RESOLVED-Oversized mat catching on back table

[Faerie Man]

When I'm cutting up near the "top" of my oversize mat, the edge of the mat is going back and forth over the gap in the back table. A couple of time, it's hit that edge and caught. In addition to making a terrible noise, it ruined the registration of my cut, as the rollers must have jumped.

Has anyone run into this? Solutions?

[kim]

I haven't had this happen with a mat but when I cut vinyl, it would sometimes do that. I just put a strip of painters tape over the gap and now I have no more issues with it. I did it on the front and back tables....just in case.

[Faerie Man]

Thanks, Kim. That seems straightforward... Done!

[kim]

Glad it helped! I like the painters tape because it is so easy to remove when I need to take my tables off.

[morning-glory]

I have had the same issues with my new mat, that is already getting the "roller" indents in the mat and is rolling up on the left side . I will try the painters tape also, but what about the roller indents? I have read about moving the mat around, but I only have very little leeway to maneuver, just concerned that the indents will effect the quality of cuts.

[jobab]

If you move the rollers even just a little to the left or right instead of in the middle of the grit roller (the metal underneath roller) this helps to eliminate mat curl. Use the rollers that are appropriate to the outermost of your mat (unless you have very heavy cutting media) and every few cuts adjust them to a slightly different position over the grit roller. I have been using my mats for a very long time and I am doing a lot of demonstrations and sample cuts for clients and doing this has increase the life of the mat.

[Gigi]

Great points, Jo. Thank you!

[kim]

I agree, Jobab! Once I started using the pinch wheels that are on the edges of my mat, I haven't had a single problem with my mats curling or having the indents. My mats are lasting forever now.