can purchase a grid to go underneath the mat.

It all sounds interesting and I'm just curious if anyone has experience with these types of mats.
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What is Maxine saying??
"I don't iron. If I'm not wrinkle-free why should my clothes be."
  
Member since 6/28/03
Posts: 1053
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Posted on: 6/2/06 10:40 PM ET
In reply to Mary Stiefer
Hmmm I've never heard of them either. Rhino makes me think of truck bed liners!
Sounds interesting though, I'm due for some new mats as well.
  
Member since 10/27/05
Posts: 5976
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Posted on: 6/2/06 10:57 PM ET
In reply to Mary Stiefer
Do you mean these

They look nice but I'm not familiar with them.

  
Member since 2/17/03
Posts: 1709
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Posted on: 6/2/06 11:09 PM ET
In reply to ccris
Yes, that's exactly what I'm talking about. The 2' x 4' mat is only 22 dollars and change. If you use a grid it is $10.95 and is placed underneath the mat. So, I guess you can see through it. The description says it is self-healing.

Olfa mats, although it's indicated they are 24 x 36, are really 23 3/4 inches and that barely fits on my counter. So, I was really interested when they said they would custom cut them. I think I will try to call them tomorrow and order one (that's if I don't get any bad remarks from anyone here).
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What is Maxine saying??
"I don't iron. If I'm not wrinkle-free why should my clothes be."
  
Member since 10/27/05
Posts: 5976
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Posted on: 6/2/06 11:27 PM ET
In reply to Mary Stiefer

Don't forget to let us know how you like it if you decide to purchase.

I use the opaque white pinnable cutting mat that has the grid printed on. It isn't self-healing like the olfa, but I've never had problems. I think Atlanta Thread sells these (like I have) in different sizes, too, but I don't think you can order custom sizes. The Rhino looks nice, and with that name, sounds like it will last forever.


  
Member since 5/1/05
Posts: 233
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Posted on: 6/3/06 5:38 PM ET
Oh my. The ping pong table may get a new lease on life.

Viv
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Viv

  
Member since 6/28/03
Posts: 1053
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Posted on: 6/3/06 7:48 PM ET
In reply to Tov
Ping Pong table! What a great idea!
  
Member since 1/4/03
Posts: 356
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Posted on: 6/4/06 7:13 PM ET
In reply to Mary Stiefer
Mary, please do let us know about the Rhino Mat.....my definitely needs replacing....it is so rough from long time use that it even snags the fabric sometime.
  
Member since 6/26/05
Posts: 1148
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Posted on: 6/4/06 10:49 PM ET
The Rhino mat looks just like the big white cutting mat I bought about 3 years ago. In the middle of the grid is the Unique logo and some blurb about them being the importers. (They package a line of sewing accessories which are sold here). It's getting a little rough, but I think I can flip it over or even sand it down a little as it's a solid plastic all the way through. Come to think of it, I have cutting boards in the kitchen that appear to be made of the same plastic.
It was expensive, but having a really big (38" x 65") cutting mat is great. I don't think I could ever go back to the standard 24" x 36'.
  
Member since 2/17/03
Posts: 1709
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Posted on: 6/20/06 2:31 PM ET
I'm bringing this back up to the top to tell you that I've received my rhino mat. It is very thick 1/8" or more. And, although I've only used it a few times I do see some cutlines but, for the most part, they are healed but you can get a glimpse of the cut lines. I'm not sure how it will last over the long run.

This picture shows how you can see the grid through the mat. The grid is purchased separately and placed underneath the mat.

Close-up view of rhino mat

They custom cut both the mat and the grid for me at no charge. They asked me what I wanted to do with the scraps. Because I only had 1/2" cut off the scraps wouldn't do me much good. But, if you purchased a really large and cut it down, perhaps you would want the smaller pieces for a smaller mat somewhere.

The mat and grid come rolled up and you need to lay them down for a few days to get them straightened out.
If things go really wrong I will post.


------
What is Maxine saying??
"I don't iron. If I'm not wrinkle-free why should my clothes be."
  
123 
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