[Elecraft] Anti Static Bench

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

Places such as LOWE'S and HOME DEPOT carry stock counter tops. Usually 
in 4 ft, 6 ft, 8 ft and 10 ft lengths of several different colors.  
Standard depth including the back splash is about 25".    I have used 
one for years.  Choose a light solid color as it makes small parts easy 
to find.  These are much less expensive as opposed to a custom top.   
Add an antistatic mat which can be used, moved or stowed away.

To support the top, I built a 2 x 4 frame with a riser that is 16" 
deep.  This is the shelf for the test equipment to sit above the working 
surface.  The shelf is covered with 1/4" Masonite.  The counter top then 
sits some 12" lower and in front.  In the rise area, also filled with 
1/4" Masonite, between the counter top and equipment shelf, I have 
several GFI outlets, plus a 240 volt 20A outlet for working on amps,  
along with 3  chassis mount 50 amp PowerPole connectors for my DC needs.

Just decide if you want a sit down bench or a stand up bench for 
choosing the height above the floor.  I chose a stand up bench and I use 
a tall bar stool with a back.  Don't choose a tall stool with casters, 
otherwise you will become very friendly with the floor.

73
Bob, K4TAX

On 1/23/2016 7:00 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
> Rich,
>
> I agree with Alan - there is no information about the "ESD qualities" 
> of that top.
>
> You may have better luck if you contact a local cabinetmaker and ask 
> him to build a top using laminate (like a kitchen countertop) to 
> whatever size you want.  Then get a proper ESD mat from a good 
> supplier and place it on the workbench top.  That is what I use, but I 
> built my own (I ran a custom woodworking shop to 10 years, so 
> constructing such a workbench was not a chore for me).  The ESD mat 
> does not necessarily have to cover the entire workbench, only the 
> working area.
>
> I suspect the total cost will be less than the workbench top you were 
> looking at.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> On 1/22/2016 5:13 PM, Alan wrote:
>> I don't see anything on that web site that defines exactly what is 
>> meant by the term "ESD top".  I'd be leery unless you can find some 
>> more information.
>>
>> Many devices advertised as "ESD mats" in fact do not work correctly - 
>> their resistance is too high to bleed off the static discharge in a 
>> reasonable time.  Several years ago I tested three different mats and 
>> posted the results on this reflector:
>>
>> http://www.mail-archive.com/elecraft%40mailman.qth.net/msg94407.html
>>
>> I recommend you not depend on the anti-static properties of any mat 
>> or other device unless they specify that it meets  ANSI/ESD S4.1 or 
>> ANSI/ESD S20.20.  If the only specification is that they use the 
>> words "anti-static" or "ESD" in the product description then be very 
>> sceptical.
>>
>> Alan N1AL
>>
>>
>> On 01/22/2016 11:15 AM, Richard Thorne wrote:
>>> I've been in my shop for 4 years now and I finally have a plan on how I
>>> want to finish it out.
>>>
>>> One of the features will be a place to build kit's or work on my K3's
>>> which requires an antistatic mat.
>>>
>>> I saw one of these in a catalog that came across my desk at work.
>>> http://www.uline.com/BL_3853/Industrial-Packing-Tables?keywords=table
>>> One of the table top options is made out of ESD material and has a
>>> ground strap.  I would just by the table top, not the bench and
>>> incorporate it into my remodel.
>>>
>
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