Cutting rubber floor mats

[Bob]

I have several 24" square black rubber floor mats with raised bumps on the surface.

I need to cut some of them to size as accurately and cleanly as possible.

I was advised to use a metal straight edge and a utility knife. The utility knife does not seem to cut sharply and deeply enough to make a clean accurate cut.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Bob

[Oren]

How thick is the rubber?

Got a carpet knife, those blades are much sharper?

[Ed Pawlowski]

How thick are they? How many do you have to do?

Best would be a bandsaw with a knife edge blade, but you need the saw and have to buy a blade. I'd consider scoring (on the smooth back) with the utility knife and following up with an electric kitchen knife.

[Red Green]

"Ed Pawlowski" wrote in news:04OdnXRwnusO7aTWnZ2dnUVZ [e-mail]:

I've seen jig saw blades with a knife edge. Even the right saw blade is worth a shot.

[Bob]

I don't have one, but I will get one.

[hrhofmann]

Did you try a brand-new utility knife blade?

[Danimal]

[Stormin Mormon]

Brand new blade is good. They go dull rapidly.

[Jim Elbrecht]

Lubricate the blade with soapy water-

I'm with Ed on the bandsaw- if you've got one it would be worth buying the blade. You'll find other uses for it once you have it--- tires make great sandals.

Jim

[Eric in North TX]

[e-mail]:

I'll second that, I used one to cut up old tires, tried everything else, and the blades with teeth just got hot. I made nice tree rings out of sidewalls.

[Linda Hungerford]

Reciprocating saw with general purpose blade. Cuts thru 4'x6'x 3/4" stall mats like butter, so you shouldn't have any trouble cutting through your material. Just make sure you have a good line to follow and a good steady hand.

hth... Linda H.,

[tnom]

If you live in a cold climate leave them outside and try cutting them when they're cold.