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Old 29th Jun 2017, 6:35 pm   #1
Alf
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Default Rubber Bench Mat

Can anyone suggest a source for a bench mat similar to the picture?
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Old 29th Jun 2017, 7:54 pm   #2
David G4EBT
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Default Re: Rubber Bench Mat

Some months ago I was looking for some rubber matting without it costing the earth, and bought a roll of 'Eva Floor Mat - DIYMATT' from CPC/Farnell, which I've been very pleased with. I have it on the floor in frony of my little metalworking lathe, which is a concrete floor and gets very cold in winter. I wanted something that would be easy to clean when swarf from the lathe falls on the floor and it's proved excellent in use. It's 2.25M long x 1.15M wide. The description states thus:

Quote:

8-<

Ideal to use as a personal training mat in a gym, or for workshops, garage floors and play rooms.
Heavy duty tough and durable floor mat suitable for general use.
Provides an insulating comfortable and shock absorbing surface.
Provides a cushion surface to hard floors.
Water resistant and easy to clean.
Anti-slip surface designed.
Size: 2.25m x 1.15m

8-<

End quote.

http://cpc.farnell.com/kingfisher/di...ngdom%2Fsearch

Not too expensive at £15.08 inc VAT post free.

Hope that's of interest.
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Old 29th Jun 2017, 9:03 pm   #3
ms660
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Default Re: Rubber Bench Mat

Philips did very similar, also a bench tidy, a lot of TV workshops had them, including the ones I worked at, excellent mats and durable.

Only thing I've seen of late that's similar is an ESD mat with a square grid, rapid online do them, but not cheap:

https://www.rapidonline.com/bjz-c-18...-black-51-7682

Lawrence.
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Old 29th Jun 2017, 9:16 pm   #4
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Default Re: Rubber Bench Mat

I'll have to add mine to the house insurance!
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Old 29th Jun 2017, 9:39 pm   #5
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Default Re: Rubber Bench Mat

Very much a "cheap and chereful" alternative (maybe), would a rubber car mat be any good? I've never used a bench mat, so not quite sure what the subtleties are that make a good one.

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Old 29th Jun 2017, 9:56 pm   #6
frankmcvey
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Default Re: Rubber Bench Mat

If it's the "organiser" aspect of the mat you're after, the Americans seem to do them much better than we do. There's one on Ebay, but it's hard to see because of the wrapping.

An image search for <rubber bench mat organiser> finds plenty of similar ones.

Cheers,

Frank
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Old 29th Jun 2017, 10:16 pm   #7
Alf
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Default Re: Rubber Bench Mat

Thanks for your input David, but it is the organiser type of bench mat I appear to be looking for. Thanks Lawrence but I can't justify spending over £53 on one which wouldn't get used a lot. I'm now thinking of making a small square wooden lattice and covering it with ¼" rubber band, the type used in fisher men's catapults. Didn't know they were called organisers Frank.
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Old 29th Jun 2017, 10:25 pm   #8
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Default Re: Rubber Bench Mat

And just for the nostalgia:

https://www.radios-tv.co.uk/Argos/CES-aid.pdf

Lawrence.
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Old 29th Jun 2017, 11:26 pm   #9
Peter.N.
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Default Re: Rubber Bench Mat

We had those Philips bench mats in the '50s, brilliant for not loosing screws on the floor!

Peter
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Old 30th Jun 2017, 12:24 am   #10
AC/HL
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Default Re: Rubber Bench Mat

I think the idea was that dropped screws etc. didn't scratch cabinets. Somewhere down the line I acquired the tidy, but not the bench mat.
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Old 30th Jun 2017, 6:52 am   #11
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Default Re: Rubber Bench Mat

I still have & use my Philips bench mat.

I seem to remember that they weren't a cheap item when they were new, but it has stood the test of time, and has saved many parts from rolling off the bench and getting lost on the floor!


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Old 30th Jun 2017, 8:24 am   #12
David G4EBT
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Default Re: Rubber Bench Mat

Quote:
Originally Posted by Alf View Post
Thanks for your input David, but it is the organiser type of bench mat I appear to be looking for. Frank.
Sorry Alf - I lost the plot there - I didn't know such things existed. (They just look like rubber doormats, but ten times more expensive!).

If I'm disassembling anything I start with a clear bench top, put all the bits in clip-top plastic food containers, which I then misplace in the routine manner.

Good luck in your quest.
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Old 30th Jun 2017, 8:26 am   #13
karesz*
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Default Re: Rubber Bench Mat

Hi all,
what about BJZ-antistatic products?
Karl
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Old 30th Jun 2017, 9:04 am   #14
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Default Re: Rubber Bench Mat

Hi.

I was also looking for a suitable rubber bench mat a while ago and purchased some rubber matting from a local DIY trade outlet. It looked ideal for the job. The sting in the tail was the overwhelming smell that came from it, something that wasn't evident when purchased. It literally stunk out my workshop and I had no option but to return it. Has anyone else noticed the strong odour from modern rubber matting etc?
I agree, the old Philips bench mats often seen in workshops were good. Those square grid mats are good but expensive.

Regards
Symon.
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Old 30th Jun 2017, 9:52 am   #15
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Default Re: Rubber Bench Mat

New rubber always smells. It can be either washed or even put out in the sun for a day or so.
Once the newness is off it will be all right.
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Old 30th Jun 2017, 11:31 am   #16
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Default Re: Rubber Bench Mat

I used one similar to this until a fellow enthusiast kindly gave me what you are seeking.

http://www.diy.com/departments/diall.../262197_BQ.prd

Peter
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Old 30th Jun 2017, 11:41 am   #17
ColinTheAmpMan1
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Default Re: Rubber Bench Mat

I use an offcut from carpet underlay, placed with the rippled soft rubber side uppermost. The ripples retain screws, washers, nuts etc., and nothing gets scratched, if you are careful. It is also useful when working on electric guitars, as it protects the finish from being scratched or otherwise damaged. Go to a carpeting supplier and you will possibly get a suitable piece free.
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Old 30th Jun 2017, 12:05 pm   #18
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Default Re: Rubber Bench Mat

Quote:
Originally Posted by peter_scott View Post
I used one similar to this.......
That looks a good, economic solution Peter and no need to take out a mortgage.
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Old 30th Jun 2017, 12:21 pm   #19
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Default Re: Rubber Bench Mat

Quote:
Originally Posted by ColinTheAmpMan1 View Post
I use an offcut from carpet underlay, placed with the rippled soft rubber side uppermost...
Colin.
That's what I used before I found pound shop non-slip rubber mat stuff, lots of other uses too
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Old 30th Jun 2017, 7:52 pm   #20
reelguy
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Default Re: Rubber Bench Mat

I was also going to suggest the stuff from Poundland. It is very handy stuff.
It may be difficult to find as it is displayed sometimes end on sometimes.
Worth a try until you find a rubber mat for your purpose.
As an aside , I thought it might also be suitable for a turntable mat if one missing as it is easy
To cut to size. .
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