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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