[HCARC] Ham Shack Table Coverings

[Gary and Arlene Johnson]

Someone mentioned that their desk or table where they have their radio at, and where they work on electronic items was covered in copper which they had grounded.  Seems like a pretty good idea for general dissipating of electrical currrents.  I have found a place that sells copper by the sheet.  If you buy their seconds you can get a pretty good price on a sheet of copper big enough to cover a desk top.  This company also sells "grab bags" of copper in thicker gauges that might be useful to make grounding buss' from.  A 3 pound package of the grab bags is about $35.00 and they indicate that most pieces are post card size and larger.  Rolls of heavy copper strip is available in 22 gauge (roofing flashing thickness) in rolls that are 2 inches wide and 10 feet long for approx $46.00 plus shipping.  Would that thickness be sufficient for a grounding buss or does it need to be thicker??  If thicker is needed, I can get a 3 foot long by 8 inch wide piece of copper plate for about $56 locally.  This could be cut into 2 or 3 inch wide by 8 inch long strips to make grounding buss'.  The link to copper sheets on the net is here:

http://basiccopper.com/

Gary J
N5"BAA"