James River Branch: Tools and Supplies

Tools: Cutting Mat

Long before they became popular among modelers, I was using cutting mats. The reason is that I was once a professional graphic artist, and because art was a cut-and-paste process back then, these mats were originally sold for use by artists as a cutting surface. It was years later that they moved into the crafts and modeling markets, by which time I'd already chewed though several of them.

Bear in mind that the oft-used term "self-healing" is an exaggeration. These mats still get cuts; they're just not very noticeable because the soft, flexible surface returns to its flat shape. Still, after a long period of use, the surface will degrade to the point the mat must be replaced.

I will usually have at least two of them on hand: a large one for bigger cutting jobs, and a smaller one for work on tiny parts. I may also have a third mat sitting around—an older one ready for the trash that I keep for certain "highly abusive" modeling processes, so that my others don't get beat up as quickly.

Just getting started? Cutting mats can be found at craft stores, but they may not have a good assortment. Online artists' supply stores such as Dick Blick will have a bigger selection.