The ceiling tiles from Home Depot (the most plain version you can find) is a great idea. Also, I understand thatYou have built a ARF, I too would recomend a four star 60. It's all Lazer cut gooes together real easy. Would make a great first build.
john
ORIGINAL: R8893
Even though you didn't mention it, I suspect you bought a razor knife and a bunch of extra blades. Sharp blades are very important. I cover my plywood building bench with ceiling tiles from Home Depot (the most plain version you can find). I have not tried to stick pins in the building mat, but would not expect that to work well. It is normally just used to cut on.