[vcf-midatlantic] Silicone Soldering Mat (alternative)

Jeffrey Brace jeffrey at vcfed.org
Thu Feb 29 22:17:20 UTC 2024


On Thu, Feb 29, 2024 at 4:53 PM Herbert Johnson via vcf-midatlantic <
vcf-midatlantic at 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


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