Do I need a glass cutting mat?

[Hockeyrabbit]

Ok-

I have a CM mat and a fiskars mat. I like the CM one better because its harder and tends to cut the paper much better. I have been thinking and hearing about all the different things out there (circle cutters) and how people are using glass mats. Do the glass mats TRULY make a difference in the cutting/ease of cuts? I like using my perfect layers tool a lot so I would be using it a bunch. I have a basic grey mat too, but thats only for layouts and using it to line things up..I don't want to cut on it. Thoughts??!

[cbet]

I love my glass mat, but why not try one out first? Pick up a cheapo frame from the dollar store, remove the glass and use it as a cutting mat. If you like it, then you know it's worth the expense of getting one.

An actual glass cutting mat is made of thicker glass and isn't scratched as easily as the picture frame glass, but you'll get a pretty good handle on whether you like the way it feels to cut on one.

[karla]

I have one and never got the hang of using. It is buried at the bottom of a huge amount of craft stuff. If you are interested in it, let me know.

[1stclassnana]

Another positive vote for a glass mat. I love mine and hardly use the self-healing one anymore.

[Erin K]

I've had several "self healing mats" and they never self healed they had a million cuts in them that would catch the blade and mess me up. Switched to glass, and I love it.

[jenrn]

I have the EK Circle Scissor plus, and to me, the glass mat is a must.

When I first purchased the circle scissor, I tried to use a quilting mat from Hobby Lobby because I thought I would save some money, but my circles always came out crooked!

After the glass mat, no more problems! :cool:

[Ouch!PaperCut]

if u use a circle cutter you need the glass mat so the blade doesn't catch and will run smoothly giving a clean cut.

i love my glass mat - don't have a circle cutter, but craft knife is my preferred way to cut - but it does seem to dull my blades quicker.

[NancyK.]

Thanks for sharing this info - I've been wondering myself if I should get a glass mat. I always have problems with my xacto knife and the self healing mat. I'll have to wait for my next coupon and head down to J's or M's!!

Nancy

[raedeen]

I flipped over the glass counter mat I keep in my kitchen as a surface protector and tried the non textured side. Then I could really see the difference the glass made. Convinced me I needed glass!

[ladylinks]

Another vote for the glass mat. I get much crisper cuts when using glass as opposed to self healing. I love mine!