The Tale of the Cutting Mats

 I finally called and placed an order for a cutting mat for my big drafting table. My table is 38" x 51".  I  know I'd never find a cutting mat that size, however, the company does sell a 48" x 72" mat, which, when cut in half, will yield two pieces 48" x 36". ANYBODY can figure that out, right?

 Apparently not. This is what came out of the box when it arrived on Friday.  

So I called the vendor and a bit later, Jessica, who took my order originally, called me back. I explained what came out of the box, and then she put me on hold while she consulted with her supervisor. Apparently my vendor is a reseller, and the order went to THEIR vendor for fulfillment. THEIR vendor's guys are the ones who cut it apart. THEY said the instructions were confusing. Jessica and I had gone to great lengths to make sure the instructions were very clear and specific. THE GUYS said they were confused by the grid. Jessica said, Not so fast, this mat did not have a grid. Jessica's supervisor reviewed the instructions  and pronounced them very clear and easily understandable. How come they didn't contact Jessica if they were confused? No answer. Jessica again consulted with her supervisor and they agreed a new 36"  x 48" mat would be sent to me next week and it would be no charge. They feel their vendor is responsible for the mistake and should "eat" the cost, but that isn't anything for ME to worry about.

I told Jessica that I had written about her company on my blog and that several of my readers had bought mats based on my recommendation. What should I say to them? "Tell them to place their orders with Jessica!"

 ANYWAY... 

I had purchased some double stick tape to hold mat to my worktable. To make that easier, I adjusted the table so it was level and carefully stuck the tape to the backside, then I flipped it over, aligned it, removed the backing on the tape, and pressed it down on all four sides.

Next I attached the stick on ruler. The table is a lot nicer without the big clamps I had used to hold the old mat in place - I was always bumping into the clamps.

I attached the first mat I bought to the table I use for my sewing machine in the same way. I may actually get another stick-on ruler for this table. It might be kinda handy.