What Do You Use For Workbench Mats?

[RichmondTech]

Just wondering what everyone else was using for mats on their workbenches. In the past I have worked with anti-static mats like this:

http://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-24x26-Inch-Desktop-Anti-Static-M3013/dp/B00009XT3H

In renovating my office we're looking to add about 9 feet of workbench space. Does any of this come in a roll or do people just buy a bunch of mats? I like these because they're anti-static and really soft which makes me comfortable flipping over laptops and not thinking that the top will get scratched. I might see if my marketing guy can get these with my logo on them (a nice branding touch).

 

[FoolishTech]

Honestly, as much as I've harped on my techs about static electricity, we've never worried about mats. My laptop tech works on a Formica (or.. something) topped wooden techbench. My personal bench at home is laminated plywood. Over the years I can't say it's ever been an issue... Not at all saying you should try it... stick with what you are comfortable with.

 

[RichmondTech]

It's fine if it's not anti-static; that was just the first thing I thought of when thinking of a soft surface for flipping over laptops without scratching them. Right now the desks I'm using have a laminate finish as well, but I was looking for some more "squishy" that wouldn't scratch a machine while I was working on it.

 

[FoolishTech]

It's fine if it's not anti-static; that was just the first thing I thought of when thinking of a soft surface for flipping over laptops without scratching them. Right now the desks I'm using have a laminate finish as well, but I was looking for some more "squishy" that wouldn't scratch a machine while I was working on it.

Point taken! Now that you mention it, my laptop tech has an occasional issue with being careful about that :\

 

[Kitten Kong]

I use a anti slip mat, which comes in rolls. I use these on both desktops, and laptops. I used to use a black non slip mat, but it was a major pain locating laptop screws so now use a white one. Have one on both workbenches here. One roll is 6' long, the other is 5' long.

I also have a piece of thick 2" hard density foam, which came out of a laptop screen box, this is used for the delicate jobs.

 

[glricht]

We use a non-stick shelf liner, such as http://duckbrand.com/Products/shelf-liner/non-adhesive-liners.aspx

Originally bought some for the cupboards in a recreation vehicle (keeps the dishes from sliding around), but soon realized the stuff was perfect for the workbench. Comes in long rolls which you can cut to length. It's "squishy" too!

 

[cyde_ePhex]

This is what I use

http://www.amazon.com/Deluxe-Anti-S...MBD0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1317089320&sr=8-1

Money well spent in my opinion.

 

[RichmondTech]

Good suggestions. I never thought of using cabinet shelf liners. They ARE squishy! And Duck even makes them solid too. I was thinking that all the screws would fall through the holes. lol

The XL mats are good too since I plan on having my counters to be 24" deep. Maybe I'll just have them 20" deep and use the shelf counter rolls.

 

[PC-MOT]

The duck ones are the best of the few Ive tried, that said, I used to work straight onto wood or formica too and never had an issue or damaged anything.

 

[stevenamills]

I had some leftover floor mats - the kind you use to ease pressure - supposedly - and decided to cut them to size and put them on my bench with double-stick tape. Best thing I ever found. Protects the computer and stuff doesn't tend to roll away.

 

[sassenach]

I've got an old Thermarest camping mat that now makes a great bench cover for both computer work and as a design layout and stringing area when jewellery making.

 

[codegreen]

I just use the foam sheets that new motherboards are packed with.

 

[Vicenarian]

I use one of these:

Protects laptops in style. Also doubles as the floor mat of my Dodge Viper during winter.

 

[NorCal Internet]

I've got a couple of these laying around that I don't use any longer for R/C racing. They work great, and come in a variety of colors. They have built in "Areas" that have raised borders to keep screws and such from rolling away. They're made of rubber and are anti-slip, so stuff doesn't slide around on them...

http://www.amainhobbies.com/product...ucts_id/12768/n/Upgrade-R-C-Team-Pit-Mat-Blue

You can also go here and look for similar items from other vendors.

http://www.amainhobbies.com/index.php/cPath/89_139_285/n/Tools-Misc-Tools-Accessories-Pit-Mats

These are probably a bit more pricey than the other suggestions, but they do look cool, and I already had them...