On Thu, Feb 29, 2024 at 4:53 PM Herbert Johnson via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic@lists.vcfed.org> wrote:
Table and bench protective mats? Remember the goal, to protect a surfaces in quantity. Also: if the new tables are plastic, they might generate a static charge. You don't need anti-static technology, if you use non-static products like most papers and all woods. Plus a yielding surface may save a dropped item from breakage. Heat and chemicals were mentioned, also ordinary drinks and food.
Suggestions:
Hardboard Tempered Panel (Common: 1/8 in. 4 ft. x 8 ft.) StoreSKU# 832777 $13.98 Home Depot
PATRIOT TIMBER PRODUCTS 1/8 in. x 4 ft. x 8 ft. Sanded Plywood StoreSKU# 1008039110 $18.98 Home Depot
These would be cut on-site to fit. But I don't know the price of the recently purchased tables, or their size. Guessing they are 24 X 48, you'd get 4 table covers per panel. At $3.50 or $4.50 per table for a long term cover, that's plausible. They need not be finished, or some clear coating applied to make them water/stain proof. and you can flip them over when one surface fails. HOw to attach? Their weight will hold them down. Or simple clamps, perhaps 3D printed to size if one wants to make a project of it. But sticky tape will do. Possibly rubber cement?
Other choices would include construction paper products, from office supply or art supply stores. Also a roll of brown-paper as used as packing and wrapping. This class of products is for short-term and disposable (recyclable) use. Attach with simple tape products, most tape residues can be cleaned off.
Of course in public uses, paper products have often been used to cover tables. Plastic is less recycable.
I think cloth is probably not a practical option on cost and performance and fuss, other than decorative purposes. This is a working situation.
In a pinch? Have a big chassis with sharp corners to fix? Go to the dumpster and grab a cardboard box. Cut it open and spread it on the table, cut off the excess. Done.
Who pays for these? Ask for contributions from attendees who use the tables. Taking care of tools and facilities should be a consideration by those who benefit from these resources.
Lots of great ideas! Marc told me that for the space he has already purchased protective mats as well as cardboard cut to the size of the tables. He graciously will put these out before the repair workshop. Let's see how this works out. Jeff Brace