ESD-Safe 2-layer rubber bench top matting - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: GiskardReventlov
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 20, 2014, 11:22:32 pm
content: all-spec.com have some good prices for matting that includes the wrist strap, ground strap and the snaps. I don't know any more than what's on the site. Look under specials->closeouts.I think I may buy a 30"x72" mat, seems low risk.Anyone have an opinion on these or have bought one?

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 20, 2014, 11:24:06 pm
content: Speaking of which I just bought a 10m roll of new rubber matting for the lab.

author: pickle9000
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 20, 2014, 11:37:24 pm
content: Here is the listing for "the Canadian guy" that sells mats. I have a couple and many on the forum have purchased then.http://www.ebay.ca/itm/2-LAYER-RUBBER-ESD-ANTI-STATIC-GROUNDING-MAT-2-MM-24-X-60-W-GROUND-CABLE-GRAY-/271292709964?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f2a4e3c4c

author: TheBorg
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 21, 2014, 01:33:52 am
content: I have a few extra snap kits that I should probably list here sometime as well... if anyone is interested!Edit: that is a really, really nice price for that much mat. I say go for it if it's a decent quality mat and can stand a soldering iron...

author: orion242
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 21, 2014, 01:45:06 am
content: Thanks for the heads up.

author: synapsis
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 21, 2014, 03:39:07 am
content: The mat at the ebay link looks perfect for my new table.I originally purchased a mat off Amazon (blue, snaps and wristband) for my old table. My only issue with the mat is that some kind of... mildly sticky substance seems to come from the mat over time. (I trimmed the mat, and the unused strip is *really* covered.) It cleans off with water and a paper towel, but I'm wondering if this is common for mats?It's nice for seeing when my cat climbs on the bench, though. She likes the window and isolation transformer warmth.

author: pickle9000
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 21, 2014, 03:44:37 am
content: I haven't has any problems with the mats from ebay. No sticky issues, soap and water or windex cleanup. They are rubber, and heavy.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 21, 2014, 03:54:12 am
content: Quote from: pickle9000 on February 20, 2014, 11:37:24 pmBought mine from this seller as well.Good quality material, reasonable prices for the US & CAN, and offers lots of different sizes (as well as colors and surface texture <30" wide material is smooth only, and what I have>). Even custom sizes or rolls should you need it (just email if you don't see what you need).Quote from: synapsis on February 21, 2014, 03:39:07 amNever seen or heard of this before FWIW.

author: aargee
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 21, 2014, 04:12:30 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on February 20, 2014, 11:24:06 pmHi Dave,Where did you get yours from, I'm in the process of overhauling the workbench and lab and I'm looking for something for the bench top and something for the floor.I'm up near Brisbane.- Rob

author: GiskardReventlov
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 21, 2014, 06:09:11 am
content: The price I got was much cheaper than the ebay stuff. Almost 50% less, 30" x 72" for about $31 shipped.@EEVblog 10m! That's a big bench. But what color? Gray, blue, green??

author: pickle9000
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 21, 2014, 06:39:32 am
content: Quote from: GiskardReventlov on February 21, 2014, 06:09:11 amIs that for the .080 thick stuff? If so that is a screaming good deal. I doubt that would cover the shipping cost in Canada.

