the underappreciated Tormek Rubber Work Mat

[Ken S]

Most of us choose not to get past the sticker shock of the $60US price of the Tormek Rubber Work Mat. This is unfortunate and undeserved. The Rubber Work Mat is definitely not an overpriced cafeteria tray. When I first examined mine, my first impression was that it is a well designed high quality product. I recently learned that it is made for Tormek by the company which makes the tires for
Range Rover. It is a solid, heavy duty product. It is also well sized for Tormek work. Here is a link:

https://www.tormek.com/usa/en/accessories/other-accessories/rm-533-rubber-work-mat/

Looking at it objectively, it is a product which is used every time a Tormek user sharpens anything. It is actually one of the least expensive Tormek jigs or accessories. How many of us, myself included, have paid more for a jig or accessory we have never used, or use very rarely? I have seen several substitutes posted on the forum, which seem to work well. However, I would not say that they work just as well. The Rubber Work Mat does not slide. Its heavy duty side lips have contained all the water I have ever spilled, even on my clumsiest days.

My suggested homemade stand for a Tormek would have a table top sized to fit with the Rubber Work Mat. I think having a pair of same sized tables with different work heights and two Rubber Work Mats would be both quite efficient and luxurious.

The Tormek Rubber Work Mat is definitely worth a serious look.

Ken

[Sharpco]

I have two. One for Tormek, one for Viel. I'm satisfied with that.

[Ken S]

I find the rubber mat has a very useful footprint size. It comfortably holds either a Tormek or Viel with adequate "breathing room", yet is not overly large.
It also makes a good mat for working on things with lots of small parts(fewer lost tiny screws).
Ken