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Main => Everything Else => Topic started by: vwalbridge on December 17, 2015, 01:01:22 pm

Title: Workbench Utility Mat
Post by: vwalbridge on December 17, 2015, 01:01:22 pm
Anyone using workbench utility mats?  Mostly to help keep small parts from rolling around and screws from getting lost. I know, seems like a trivial thing to ask about but I'm curious if anyone out there has opinions about these.

I was thinking of getting one of the following:

JEGS Workbench Utility Mat (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007VR6D3I/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=UXLK6YBV7P2U&coliid=I3QKZMFWXKPA0G)

Busted Knuckle Bench Mat (http://www.amazon.com/Busted-Knuckle-Garage-BKG-80-Bench/dp/B000EGRBXY/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1450383354&sr=8-5&keywords=busted+knuckle+garage)

Park Tool Bench Top Mat (http://www.amazon.com/Park-Tool-OM-1-Bench-Overhaul/dp/B001AYJH7W/ref=sr_1_39?ie=UTF8&qid=1450374999&sr=8-39&keywords=workbench+mat)


Title: Re: Workbench Utility Mat
Post by: lilshawn on December 17, 2015, 01:11:35 pm
anybody working with electronics should have a proper static dissipative mat.

a vinyl or rubber mat can hold a charge and possibly damage any component placed on it.

a proper mat will also be constructed of high temp materials so dropping a blob of solder or the like on it will not damage it.

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/2-LAYER-RUBBER-ANTI-STATIC-ESD-HI-TEMP-GROUNDING-MAT-kit-W-Dual-Bench-24-X36-/281634624347?hash=item4192bb535b:g:AwsAAOxy4c5Rpi8j (http://www.ebay.ca/itm/2-LAYER-RUBBER-ANTI-STATIC-ESD-HI-TEMP-GROUNDING-MAT-kit-W-Dual-Bench-24-X36-/281634624347?hash=item4192bb535b:g:AwsAAOxy4c5Rpi8j)
Title: Re: Workbench Utility Mat
Post by: vwalbridge on December 17, 2015, 01:19:49 pm
Thanks lilshawn!   :cheers:

That's much more of what I was looking for anyway. I'm about to cap my first monitor and wanted something appropriate for the job.
Title: Re: Workbench Utility Mat
Post by: BadMouth on December 17, 2015, 01:36:53 pm
If I had any of those mats linked in the original post, they'd be filled with little bits of wire insulation, ends of wires, ends of component legs, dirt, etc.
Best just to let the stuff fall to the floor where it can be swept up.
Title: Re: Workbench Utility Mat
Post by: lilshawn on December 17, 2015, 02:39:37 pm
Thanks lilshawn!   :cheers:

That's much more of what I was looking for anyway. I'm about to cap my first monitor and wanted something appropriate for the job.

i have a similar one at home I use.

the top couple mm of the surface is non-conductive to keep from shorting out anything that may be powered up or have juice in it's caps...the bottom layer is all conductive so if you have some static build up it safely dissipates it to ground.

My main workbench at work is some pretty rough lookin kinda shape. it's just nasty painted wood. I should see if the boss will buy a mat for it.  :banghead:

I brought my own computer (mostly) to work so I could stop wasting time with the old ass single core p4 dell I was using. I now recode audio 16x faster.
Title: .
Post by: ChanceKJ on December 17, 2015, 03:13:22 pm
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Title: Re: Workbench Utility Mat
Post by: 8BitMonk on December 17, 2015, 03:14:35 pm
Funny I was just finishing this as you posted...

I like these Planet Eclipse Tech Flex mats from ANSgear, they come in various colors.

http://www.ansgear.com/Planet_Eclipse_Tech_Flex_Gun_Mat_Red_p/planetgunmatansred.htm (http://www.ansgear.com/Planet_Eclipse_Tech_Flex_Gun_Mat_Red_p/planetgunmatansred.htm)

(http://www.ansgear.com/v/vspfiles/photos/PLANETGUNMATANSRED-2.jpg)
Title: Re: Workbench Utility Mat
Post by: Howard_Casto on December 17, 2015, 04:19:03 pm
I've been playing around with a diy solution, because I'm just stubborn that way.  Something that seems to work good for me is a cheapo cutting board with rare earth magnets on the other side.  Obviously don't put any data drives near it, but I prefer the hard surface to work on as I'm always cutting something or soldering ect. 
Title: .
Post by: ChanceKJ on December 17, 2015, 05:34:25 pm
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Title: Re: Workbench Utility Mat
Post by: wp34 on December 17, 2015, 05:50:29 pm
Not exactly the same thing but I've used left-over rubber shelf liner before for woodworking projects.  Friction holds the work piece in place without using clamps.

http://www.amazon.com/Con-Tact-Premium-Non-Adhesive-Non-Slip-12-Inches/dp/B001AH8PLI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1450392534&sr=8-2&keywords=rubber+shelf+liner (http://www.amazon.com/Con-Tact-Premium-Non-Adhesive-Non-Slip-12-Inches/dp/B001AH8PLI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1450392534&sr=8-2&keywords=rubber+shelf+liner)

Title: Re: Workbench Utility Mat
Post by: lilshawn on December 17, 2015, 09:15:38 pm
at my old job as a service tech fixing copiers and typewriters (yes i'm THAT old)

I had a lockable, lazy suzan platform... with a 2x2 sheet of plywood on top... with rubber mousemat material on the top.

that was the bomb. non-slip... sacrificial.... spiny. you didn't feel bad putting a customer's item shiny side down on it.
Title: Re: Workbench Utility Mat
Post by: eds1275 on December 28, 2015, 02:33:59 pm
at my old job as a service tech fixing copiers and typewriters (yes i'm THAT old)

(https://cervifrank.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/jaebnaaed.jpg)
Title: Re: Workbench Utility Mat
Post by: Howard_Casto on December 28, 2015, 03:05:44 pm
Nice reference!  It even took me a second or two. 
Title: Re: Workbench Utility Mat
Post by: wp34 on December 28, 2015, 03:08:58 pm
Nice reference!  It even took me a second or two.

+1   You win the Internet today sir.  That was great.

Title: .
Post by: ChanceKJ on December 29, 2015, 02:35:08 am
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Title: Re: Workbench Utility Mat
Post by: eds1275 on December 29, 2015, 12:35:40 pm
you know what? if they shaved an hour off that film it would be great.
Title: Re: Workbench Utility Mat
Post by: Generic Eric on December 29, 2015, 12:49:08 pm
You lost me at Kevin Co---

I never gave that movie at chance.  Because all of Kevin Costner's movies are too long. It would seem I made the correct choice.

It would be cool if there was a program for PC where I could load my blu ray and it would output a better, shorter version.  I would call it "Machete."