author: Joule Thief
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 21, 2014, 09:09:13 am
content: it's the 0.060 thickness, dual layer extruded.here are the spec'sSRW150R is a value line medium duty 2-layer ESD-safe rubber worktop mat.SRW150R Features:Made of a 100% co-extruded durable rubber that is abrasion, heat, and chemical resistantRubber material will not peel, chip, or curlWithstands hot soldering irons and molten solderCommon chemicals used in assembly areas will not harm the electrical properties of the matDissipative upper layer will drain a static charge to the conductive layer belowConductive bottom layer will drain the charge quickly to groundSmooth top layer with non-reflective finishWorks well as a glued down surface on top of workstationsDissipative top layer has a resistivity of 108 ohms/sqConductive bottom layer has a resistivity of <105 ohms/sqColor: Green top layer and black bottom layerSize: 30" x 72"Thickness: 0.060"SRW150R Includes:1 - 2-1/2' x 6' worktop mat1 - CP16F ground cord, 15'1 - SP7960 adjustable elastic blue wrist strap2 - attached snaps30 x 70 inches was $36 USD shipped.The 0.080 thickness was about twice that price.You must search the site for "closeout mats" to find this price.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 21, 2014, 09:32:09 am
content: Quote from: aargee on February 21, 2014, 04:12:30 amOrdered from Oritech.Have't heard about it being shipped yet though, presumably they don't have it in stock.http://www.oritech.com.au/categories.aspx?categoryID=332&name=ESD-Matting

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 21, 2014, 09:34:12 am
content: Quote from: GiskardReventlov on February 21, 2014, 06:09:11 amOnly comes in 10m roles, but my main bench is 6.3m long, plus I want another 2.1m bench, plus I have another bench, so I'll use most or all of it.

author: Legit-Design
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 21, 2014, 12:11:17 pm
content: Quote from: EEVblog on February 21, 2014, 09:34:12 amWill you sell signed and serial numbered pieces of the old mat? Could call it the µESDMat worlds smallest esd mat.Sceptical people could finally test electrical characteristics of it themselves.Should probably include certificate of authenticity has been on air on EEVblog.

author: photonpunk
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 21, 2014, 02:41:40 pm
content: Quote from: GiskardReventlov on February 20, 2014, 11:22:32 pmThanks for the heads up. Just bought one of the 2-layer mats for $12. Seems like a great deal. Make sure you spend at least $25 though or they tack on an $8 fee. I ended up buying some solder with mine.

author: GiskardReventlov
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 22, 2014, 11:32:32 pm
content: Quote from: EEVblog on February 21, 2014, 09:34:12 amWas starting to have bench envy then realized no, that's too much to keep clean! I have another bench and it's completely covered with crap, it may avalanche soon.

author: GiskardReventlov
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 22, 2014, 11:39:14 pm
content: Quote from: photonpunk on February 21, 2014, 02:41:40 pmI noticed that it says that on the cart page (I think), well luckily they have lots of other stuff. I looked around for mats on other sites and just felt that it was too expensive but I saw this and thought maybe it was too good to be true. I will find out soon. The way I found it was a video allspec made comparing the vinyl mats with rubber mats. Rubber mats are much more durable.

author: GiskardReventlov
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2014, 07:52:34 pm
content: This mat is really nice, I've always wanted to get the matting. The ESD was really the last reason. I like the durablility, I like that when I drop a tiny part, like a screw, it doesn't bounce much, it's easy to see small parts on it, it's non-skid, it looks good. The price was right too.

author: bronson
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 04, 2014, 08:03:06 pm
content: I got the Desco bench mat (from mcmelectronics.com, but all-spec carries it too). Made in the USA, real rubber, mostly soldering iron and sharp corner proof. I thought I screwed it up when I dropped a heavy computer and put a dent in it. The next day the dent was gone.Yea, the price tag is a concern ($80 a few years go). But, if I'd bought a vinyl mat, I'd need to replace it by now. This thing's going to last a decade easy. It was worth it.Just another data point.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 04, 2014, 09:36:33 pm
content: Just pulled the trigger on one of the clearance ESD mat's on All-Spec for a second workbench (30"x60" green 2 layer rubber for $21.04). I don't use lead-free solder and I prefer blue, but I know I couldn't beat that price so I grabbed one before they're all gone (Q=7 available at the time of posting this).Plan to use this one for disassembly, as it should be nice to have some more working room (HDTV that needs repair should fit nicely to take it apart). At least I waited for a suitable project before building this one.

