I have a wooden table that I would like to have a nicer surface to work on. Something soft and tough, but not something that can slide.
I was thinking of sticking on carpet tiles but a friend recommended against that.
what do other people use?
I was thinking of sticking on carpet tiles but a friend recommended against that.
what do other people use?
Also what do people think of soldering work mats?
https://www.amazon.com/Kaisiking-Si...9Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=
https://www.amazon.com/Kaisiking-Si...9Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=
Most people have wooden workbenches.
Could you say why you don't like wood? Is it about your comfort, are you resting your hands or arms on the bench? Is it because your work slides?
The high end solution to stopping your work from sliding is a router mat from a woodworking supplier. Low end solution would be some kind of kitchen counter mat or gym floor tile.
Could you say why you don't like wood? Is it about your comfort, are you resting your hands or arms on the bench? Is it because your work slides?
The high end solution to stopping your work from sliding is a router mat from a woodworking supplier. Low end solution would be some kind of kitchen counter mat or gym floor tile.
I dont like the hardness for multiple reasons
when things fall like screws they bounce away and can get lost
when placing a heavy amp on the table a corner can gouge the wood
if it falls over on the table the amp gets jarred harder that I want it to
when things fall like screws they bounce away and can get lost
when placing a heavy amp on the table a corner can gouge the wood
if it falls over on the table the amp gets jarred harder that I want it to
My old workbench has heavy black rubber sheet on it. Maybe 1/8" thick. No idea where it came from, but I like it.
jeff
jeff
We use 3/8” urethane sheet, attached with a few screws.
Maybe 80 durometer.
Maybe 80 durometer.
A lot depends on what you are working with. Vintage tube stuff and old carpet goes together. As does antistatic mats and SMT. The silicone mat you linked to is nice (I have 2) BUT NOT antistatic. I have the test equipment to validate antistatic mats and none of the silicone mats pass. It was a dissapointment but not a real dealkiller. Just don't use those where static could be a real issue like unprotected MOSfets and microwave detectors and samplers.
I work only on solid state audio stuff
thanks for pointing out that those mats are not antistatic
thanks for pointing out that those mats are not antistatic
Made of nylon and polymer, and has iFixit Lifetime Warranty. About 24" x 24" square.
With wrist strap. Much less than the 3M standard mat.
https://www.amazon.com/iFixit-145202-4-Portable-Anti-Static-Mat/dp/B01BLPBOS4
With wrist strap. Much less than the 3M standard mat.
https://www.amazon.com/iFixit-145202-4-Portable-Anti-Static-Mat/dp/B01BLPBOS4
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Don't do anything permanent to the wooden tabletop, and leave yourself the flexibility to place or clamp something on top, like woolen carpet remnant, rubber mat, leather, suede, bamboo cutting board, old towel, sky's the limit?
This appears to be a valid antistatic silicone mat https://www.amazon.com/Electronics-...08XYP7WJL/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8 And reasonably priced.
When my workbench was finished, my wife suggested this quarter inch cork. It's pretty dense, and dimensionally stable without any adhesive. I thought it would last 6 months per side and then would need to be replaced. After 4 years it's still going strong, and I really like it. Easy to clean up. Once I used cheap adhesive shelf paper to pull off a thin layer and it turned out like new.
It handles heavier equipment really well.
It handles heavier equipment really well.
I use this on my old bench and it works great.
Help me decide on this product: CASOMAN Professional Tool Box Liner and Drawer Liner,Easy Cut Non-Slip Foam Rubber Toolbox Drawer Liner Mat - Adjustable Thick Cabinet Liners,Black,16 inch (Wide) x 6 feet (Long)
https://a.co/d/ezXK8mF
Help me decide on this product: CASOMAN Professional Tool Box Liner and Drawer Liner,Easy Cut Non-Slip Foam Rubber Toolbox Drawer Liner Mat - Adjustable Thick Cabinet Liners,Black,16 inch (Wide) x 6 feet (Long)
https://a.co/d/ezXK8mF
I was given a great recommendation which is a roll of laminate floor underlay. It is cheap and spongy. Just cut enough off to cover the work table and when it is trashed or soldered just rip it off and get another bit.
https://www.saleflooringdirect.co.u...z2e-bHf5BxpbeMVtcF7LnXPMjGYOH3sRoCbrcQAvD_BwE
https://www.saleflooringdirect.co.u...z2e-bHf5BxpbeMVtcF7LnXPMjGYOH3sRoCbrcQAvD_BwE
Looking at the benches in the photos, for that type of work, I am either on the dining room table or an old solid wood door, so:
Mostly just painted wood.
Plain cardboard for sanding tasks.
Quilting cutting boards/mats when needed. I have a couple sizes, I generally also got one for the wife when I got mine (I compete with sewing projects for the dining room table - edit, being kicked off the table right now 🙂 ).
My "work-bench" is a motor-oil soaked, horribly welding scarred, and uneven set of 3.5-4" slabs my grandfather cut. (My dad gave away the steel welding table, and I left most of the welding stuff for my step-mom to sell).
Mostly just painted wood.
Plain cardboard for sanding tasks.
Quilting cutting boards/mats when needed. I have a couple sizes, I generally also got one for the wife when I got mine (I compete with sewing projects for the dining room table - edit, being kicked off the table right now 🙂 ).
My "work-bench" is a motor-oil soaked, horribly welding scarred, and uneven set of 3.5-4" slabs my grandfather cut. (My dad gave away the steel welding table, and I left most of the welding stuff for my step-mom to sell).
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