How To Cut A Cutting Mat To Size

If you have a cutting mat that's too big for your desk, you'll want to cut it to size, but a cutting mat is designed not to be cut so this isn't as easy as it sounds. In this video I run through a number of ways you can try to size your cutting mat, but then the best way I've found in my testing.
Spoiler: a common wood saw cuts right through the mat, delivering a clean, straight cut. This is the best way to get your cutting mat to size.
#crafts #crafting #diy
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[@cRaZyGuyNYC]

Thanks for the video. Brought out the jigsaw with a fine blade and cuts like butter like butter. Happy holidays.

[@tenfodaddy4351]

You can use a small size circular saw but first, you need to clamp the board and a straight edge to a firm piece of plywood to help make a neat, straight line. Second, and this applies to most plastic, PVC or plexiglass cutting- if you don't have a PVC, plastic or plexiglass-specific blade, you can simply take the circular saw blade off and flip it so the cutting teethe edges are facing the other direction. This helps minimize the tearing/jagged edges the blade can make and reduce heat/melting issues. Also ensure you set the blade to just barely go past the material thickness, i.e., don't have the blade extending 1 inch below the material you're cutting. Cut fairly quickly with one good clean, steady movement of the saw to avoid one area getting heated-up. I had a very large cutting board I had to make fit on top of a Husky 24"x 54 3/4" rolling work table so I could protect the wood top.

[@heavypen]

Now I'm wondering if I can cut mine with a Skill hand-held jig saw. Thanks!

[@courtneybrookman5809]

I wonder how a circular saw would do? I have a 36x48 mat that I need to cut in half.

[@HelpAtMyHome]

A power tool would tear through this. I’d likely recommend a jigsaw but if you can safely use a circular saw it would have no problem so long as there was no melting from the friction but I doubt that would happen