[Elecraft] workbench

[michael taylor]

On Sun, Mar 23, 2008 at 5:02 PM, Roger D Johnson <n1rj at roadrunner.com> wrote:
> I would like to cover the top of my wooden workbench
>  with something to both protect the top and radios
>  I'm working on. Something anti-static would be ideal.
>  Any ideas out there?

Well my basement workbench had a sheet of 1/8" hardboard (aka
high-density fiberboard)  covering the workbench's pine top left by
the previous home owner, and I've found the hardboard easy to keep
clean and durable enough to handle my electrical, and light mechanical
work (i.e. Dremel rotary tool) typical of amateur radio building and
experimenting. It's loose, but large enough its weight holds it in
place, and easily replaceable if I do damage it too severely. About
half of the hardboard is covered with an anti-static mat, and the
other half I can use for soldering, etc.

I also happen to have a second workbench outside for larger wood
working or metal work, so the basement one is only used for "fine"
work. The excellent setup was not my ingenuity but is due to the
previous home owner (a retired machinist / millwright). My point
being, that your cover selection may be influenced by any secondary
(or primary) tasks your workbench may additionally have such as
lawnmower repair, or wood finishing (stains, sanding, etc.) area.

-Michael, VE3TIX