When I shoot plastics I like to lay them out on something smooth so I can be certain thru the curing time that the tails are situated as they should be, not bent or twisted. Lots of people use cooking sheet, some use a table top with paper toweling under the baits. I use what is called a "cutting mat" that measures 12" X 15". These are a heavy polypropylene product sturdy enough to withstand cutting the sprues, yet not fall apart. I buy these in 3-packs at Wallyworld or Target for about $4.00. They are colored but the color doesn't transfer and the plastic used in bait making doesn't conflict with the mat material. 20 of these mats takes up less than an inch when stacked, but a lot of smaller and mid-sized baits can fit on one sheet. The baits seem to stay in place very well on the sheets and as I fill them I can set one filled sheet atop of another until the curing period is over.
These mats are designed as cutting surfaces for kitchen use and tolerate even large knives so they are durable. Nothing a plastic bait maker uses to make his baits will harm these sheets and clean-up with soapy water is a snap if raw colorant or raw plastic should get on them and of course spilt cooked plastic will peel right off. They are not meant for setting cups of hotplastic on them but the fresh baits can go on without issue.
If you are looking for an inexpensive but handy way to handle your goodies after the injection, I suggest trying these. I have maybe 30 of these and have never had one break or crack even though I have cut on them. Their size makes it easy to have one right on your work area so plastics coming out of a mold can go directly on the sheet so tails and legs can be laid out straight. When the sheet is filled, lift it up and put it where the curing can take place. These are smaller than cookie sheets, but cost less and are easy on storage space.
