Cutting rubber

Jeff and Alois,

Here in the UK it looks like we might get back to regular practise and league matches soon. I hope you will also be back to regular play soon.

I am about to replace some older rubber on a blade and been pondering on how to cut the rubber, scalpel, craft knife, maybe scissors even electric scissirs are all things I've considered. I've used a craft knife in the past and results seem to depend on the rubber type. The worst thing is when the tip of the blade drags on the rubber rather than slicing throught it. This is despite a really sharp blade.

On you tube I have seen somone cut a sheet of rubber ( not tt rubber) and they dipped the blade into soapy water to provide some lubrication. Just wondered if you have ever tried this with table tennis rubbers and does it help?

Hi Nigel,

I haven't tried using soapy water.  I wonder if any of our readers have tried it and can give you some insights.

I like to use a sharp scalpel to cut rubber.  Works best for me.