How do I smooth out ridges in a cutting mat?

[Margo C.]

I have one of these also so I am waiting to hear what you find out.

[Margo C.]

I spoke to Charlie, who was in California at a show. He said that over the years of him selling the mats, he's only had a very few complaints. He suggested that, while he's away, I go to http://www.olfa.com and refer my issue to customer service there. If I am not satisfied with their response, he wants me to contact him when he gets back home--after the 17th.

I did submit an e-mail via the Olfa website and am awaiting their reply, which could take three to five days. It's only been three days, so I'm still waiting.

Finally, today, I got a response from OLFA. Since it's been quite a bit longer than I expected, I had begun to think that my message was being ignored. I was so wrong and could not have been more delighted with OLFA's reply. Olfa is sending to me a onetime only goodwill replacement 12" rotating mat, even though the OLFA Mats are not warrantied.

Until I receive the replacement mat (7 - 10 days from now), I feel a little torn about sharing this. Hopefully, you can understand why. I did mention in my orignal complaint message to OLFA that a few others on this TQS Forum had experienced the same problem.

I need to thank Dawn for initiating this thread, and all of you who chimed in. Otherwise, I might not have ever pursued this.

Thanks so much,
Nancy

[Margo C.]

Well, I've just sent a request for a replacement also. We will see how this goes!

[Jo H.]

Wow Margo. Personally, I think you deserve a reward as well. That mat has seen lots of lovin'.

[Jo H.]

Well, I've just sent a request for a replacement also. We will see how this goes!

Hi Margo,

Yours actually looks much worse than mine, but I really haven't used mine very much. It has taken me a while to get used to turning the mat, rather than turning the fabric. However, the few cuts that I have made took chunks out of my mat, leaving gouges.

I did not request a replacement, instead I explained the problem and asked if there was a way to fix it.

Good luck,
Nancy

[Margo C.]

I'm glad they are giving you great customer service, Nancy!
I don't think there is any possible way to "fix" my mat, but I really like the way the rotating mat works, and you can see that I've used it a LOT, even though it started getting grooves early on.

[Margo C.]

I'm glad they are giving you great customer service, Nancy!
I don't think there is any possible way to "fix" my mat, but I really like the way the rotating mat works, and you can see that I've used it a LOT, even though it started getting grooves early on.

Hi Margo,

This is somewhat an unrelated subject, but after seeing your rotating mat, I am wondering if you have ever worn out your quilting rulers? My 6" x 24" Fiskar ruler is the one that gets the most use. The lines and numbers are wearing off on the end starting with number 1. Is this normal? If not, is there something I'm doing wrong in the way I handle my rulers? Should I handle them on the sides only? I probably purchased it in 2005 or so, when I really seriously got into quilting. However, I doubt my ruler has had the amount of use that your similar one has.

[Margo C.]

I have several rulers that I can't use any more because I've used them so much I've worn the numbers and/or lines off!! :shock:

Most rulers for cutting have lines that are printed (with ink or paint) on the acrylic base, and like anything that gets used a lot, it will wear away, just from the friction of sliding over a lot of fabric.

I like the fact that most of the acrylic template/rulers for long-arm quilting now have etched markings. Hopefully they will last longer!

[Dawn S.]

On the ruler subject, I had a teacher once tell us that a ruler that has been used continually over the years (with a rotary cutter) can actually not have straight edges any more. I have found it can have a slight curve to it that cannot be seen without really checking it out, like placing the edge on a granite counter top, and slide a sheet of paper through the middle of it. (Between the ruler and the granite.) Then see if two sheets will pass under it, then three. Then throw it out!

Dawn
In beautiful Northwest Montana

[Margo C.]

That's a new one on me Dawn! I'll try that with my old rulers! Now....where would I find a granite countertop??? :lol:

[Dawn S.]

Funny, Margo! A good FLAT wood table top will work, too! A glass top is better, if you have one.

Dawn
In beautiful Northwest Montana

[Dawn S.]

Having taught several to quilt, using my supplies, I have found nicks in the side of my favorite ruler.

[Dawn S.]

I have had to replace my 6x24 ruler from simple old age. I know we don't think about it but with the rotary blade being a very sharp razor blade it shouldn't surprize us. I have shaved visible pieces off the edge. I have quilted since 1992 and my main mats and rulers are second or third generation. The cutter handles are original. I have the 45 and 60mm models and I always reach for the 60mm first. Think about this: How many have their original sewing machines and haven't quibbled about spending $$$$ on a second, third or forth machine but me oh my oh we think a mat, ruler, etc should lat forever. Do you realize that we as consumers like to see the price point remain the same and the manufacturers know this. What do they do? They make the newer mats thinner than they used to, etc. I am not saying that there can not be faulty items and if a manufacturer goes beyond the warranty, if any, they are just protecting their name. Good to hear Olfa is one of those. Perhaps, too, if enough people complain they might improve the quality of the product but then expect a higher price point.

[Dawn S.]

In our parents' generation, things were built to last. We know that's no longer true. It's called "Economic Obsolescence".

[Catherine S.]

I bought the rotating mat from Charlie's at Paducah this year, so I have not used it very much yet. When I bought the mat they gave me a small slip of paper with mat care on it. I am not sure where it is now, but it did say to soak the mats in room temp water to keep them pliable. Has anyone tried that? My old large mat is still fine, but if I am doing alot of cutting on small pieces, I try to move to different areas of the mat. Just an idea.