Work surface mat that will resist soldering iron temperatures? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: creyc
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2014, 08:31:34 pm
content: I'm looking for a GOOD worksurface mat for my bench that will stand up to soldering temperatures ~350C and not break the bank. My working space is small, so I wouldn't need anything larger than 16" x 24". Ideally it would be smooth, relatively soft and all one color so as to make finding small dropped parts an easy task.I thought this was a perfect solution but it melts the instant I touch it with my iron. So much for being labeled as a "durable heat resistant soldering mat"!What they actually sent is branded as a Desco Trustat ESD mat, which appears to be this product:http://desco.descoindustries.com/DescoCatalog/Trustat/WorksurfaceMats/16315/I'm not sure if its specifically rated for temperature resistance, but it obviously doesn't seem like it.I'm therefore hesitant to spend more money on something like this $65 ESD mat for fear it will perform exactly the same:What do you guys use?

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2014, 08:38:21 pm
content: Existing thread here

author: creyc
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2014, 08:43:28 pm
content: Thanks, looks like I searched the wrong section!

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2014, 10:54:15 pm
content: Quote from: creyc on January 07, 2014, 08:43:28 pmIt happens.As per your link, it's a vinyl mat, which is NOT rated for heat (melts). You'd need a 2 layer rubber mat for that, and it's notably more expensive than vinyl.If you're in the US or Canada,take a look herefor a source to get one at a reasonable price.

author: Fsck
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2014, 11:09:09 pm
content: Quote from: nanofrog on January 07, 2014, 10:54:15 pmthey also do custom sizes if you need one if I remember correctly.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2014, 11:45:43 pm
content: Quote from: Fsck on January 07, 2014, 11:09:09 pmI recall that as well.

author: creyc
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 08, 2014, 11:10:47 pm
content: Quote from: nanofrog on January 07, 2014, 10:54:15 pmI got a refund on the mat I purchased from amazon and I picked a two-layer rubber mat from that eBay store. It can't be any worse!I also noticed yesterday when I spilled a little acetone on the vinyl mat it started turning gooey as well. Not so great.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 08, 2014, 11:53:01 pm
content: Quote from: creyc on January 08, 2014, 11:10:47 pmFWIW, rubber tends to swell rather than liquefy/melt when exposed to a big solvent spill (not as quickly, so most can be mopped off).You'll see what all the fuss is about once you get your hands on your new mat.

author: creyc
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 15, 2014, 04:36:28 pm
content: Got my new mat from canvu0_0 the other day and its amazingly better! Really quick shipping too.

author: ModemHead
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 15, 2014, 05:07:05 pm
content: Quote from: creyc on January 15, 2014, 04:36:28 pmI got one too from the same vendor and I'm quite pleased with it. I should have gotten one of these a long time ago. Thanks nanofrog for the suggestion.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 15, 2014, 05:56:49 pm
content: Quote from: ModemHead on January 15, 2014, 05:07:05 pmYou're welcome.Now go forth and solder.Another recommendation, would be Desco for wrist straps instead of what you can get on eBay. Much better quality, and it's sized for an adult rather than a child. All-spec offers them at a reasonable price (model I went with).

author: idpromnut
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 16, 2014, 03:19:32 pm
content: Quote from: nanofrog on January 07, 2014, 10:54:15 pmI just bought my mat from him; excellent service, fast shipping and the double rubber mat works well. Tested @ 750F, there were minor discolouration after a momentary touch and it seems difficult to pierce the top layer (but not impossible!).

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 16, 2014, 03:57:31 pm
content: Quote from: idpromnut on January 16, 2014, 03:19:32 pmNot heard of a bad experience with the seller yet, and the feedback isn't tiny.I used a new x-acto blade to puncture the mat to install the ground snap (point first). It's tough enough for day to day use, but not impenetrable if you're determined to cut or pierce it.For soldering, I usually run my iron in the 500 - 600F range (made 3 presets @ 500, 600, 725F; 63/37 lead alloy FWIW), so haven't really had any real burns. I've had discoloration, but it seems to be primarily flux residue rather than a genuine scorch mark.Some IPA and elbow grease usually does a decent enough job getting it off (mine has a smooth surface, but the rubber is slightly porous, so not the easiest to get it 100% clean). Bits of crap like to stick as well (paper dust, tiny flecks of thin whatever, tape, ...), and this sort of stuff tends not to just brush/wipe off with the flick of a hand either.

author: creyc
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 16, 2014, 04:05:14 pm
content: For serious cutting or scraping work I generally move over to a self healing cutting mat, like this Xacto one:Except mine is green, but its very hard rubber and takes a beating well.

author: Co6aka
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 16, 2014, 09:24:31 pm
content: Quote from: nanofrog on January 16, 2014, 03:57:31 pmFWIW, for general cleaning of mine I've been using a 80/20 mix of window cleaner and IPA.Just ordered a second mat for another worksurface from them.On a somewhat related note, if anyone wants a nice 4-foot by 8-foot antistatic floor mat, take a look at eBay items 380817457526 and 380807468485 (same item/seller; auction/fixed.) The photos are of the floor-side of the mat, which is shiny, not the top which is textured matte charcoal-gray, and what appears to be scrapes is just some extremely fine dust.

author: GiskardReventlov
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 18, 2014, 01:15:40 am
content: There's a material called solderite that might fill your requirements. It's not cheap.