Anti Static Mats...What do you guys use?

[SnoopKatt]

I've been building computers on a wooden table, and then I noticed that I put in some pretty bad scratches, so I guess I'm in the market for a anti static mat. What do you guys recommend? Thanks for any suggestions!

[FX5200]

Just use the insulating bag your motherboard came in, or a sheet of plastic, glad wrap or something.

[aqualab]

I'm using something like this :
http://www.electronix.com/catalog/pr...ducts_id/19039

[BigE4u]

Purchase thin rubber matting(ribbed) and use spray adheasive to attach to the wooden table top.

[Sephious]

Originally Posted by BigE4u

Purchase thin rubber matting(ribbed) and use spray adheasive to attach to the wooden table top.

This is pretty much the setup we have where I work.

I don't use any kind of anti-static anything at home, and frequently work on my computer on the carpet. I'm nuts!

[SnoopKatt]

I normally do use the bag that the mobos come in, but they're too thin, and I usually end up scratching the table.

Hmm, rubber isn't a bad idea at all, and that anti static mat is pretty reasonably priced too. Thanks for all the input!

[Sephious]

Originally Posted by SnoopKatt

I normally do use the bag that the mobos come in, but they're too thin, and I usually end up scratching the table.

Hmm, rubber isn't a bad idea at all, and that anti static mat is pretty reasonably priced too. Thanks for all the input!

Just remember, if you use the anti-static bags, you have to cut them open and place the mobo on the inside of the bag. Otherwise, you're subjecting the motherboard to a much higher chance of getting a static shock.

EDIT: Actually, after looking it up, neither way offers any protection from static shock.

[Hickeydog]

As long as you touch the case before introducing a new component, you're good. You don't want a big voltage difference between your case and your component.

[Mind_Reader7]

I sit on the carpet, wearing socks, and long pants. I use an antistatic wrist band though, and put my components on my wooden table.

[SnoopKatt]

Yeah, the wooden table is definitely fine, but it's getting too scratched up from motherboards and the like, so I need a cover. I usually don't use a wristband, but I'm not in a carpeted area, and I also touch the case before I put anything in too. So a rubber mat or a cheap anti-static mat would be fine. Any suggestions for a rubber mat?

[treymacdaddy]

3m makes a nice one, but i forget where i got it. its red, and has an electronic alarm that beeps when ESD passes through it. it also supports 2 straps a once.

i take it back, its very expensive. must have gotten it from work.

[PommieB]

Just lay a piece of thin timber, like plywood over the wooden top, use a few pieces of tape, so it doesn't move about too much, the benches I use have old formica tops, but I always use a direct earth to the case or wrist anyway.

[sandeepb]

All I do is get a book the same size of the mobo and then lay the mobo's anti static bag that came in the box on top of the book, done!

[Kevster2004]

All these people using the outside of the anti-static bag the motherboard came in...last time i checked the outside still conducts esd, only the inside offers protection.

[Nagoshi]

I use my brain. I walked with socks on carpet, sitting on it, and never zapped a thing. Jst be cautious when you handle stuff.

[SSPrncVegeta]

Originally Posted by SnoopKatt

I've been building computers on a wooden table, and then I noticed that I put in some pretty bad scratches, so I guess I'm in the market for a anti static mat. What do you guys recommend? Thanks for any suggestions!

I wear a full-body anti-static suit, kind of like a wet suit.

[Hickeydog]

Originally Posted by SSPrncVegeta

I wear a full-body anti-static suit, kind of like a wet suit.

Pics or it didn't happen.

[SSPrncVegeta]

[Nagoshi]

Originally Posted by SSPrncVegeta

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[Sephious]

Originally Posted by Kevster2004

All these people using the outside of the anti-static bag the motherboard came in...last time i checked the outside still conducts esd, only the inside offers protection.

This is true. However, the bag has to be closed for it to work. If the bag is open, it doesn't offer any protection as far as I know.