[vcf-midatlantic] Silicone Soldering Mat (alternative)

Herbert Johnson hjohnson at retrotechnology.info
Thu Feb 29 21:52:44 UTC 2024


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.

Regards Herb Johnson


-- 
Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey USA
https://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net
preserve, recover, restore 1970's computing
email: hjohnson AT retrotechnology DOT com
or try later herbjohnson AT comcast DOT net


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