Posted 2006-03-08 2:49 AM (#38417) Subject: Help with trailer mats
Member
Posts: 5
Location: Baytown,TX
I could use some input. I bought an old trailer that seems to have odd-sized measurements for floor mats. Does anyone know if you can cut the mats to size or where I could go to have them cut? The floor measures 56 by 66 (I think-I don't have the paper with me.) It's a 1977 2 horse straight load BP. Also it has a full divider (to the floor). I've heard it's better to have the divider open on the bottom so the horses can spread their legs for balance. Thoughts on this? Do you think it's possible to have it cut down? Any idea where to find a new/used divider? Thanks for any ideas!!
Posted 2006-03-08 5:26 AM (#38418 - in reply to #38417) Subject: RE: Help with trailer mats
Regular
Posts: 83 Location: Cheshire England
You should be able to cut your new mats to size with a sharp utility knife,just wet the blade and cut area with a dish detergent and water mix, hope this helps.............................
Posted 2006-03-08 8:26 AM (#38425 - in reply to #38417) Subject: RE: Help with trailer mats
Veteran
Posts: 246 Location: Northern IN.
If you are going with the thicker mats like 3/4 in. you'll never get through them with a ut. knife, but you can mark 'em with a chalk line and use a circular saw, or skill saw, whatever you want to call them. It will work fine just have some help to keep the mats spread apart as you cut so it doesn't bind up on the saw. That's how I cut the mats for one of our wagons. P.S. please, for safety sake, count all fingers before and after each cut!
Oh yeah, a finer toothed blade worked better for me than a blade with fewer TPI.
Posted 2006-03-08 1:05 PM (#38456 - in reply to #38417) Subject: RE: Help with trailer mats
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 366 Location: Albany, Oregon
Well I just did some research on laying 6'x4'x3/4" thick stall mats in our barn....1500sf worth. I was told to use a sharp utility knife and a straight edge plus the soapy water trick I might play with WD-40 also. Don't try to cut the full thickness in one pass. The edges will be cleaner with the knife.....I will start on it this weekend. With the skill saw close by!
Posted 2006-03-08 1:59 PM (#38462 - in reply to #38417) Subject: RE: Help with trailer mats
Member
Posts: 5
Location: Baytown,TX
Good luck with that and if you can, please let me know how it went!
I'm thinking about buying two 4x6 mats (since that seems to be the standard size and readily available) and putting them down in halves-one half on each side of the full length divider. Each side of the divider measures 28 inches by 66 inches so I'll have to cut length and width. Does this sound doable? Any other ideas from anyone?
Posted 2006-03-08 2:01 PM (#38463 - in reply to #38417) Subject: RE: Help with trailer mats
Veteran
Posts: 225 Location: Kansas City
I cut the extra heavy mats which Tractor Supply stocks (I think they are 3/4) with a utility knife and straight edge. Takes several swipes but the cut is extra clean. What I did was make the first cut with the straight edge. Then I put a 2x4 under the mat on one side of the cut so the cut kinda "puckered" open. That way, you can keep cutting with the knife, the groove guides you, and it works great.
Posted 2006-03-08 2:24 PM (#38464 - in reply to #38463) Subject: RE: Help with trailer mats
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 366 Location: Albany, Oregon
Originally written by barry on 2006-03-08 12:01 PM
I cut the extra heavy mats which Tractor Supply stocks (I think they are 3/4) with a utility knife and straight edge. Takes several swipes but the cut is extra clean. What I did was make the first cut with the straight edge. Then I put a 2x4 under the mat on one side of the cut so the cut kinda "puckered" open. That way, you can keep cutting with the knife, the groove guides you, and it works great.
I have lots to do! That is how I was told to do it...It sounds the easiest and neatest!
Posted 2006-03-08 3:43 PM (#38467 - in reply to #38464) Subject: RE: Help with trailer mats
Expert
Posts: 2689
A trick to opening the cut is to lay the mat over a 2x4 so that the cut line is centered along the center of the 2x4 - a 2x3 might work a bit better, but 2x4 works well enough. If you're lucky enough to have another 2x4 that is STRAIGHT - use that as your straight edge to guide the BODY or handle of the ute knife, don't try to run the blade itself against a wooden straight edge. As you make the first cut the mat will peel apart a bit, don't try to go all the way through, just make 3 or 4 light cuts and you'll find it easier to stay straight.
Help with trailer mats
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I'm thinking about buying two 4x6 mats (since that seems to be the standard size and readily available) and putting them down in halves-one half on each side of the full length divider. Each side of the divider measures 28 inches by 66 inches so I'll have to cut length and width. Does this sound doable? Any other ideas from anyone?
