Is there such a thing as a cutting AND soldering mat? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: mihalski
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 05, 2014, 03:21:33 am
content: Hi,Is there such a thing as a cutting and soldering mat?I'd love to have an A2 sized mat like that on my workbench but haven't been able to find anything like it.Regards,Michal

author: con-f-use
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 05, 2014, 09:21:04 am
content: I have this one:http://www.voelkner.de/products/29334/ESD-Tischmatten-Set.htmlLeft my soldering iron on there countless time, spilled solder all over it, still not a spot. Same with light duty cutting (paper, vero-board). If you google the manufacturer you should be able to source it outside of Germany. If you really want help, I'd recommend telling us where you live.

author: mihalski
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 05, 2014, 10:37:34 am
content: Quote from: con-f-use on April 05, 2014, 09:21:04 amThanks for the pointer!Would this be able to handle Exacto knife cutting? ie self healing? I'll try and find some more info based on the link you gave. It's a good starting point.I live in Brisbane, Australia. For some reason I just took it for granted and assumed most people here were in AustraliaSeems the forum is fairly international though so I'll remember to mention it in futureRegards,Michal

author: rdl
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 05, 2014, 02:28:00 pm
content: QuoteProbably best to set your country in your forum profile. It's very helpful when these kind of questions come up.

author: con-f-use
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 05, 2014, 05:32:37 pm
content: Quote from: mihalski on April 05, 2014, 10:37:34 amIt is self healing. Exacto knife is just fine. If you really try (hard) to cut through it will eventually give up but just cutting stuff on it and slipping does not damage it. Not magic but the best I ever had. Btw. Dave did avideo on his ESDmat which are also stab and heat proof.

author: CTMS
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 09, 2014, 02:12:58 am
content: You can get these in Melbourne from Radio Partshttp://www.radioparts.com.au/product/40083005/pask1-professional-anti-static-bench-mat-with-grounding-cord-plug#.U0Sq91fwC8cSize of mat is 1 metre long x 600mm deep.Blue side on top is static dissipative and black side underneath is conductive

author: mihalski
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 11, 2014, 07:20:30 am
content: Quote from: CTMS on April 09, 2014, 02:12:58 amI contacted Radio Parts regarding that item and received the following response:QuoteSo no. This mat is definitely not suitable.I remember watching Dave's videos with the blue mat he has on his bench tops (both old and new), but I seem to remember him pointing out that it was not available in short lengths. Am I mistaken?Thanks!Regards,Michal

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 11, 2014, 08:25:45 am
content: Quote from: mihalski on April 11, 2014, 07:20:30 amThere are small mat kits available (I'm accustomed to various sizes), so you don't have to buy an entire roll (example). I would recommend making sure it's rubber (able to withstand molten solder), as not all are (i.e. those made of vinyl <PVC>). Not sure of the best places to get it from price wise for your location, but I at least found them on RS (Newark/Farnell/Element 14, digikey, ... would be other places to look for example).Keep in mind, that 2 & 3 layer rubber ESD mats aren't specifically meant for cutting.They're not super delicate, but you might want to look into a smallself-healing matmeant for cutting set on top of the ESD mat when needed (you can cut an ESD mat with some effort, such as puncturing it and continuing to cut if in the middle of the mat; from the edge with a good sharp pair of shears/scissors; to give you an idea of effort).This way you can protect your ESD mat, and it won't be horribly expensive either.Just a thought.