Gone are the days of router mats and soft carpets. This simple product has become my number one choice for holding work in place and protecting surfaces during work.
A Bench Cookie™ consists of a plastic disk (3" diameter, 1" thick) with soft high-friction rubber surface layers on both faces. It's as simple as that but it works very, very well. The disks have an excellent grip on flat workpieces. Even sawdust is no problem. They keep projects from slipping while routing, sanding, carving and more. They raise up guitar bodies for edge work and finishing. They make assembly easier and they protect surfaces. And they set up in seconds.
You probably can make your own. You need ice hockey pucks and soft rubber disks but finding the right kind of soft rubber could be a problem. I don't think its worth the effort.
There's not much to say. This is a really useful product that simply works. Highly recommended.
Manufacturer link: Rockler Bench Cookie™
This product is also available in a different color from Bench Dog:
CLARIFICATION. I don't have any relationship with the manufacturer and bought the product at a regular price for my own use. I get a referal fee though, if you buy following the links provided on this page.