Thread: Anyone have a tried and true method for cutting rubber mats in two?

Your description is generic, so I'll answer with my generic solution.

I have some anti-fatigue matting from Clark Rubber, it comes in approximately 1m lengths and is diamond shaped in texture, it also is a thick material compromising a couple of layers of density materials combined; or so I was led to believe. Regardless, a sharp or new blade on a knife and a thick ruler will do the trick. You just need to make multiple cuts and slowly you will get through.

I used this method to cut out holes for the feet of my lathe, quite simple, just cut slowly.

Mick.

Fatigue_Mat_Lathe_IMG_20191217_080708.jpgIMG_20191021_143651.jpg

Bandsaw

Thanks to all.
My mind couldn't get past my jigsaw.

Originally Posted by riverbuilder

Bandsaw

Exactly what I was thinking. Preferably with an older (but sharp) blade, and slow speed to avoid heat/rubber melting/buggering up the bandsaw blade

I seem to remember that a knife edge bandsaw band could be used to cut rubber much cleaner than a toothed band but don't hold me to it.

I have though of getting a old blunt band and putting it on my BS backwards and lightly applying a fine flap wheel to the non-toothed edge to create a knife edge.

One of those WIGRTO (when I get round to it) situations.

Originally Posted by riverbuilder

Bandsaw

Yep

Places like Clark Rubber use a bandsaw with a knife edge to cut both solid and foam rubber.

Having cut many a gasket from rubber sheeting up to 10mm thick I can definitely recommend having water running on the cut to lubricate it. Try using a hacksaw blade with the teeth ground off and sharpened to a knife edge while dribbling water over the cut using a hose. Running the blade along a steel rule/straightedge will give good clean cuts.

I have used these on foam , don't know how they would go on solid rubber

T 313 AW Special for Soft Material Jigsaw Blade - Bosch Professional

Originally Posted by barrysumpter

Thanks to all.
My mind couldn't get past my jigsaw.

I'd also go with the jigsaw.

use a "knife blade" in your jigsaw

Bosch have them, and Festool sell them in packs of three.
Not sure which maker makes the better blade.


you can also use an electric kitchen knife if you have one lying unused in the kitchen. (snaffle it for the shed?)

I would go with Ian's suggestion of a knife blade in a jigsaw (cheaper than a bandsaw blade). Like the Chief, I too have seen Clark Rubber in action with a knife blade in a jigsaw. I have used one myself. Seems to work well.

Regards
Paul

I have had cause to cut a lot of conveyor belt, hundreds and hundreds of metres. I have tried everything and nothing beats a sharp Stanley knife.

Cheers Andrew