Visualize the Morton Surface as a large, perfectly flat, real thin ice cube tray that makes tiny ice cubes approximately 1/2 x1/2 x3/8". No, don't fill this with water and put it in the refrigerator. This is just an analogy. Anyhow, those cells catch the glass chips instead of them falling on your table.
That's just one benefit from the Morton Surface. Another is that its saves glass from breaking where you don't want it to break. If there is a glass chip under a piece of glass that you cut.....woops! The glass just broke and usually not where you want.. This means you need to keep a brush handy and sweep off your cutting surface every time you cut a piece of glass. That's all right, just sweep them on the floor! The maid comes tomorrow anyhow.
When you are done cutting on the Morton Surface, just walk it to the trash can and shake out all those nasty little glass chips. Simple and easy!
Note: The Maxi-Surface is over sized for shipping. Its dimensions are such that UPS charges for 30 pounds of shipping weight instead of the actual shipping weight of 6 pounds.
Yes, this is definely an optional tool, but it saves on broken glass and makes the task easier.