[Q] Rubber matting for workshop

[Fromey]

I have a slab concrete floor in my shed and would like to give it some anti-fatigue covering in order to save my feet, dropped tools and keep me just a little bit warmer. As a minimum, I'd obviously have the mat in front of my workbench where I stand.

However, I've been inspired by a photo in Garrett Hack's "The Handplane Book" (great book by the way). If you have it, on page 88 there is a photo of him planing whilst standing on a rubber mat. The matt extends completely under his bench (i.e., it's a large mat that covers well over the area of man + bench).

It looks neat and would provide all-round protection for dropped tool. There's a cheap one that would do the job here;

http://www.polymax.co.uk/acatalog/Polymax_Flexi.html

However, I'm concerned that placing my bench on top of a rubber mat would lead to too much shaking/movement during hand planing, etc. It's not a particularly heavy bench (a Sjobergs Nordic Plus 1450) although it's much more substantial/heavier than the cheaper look-alike benches by SIP/Sealy/Draper/etc.

Does anyone have experience of having their bench on top of a rubber mat? Does it work for you, or rocks too much? Any opinions, greatly appreciated.

 

[tomatwark]

I have had this stuff in my workshop for over 2 years now and it has been great, I am in here 8 hours a day and it has really helped my back, it is softer than the one you are looking at but is alot cheaper.

I don't have it under my bench and cut it to fit around it.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/160SQFT-ANTI-...0410153773?pt=UK_Flooring&hash=item563e2a672d

Tom

 

[Jensmith]

My fiance recently bought me some interlocking mats bought from Decathlon that look very similar to yours Tom.

They come in packs meant for excersize equipment. He placed them around and under the workbench so the legs are clear and it works great.
I was using my workmate ontop of the mats on Monday and it wasn't wobbling. They're pretty firm.

 

[tomatwark]

I use my workmate on mine with no probs as well, my whole assembly area floor is covered with them.

I just don't see the point of putting thme under the main benches.

Tom

 

[Fromey]

Thanks, that's interesting feedback on the non-wobbling workmates. The only reason I'm considering it under the entire workbench is because the mat I have in mind is a single piece (not interlocking squares) and so considerably cheaper.

 

[tomatwark]

Thanks, that's interesting feedback on the non-wobbling workmates. The only reason I'm considering it under the entire workbench is because the mat I have in mind is a single piece (not interlocking squares) and so considerably cheaper.

How did you work that out, on ebay the stuff I use will cost you £ 57.99 for 160sq ft

On the site you showed us the same amount will cost you about £ 316.00 for the same coverage.

Tom

 

[theartfulbodger]

if you must have matting under the bench why not cut holes in it for the legs?

 

[Fromey]

Errrmmm, yes you're correct (although my calculation puts it at £255 for 160 sqft equivalent).

The problem is, that source is only selling batches of 160 sqft of the stuff which is rather overkill for my shed. However, with the "eva floor tile" keyword search, I've been able to find a number of different sources.

Thanks, that's interesting feedback on the non-wobbling workmates. The only reason I'm considering it under the entire workbench is because the mat I have in mind is a single piece (not interlocking squares) and so considerably cheaper.

How did you work that out, on ebay the stuff I use will cost you £ 57.99 for 160sq ft

On the site you showed us the same amount will cost you about £ 316.00 for the same coverage.

Tom

 

[Lons]

Hi

If you want solid, firm and tougher matting than anti-fatigue stuff, look at ribbed 6mm or 3mm sold off the roll and cut to length or the stuff they use for stable floors and walls - more expensive and comes various thickness sheets but can withstand horses hooves. Do a search on google - there are loads of suppliers or call in at a local riding stables.

I've had experience of both and they work very well.

cheers

Bob

 

[cambournepete]

Alternatively use carpet tiles.
My garage floor is covered with a (large) bunch I picked up for not a lot at auction.

 

[Tinbasher]

The same seller is also selling it in 96 sqft packs.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... ink:top:en

 

[Blister]

Or these

http://shop.ebay.co.uk/?_from=R40&_npmv ... stable+mat

:wink:

 

[Lons]

Alternatively use carpet tiles.

=; NO BLOODY WAY PETE - BAD ADVICE :| :|

Wouldn't be able to resist vacuuming them - wifie would realise one knows how a vacuum cleaner works - you can guess the rest #-o ](*,)

Bob

 

[cambournepete]

Alternatively use carpet tiles.

=; NO BLOODY WAY PETE - BAD ADVICE :| :|

Wouldn't be able to resist vacuuming them - wifie would realise one knows how a vacuum cleaner works - you can guess the rest #-o ](*,)

Bob

You could resist - it's very easy - I manage it all the time