Having a rubber mat or a board surface when doing leather works is a need in leatherworking because working on a leather project requires cutting, punching, stamping, and engraving. A rubber mat helps protect your working tables by absorbing shocks and avoiding noises when you are doing such. It also protects your tools from getting damaged or getting dull by the surface underneath.
What is the difference between Poundo Board and Novolene Board? A Poundo Board is a thin working surface made of rubber, perfect when cutting and doing hard punches. Novolene Board, on the other hand, is a chopping block made of polyethylene that can help a leatherworker when stamping or engraving.
Buying a rubber mat that is for long-term investment can be confusing. But worry no more because we will talk about the best qualities and differences between a poundo board and a novolene board. I hope this will help you know the working surface for you!
Boards in Leather Working
There are many cutting boards, surface boards, or working surfaces to use in leatherworking to help you do your project. There’s Poly, Anvil, Hydroma, Cutting Board, or Japanese Board and of course the boards that we will be tackling in this article; the Poundo Board and the Novolene Board.
Poundo Board:A Working Surface Perfect for Lesser Noise
A Poundo Board is one of the popular boards that a leatherworker should have, for it absorbs shock when you are doing punches. It gives a lesser noise and solid points to make perfect holes. It can resist even the most brutal punch you can do but still last up to 12 years.
A poundo board protects the surface underneath and is perfect for punching, cutting, and stamping. Poundo Board prevents your tools, such as your blades, awls, and knives, from getting dull.
This board can be placed anywhere or underneath the granite when punching or pounding. The poundo board for leatherworking has different sizes that you can choose from. The good news is that many stores all over the US offer poundo boards, so it will never be hard for you to find one in stores or even online.
Novolene Chopping Block: A Board To Have Sturdy Surface
Aside from a poundo board, you might also want to consider buying a Novolene Board that is also a working surface that gives your underneath surface protection. A novolene board is made of synthetic material or polyethylene that is formed to make a block. Like the poundo board, this also protects your tools from getting dull. But this soft yet firm block can be planed down or trimmed based on the size you prefer. Novolene Chopping Block is best to use when you are cutting and doing some light punches. You can also do engraving using Novolene Board, but it will slightly damage your block, leaving marks on it.
A Novolene Chopping Block is available in several rectangular sizes. It is usually in the color red, unlike the poundo board that is colored black. This board is just an option for you when thinking or getting confused about what working surface to buy.
When it comes to durability, the Novolene board might not last long like the other boards because it is softer than them. And suppose we’re going to talk about its availability. In that case, you might get stressed finding Novolene Board in your area. Why? Because it is only limited to different stores like Weaver Leathercraft, Weaver Leather Supply, and Zelistore or Zelikovitz. But if you want to buy a Novolene Board, I know you will find one because if there’s a will, there’s a way.
Poundo Board’s Best Brands and Prices
Now, without further ado, and to help you decide what working surface to buy, let’s talk about Poundo Board’s Best Brands and Prices.
Note that these stores are the most recommended ones when it comes to Poundo Boards.
Weaver Leather Shop
To start our store recommendation, let me introduce you to the Weaver Leather Shop.
Weaver Leather Shop offers Poundo Board that ranges from $16.99 – $34.52 and 12″ x 12″ in size. The thing you need to remember when purchasing a poundo board from this shop is to know that it is not heat resistant. Check this link to see their Poundo Board.
Tandy Leather
Tandy leather was known for its quality leatherworking tools, machine, and of course, leathers. Just name it, and undoubtedly they have it! They were established in 1919 that started with the dream of sharing leathercraft with the world. Until now, Tandy Leather is still one of the trusted shops when it comes to leatherworking.
Tandy Leather’s Poundo Board ranges from $9.99- $19.99. It comes in a variety of sizes from the small size, which is 6″ x 6″ (152 x 152 mm) to the largest 12 x 24 x 0.2 in. (30.48 x 60.96 x 0.5 cm). The good thing is that this store offers the lowest price for a poundo board. The only downside is that this poundo board can be or might burn at jewelry soldering temperatures. Check this out from their page – tandyleather.com.
Zelikovitz
Zelikovitz’ poundo board’s prices range from $19.99-$24.89 and 12″ x 12″-12″ x 24″ in sizes. This store was established almost 130 years ago! It is the oldest distributor of leather and crafts supplies in the world. This store or company only sets standards for quality products. It is located in Ottawa, Canada, but they also distribute products all over the US. With their tagline “Serious crafts for serious crafters,” surely you can never go wrong in choosing the best tools and leathers for you! Check their website here.
Novolene Board’s best brand and its price
Now let’s move on to the Novolene Board’s best brands and prices. We will be mentioning the stores that I found on the internet and recommended by some of the leatherworkers.
Weaver Leather Supply
Weaver leathercraft was founded as the Fryburg Shoe Shop in 1973 by HArr A. Weaver. Their Novolene Chopping Block ranges from $35.75-$290. It also comes in different sizes from small dimensions, which are 7″ x 11 3/4″, medium dimensions: 11 1/2″ x 18″, and large dimensions with the size of 12″ x 24″. A novolene board is usually colored red, and the good thing about this Novolene Board is that it will not work hard on your irons. Check their prices in their website.
Zelistore or Zelikovitz
You noticed that this store offers both poundo and Novolene and it is a good thing. Their Novolene Chopping Block is $38.99 with the sizes 10″ x 10″ x 1″ – 10″ x 20″ x 1″. It is best to use hydraulic die-cutting systems, but the sad news is it is not normally sold in public, which means that you have to request it. Check their website here.
Conclusion
I had a fun time sharing with you the advantages and disadvantages of purchasing these boards. But always remember when choosing the perfect working surface for your crafts, you should never forget the things you’re going to do with the board. Like if you are going to do hard punches, pick a poundo board and if you are going to do a lot of cutting, choose Novolene Board. I hope that this article will help you decide the best working surface to start your leatherworking journey. Enjoy doing your crafts, and please let me know the leatherworking surface you’ve chosen! Ciao!
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