author: GiskardReventlov
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 04, 2014, 09:55:08 pm
content: Quote from: nanofrog on March 04, 2014, 09:36:33 pmIt seems like a good deal to me, but first time I have used a mat, so no prior experience. But also low risk for the price. If it was no good I would have just used it on the floor.QuoteDo you post about your repairs? It's what has led me to do more electronics stuff. My first success was an iMac G5 with the epic cap failure. I learn a lot watching repair vids or just the threads here. Following the process is educational.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2014, 12:52:51 am
content: Quote from: GiskardReventlov on March 04, 2014, 09:55:08 pmIt's the right type of mat for soldering on (rubber rather than vinyl). Regular price listed is a bit over $90USD, which is common for a kit of this size from this material (2 layer rubber, 0.060"/1.5mm thick, wrist strap + ground cord w/ 2x ports for wrist & foot straps).Based on regular prices, there's a seller from Canada on eBay that has good prices, even after adding shipping (where I got the one on my existing bench;here).Same size kitfrom this seller goes for $67.50 for comparison (this one is a bit thicker @ 0.080"/2mm).Quote from: GiskardReventlov on March 04, 2014, 09:55:08 pmNot yet.Just recently really gotten enough stuff together to do anything with, so I haven't done any projects worth posting IMHO. Don't have a video camera, but can do pics and type out a description of what was done (have a half-decent digital camera at least).I've been building the actual bench (steel, shelves, ...), which I'll post once it's completely finished. Also going to start on a second one this week. Quite a bit simpler, so will be a lot faster to put together (no shelves, drawers, pegboard, lighting, ... added to the basic table).

author: GiskardReventlov
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2014, 03:34:38 am
content: Quote from: nanofrog on March 05, 2014, 12:52:51 amSome of the threads here that had no pictures are quite informative. Some of the oscilloscope and power supply repairs. Do you have an idea what's wrong with the HDTV?

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2014, 03:50:21 am
content: Quote from: GiskardReventlov on March 05, 2014, 03:34:38 amFor those that can write well, sure. Not that confident I would do as good a job as necessary though, so I'd prefer to add pics if possible. Really does seem to help clear things up IMHO.As per the HDTV, I haven't pulled it apart yet, but given the owner's description, I suspect the PSU. Most likely caps, but will have to actually dig in and find out in a week or two (once I've finished assembling the benches and get everything unpacked and back on them). Also has intermittent dropout of the HDMI inputs, so that will need to be investigated as well.I just hope I didn't further damage the thing getting it home (bounced around far more than I'd have liked due to poor road conditions here).It was packed in a new HDTV box with foam (different set that replaced this one), but since the inserts weren't designed for the new set, the fit/packing wasn't top notch. Best of what could be done with what was available type of situation.Worse case, I can't fix it, and waste time working on my bench rather than watching TV.

author: notsob
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2014, 04:27:43 am
content: for those in oz, mektronics have 10m rolls listed in this months specials [March 2014] - don't know how this price compares tho.http://www.mektronics.com.au/specials.html?p=4

author: bronson
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2014, 05:50:20 am
content: Wow, $14.00 for a 24x48" rubber mat? That's cheaper than vinyl!I ordered me a copy, gonna see how it compares to the Desco. If it's terrible, well, I always need drawer liners.

author: gaijin
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2014, 06:14:46 am
content: Ordered the last two 24x48"s, should be better than what I have now.

author: GiskardReventlov
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2014, 06:02:16 pm
content: Quote from: bronson on March 05, 2014, 05:50:20 amDidn't think of that, this stuff would make good drawer liner. If I change this stuff out I will definitely repurpose for drawer liners.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2014, 11:31:02 pm
content: Quote from: bronson on March 05, 2014, 05:50:20 amHadn't thought of that. Excellent idea should it be garbage, but I suspect you won't have to.

author: KD0CAC John
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2014, 02:52:43 pm
content: If my info is correct , one of the members here ordered the ebay roll and took what he needed and resold the rest here .I got a 8' roll and with shipping it was something like $38Now to get the bench built , oh wait I need a space to put the bench , dang have to wait again