A Guide to Leathercraft Boards and Mats
A Guide to Leathercraft Boards and Mats
Leathercraft is a rewarding hobby and profession that requires the right tools to achieve professional results. One of the most essential elements of any leather worker's setup is a good working surface—specifically, the boards and mats that protect your work and provide the proper foundation for crafting. Whether you're a beginner just starting out or an experienced artisan, understanding the different types of boards and mats available can significantly improve your efficiency and the quality of your work.
Why Quality Boards and Mats Matter
When working with leather, having the correct board or mat beneath your project isn't merely about protecting your work surface; it's fundamental to the technique itself. A good cutting mat, for instance, prolongs the life of your cutting tools and ensures clean, precise cuts. Self-healing mats grip your material to prevent slipping, whilst punch pads absorb the impact of striking tools, protecting both your equipment and your hands from repetitive strain.
Self-Healing Cutting Mats
Self-healing cutting mats are perhaps the most versatile tool in a leather worker's arsenal. These mats are typically made from a special rubber or plastic compound that "heals" after being cut, sealing itself to prevent separation and extend the mat's lifespan.
Best for: Cutting leather with knives, trimming edges, and general layout work.
Advantages: They're durable, easy to clean, and the self-healing material means you can cut repeatedly in the same spot without creating gouges or damaged areas. Many leather workers prefer these mats because they provide a slight grip that prevents leather from shifting during cutting.
Considerations: Higher quality self-healing mats are more expensive upfront but last considerably longer. Store them flat and away from direct sunlight, as heat can damage the material.
Punching and Stamping Pads
Punching pads are specifically designed for use with hand tools like leather punches, stamps, and decorative tools. These pads are constructed to absorb the impact of striking a punch or mallet, protecting your hands and wrists from repeated impact.
Best for: Hole punching, stamping decorative patterns, embossing, and applying snaps or rivets.
Advantages: High-quality punching pads reduce fatigue during extended work sessions and protect your tools from damage. They provide an ideal striking surface that prevents bouncing or movement, ensuring accurate placement of holes and stamps. The printed grid helps with alignment and measurement, reducing the need for additional rulers or measuring tools. This speeds up the cutting process considerably.
Material types: Punching pads are commonly made from:
- Rubber: Traditional choice, excellent impact absorption
- Nylon or composite materials: Lightweight and durable
- Speciality padding: Some premium pads feature layered construction for superior shock absorption
Granite and Stone Blocks
Granite and solid stone work surfaces offer excellent durability and weight. These blocks provide a rock-solid foundation for hammering and striking work, and a smooth surface for thinning and paring.
Best for: Heavy stamping, riveting, and any work requiring a truly immobile surface, or as a smooth surface for thinning and paring.
Advantages: Granite blocks don't move or shift, providing maximum stability and safety. They last indefinitely and require minimal maintenance beyond occasional cleaning.
Disadvantages: They're heavy, which makes them less portable, and they can be expensive. Additionally, direct striking can cause the leather to cold-harden in that spot, which some leatherworkers prefer to avoid.
Wooden Work Surfaces
Traditional wooden blocks and boards remain popular in leathercraft workshops. Hardwoods like maple are particularly favoured for their durability and natural grain, which provides excellent grip.
Best for: General layout and assembly work, pressing seams, and finishing tasks.
Advantages: Wooden surfaces are kind to tools, won't damage leather finishes, and wood naturally grips material to prevent slipping. Many craftspeople appreciate the traditional feel and aesthetic of working on wood.
Disadvantages: Wooden surfaces can absorb moisture and oils, potentially damaging leather over time if not properly sealed. They also require regular maintenance and can be damaged by heavy striking.
Complementary Protective Surfaces
Many leather workers use additional protective layers over their primary boards, such as a Poundo Board. A thin cutting mat laid over a rubber punching pad, for instance, provides the best of both worlds: precise control during cutting and proper impact absorption during striking work.
Protective covers, such as those made from canvas or leather offcuts, can also be placed over your work surface to protect finished leather whilst you're working on it.
Selecting the Right Setup for Your Practice
The best board and mat setup depends on several factors:
Your primary activities: If you mostly cut, invest in a quality self-healing mat. If you spend extensive time stamping and punching, a premium punching pad is essential. Many workshops use a combination of surfaces for different tasks.
Space constraints: Portable, lightweight mats are ideal for those with limited workshop space or who like to craft in different locations. Stone blocks are better suited to permanent, dedicated workspaces.
Budget: Quality boards and mats are investments. Self-healing mats and punching pads range from affordable beginner options to premium professional-grade products. Consider what you'll be using most frequently and allocate your budget accordingly.
Durability needs: Professional leatherworkers who work daily will benefit from investing in the highest-quality boards and mats, as they'll eventually pay for themselves through extended lifespan and reduced replacement costs.
Where to Source Quality Boards and Mats
Finding reliable, quality boards and mats is crucial for serious leatherwork. British Leather Supplies offers an excellent selection of punching pads and other leathercraft supplies. Their collection of punch pads includes various sizes and materials suitable for different leatherworking tasks, from hobby projects to professional production.
When shopping for boards and mats, look for products with detailed specifications about material composition and dimensions. Reading reviews from other leather workers can also provide valuable insights into durability and performance.
Maintenance and Care
Proper care extends the life of your boards and mats significantly:
- Clean regularly: Wipe down mats after each use to remove dust, leather scraps, and debris
- Store properly: Keep mats flat and in a climate-controlled environment away from extreme heat or cold
- Replace when worn: Even quality mats eventually wear out; replace them before they become ineffective
- Protect the surface: For valuable pads, consider storing them with a protective cover
Conclusion
Investing in quality boards and mats is one of the most important decisions you can make as a leather worker. The right work surface not only protects your projects and tools but also directly impacts the precision, safety, and efficiency of your work. Whether you're setting up your first workspace or upgrading an established one, consider your specific leatherworking needs and choose products that align with your practice.
Quality leathercraft supplies make a genuine difference in your results, and that starts with the foundation.
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Post authored by Becky Cocker, leather artisan and owner of British Leather Supplies. If you'd like to explore a curated selection of quality leather tools and sewing supplies, check out our collection at British Leather Supplies. We’re here to help you take your leatherworking skills to the next level.