Recommended by Soccerbooks

A2 Cutting Mat, 600mm Metal Rule, 4 Sliders

£28.00 ~~£32.00~~

A2 Cutting Mat,600mm Metal Rule, 4 Sliders Archival Dust Jacket Sleeving Tool Kit

The A2 cutting mat recommended by soccerbooks for their Archival Dust Jacket Protection System is a professional-grade cutting surface measuring 60cm x 45cm (approximately 23.6" x 17.7"). This particular model stands out for several key features that make it especially suitable for book preservation work.
The mat's standout feature is its specialised non-slip surface, which provides stability during precise cutting tasks. This is particularly important when working with delicate materials like dust jackets and archival papers. The surface includes printed grid lines and marking guides that ensure accurate, straight cuts every time.
What makes this mat particularly suitable for archival work is its latex-free construction, making it safe for use with preservation materials. The self-healing properties mean that when you make cuts, the surface recovers, preventing grooves and channels from forming over time that could affect future cutting accuracy.
Its A2 size provides ample working space for most book jacket sizes while remaining manageable on a desk or work table. The mat protects underlying surfaces from damage while offering a stable platform for cutting paper, card, and other materials used in preservation work.
For those working with the Archival Dust Jacket Protection System, this mat's dimensions and features make it an ideal companion tool, offering the precision and reliability needed for professional-grade preservation work.
Heavy Duty 24" 600mm Aluminium Rule+Spirit Level

This isn't your average ruler; it's a 24-inch (600mm) professional-grade measuring tool that doubles as a spirit level, making it particularly valuable for both precision work and book preservation.
Constructed from heavy-duty aluminium, it achieves an ideal balance between durability and weight. Measuring 62 cm in length and 6 cm in width, it boasts sufficient weight to maintain its position without feeling heavy. What makes this ruler special are its dual spirit level vials, one for checking plumb (vertical alignment) and another for level (horizontal alignment). These little glass tubes, with their floating bubbles, turn a simple measuring tool into something far more versatile.
The face of the ruler features both metric and imperial measurements, etched clearly into the silver aluminium surface. The metric side shows measurements up to 600mm, while the imperial side gives you a full 24 inches to work with. This dual-measurement system is particularly handy when you're working with international specifications or switching between measurement systems.
Here's what makes it especially interesting: Soccerbooks, a name trusted in book preservation, specifically recommends this style of ruler for applying Archival Dust Jacket Sleeving Protection to hardback books. Their 25 years of experience have shown that rulers with handles are significantly safer when using a scalpel, a crucial consideration when you're working with valuable books. Without a handle, rulers can slip during cutting, potentially damaging precious materials or, worse, causing injury.
The classic silver finish isn't just about looks; it's designed for clarity and longevity. The ruler's substantial construction means it won't flex or bend during use, ensuring straight cuts and accurate measurements every time. While it's technically made of both plastic (in the vials) and metal, the aluminium construction dominates its build, giving it that professional-grade feel that serious craftspeople and conservators appreciate.
Think of it as the Swiss Army knife of rulers; it measures, levels, guides, and protects, all while being sturdy enough to last through years of daily use. For book preservation specialists, architects, or anyone needing precise measurements with added safety features, this ruler isn't just a tool; it's an investment in accuracy and safety.

Antal