madbeanpedals::forum

General => Open Discussion => Topic started by: Beedoola on April 01, 2020, 07:35:23 PM

Title: Table top solder blanket/tarp?
Post by: Beedoola on April 01, 2020, 07:35:23 PM
Given the shelter in place, I can't really access my communal shop space where my work bench is.

My girlfriend is using my music desk for work and I want to build some stuff on the dining room table.

I wanted to get protective material to put over the table/my work area. Any suggestions? Doesn't have to be specifically for soldering but something durable enough. to handle if a drop of solder falls on there not to burn through to the table.

Thoughts/suggestions?
Title: Re: Table top solder blanket/tarp?
Post by: EBK on April 01, 2020, 07:59:27 PM
A couple layers of toilet paper and you should be good to go.  ;D

More seriously, you could use just about anything.  A towel would be pretty simple. Solder cools off very rapidly once the iron is no longer heating it.
Title: Re: Table top solder blanket/tarp?
Post by: mjg on April 01, 2020, 09:03:52 PM
I used the side of a cardboard box for years, no issues.  Now have something made from silicone.
Title: Re: Table top solder blanket/tarp?
Post by: gordo on April 01, 2020, 09:05:33 PM
Harbor Freight sells those tarps with felt backing.  Or even a moving blanket that would save the table from an errant dropped 1590B.
Title: Re: Table top solder blanket/tarp?
Post by: thesmokingman on April 01, 2020, 09:17:56 PM
I bought a decorative Halloween themed cloth place mat years ago at Target had three skeletons dancing on it ... been my go-to for working on delicate surfaces ... if you want to get proper, an anti-static mat is less than $20 on Amazon
Title: Re: Table top solder blanket/tarp?
Post by: davent on April 01, 2020, 09:30:31 PM
Piece of thin baltic birch plywood, masonite/hardboard/mdf.

dave
Title: Re: Table top solder blanket/tarp?
Post by: jimilee on April 01, 2020, 09:40:16 PM
Just grab some card board, you'll be fine.


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Title: Re: Table top solder blanket/tarp?
Post by: MTK on April 02, 2020, 02:54:20 PM
I've been using that slip resistant shelf liner stuff.

https://i.imgur.com/nmLtBIc.jpg
Title: Re: Table top solder blanket/tarp?
Post by: Aentons on April 03, 2020, 01:16:06 AM
I use a couple of cloth placemats and some cardboard
Title: Re: Table top solder blanket/tarp?
Post by: brianq41369 on April 13, 2020, 03:57:26 AM
I've been using the same thin ceramic floor tile (12"x12") with some rubber dots glued under the corners for 23 years?


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Title: Re: Table top solder blanket/tarp?
Post by: selfdestroyer on April 13, 2020, 04:35:04 AM
I use a couple of these and they work great. I use a hot air station directly on it also with out burns/melting.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075SXRXTL/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075SXRXTL/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
Title: Re: Table top solder blanket/tarp?
Post by: davent on April 13, 2020, 03:40:57 PM
Something i'll use even when working on my workbench is i'll work on a few old cookie sheets with 1/2" /1cm sides. That way if i need the bench space for something, my project, tools, paraphernalia are contained on the cookie sheet and i can quickly clear the space set it aside do what i need, put the cookie sheet back on the bench and carry on with that project.

dave
Title: Re: Table top solder blanket/tarp?
Post by: selfdestroyer on April 15, 2020, 05:21:04 PM
Quote from: davent on April 13, 2020, 03:40:57 PM
Something i'll use even when working on my workbench is i'll work on a few old cookie sheets with 1/2" /1cm sides. That way if i need the bench space for something, my project, tools, paraphernalia are contained on the cookie sheet and i can quickly clear the space set it aside do what i need, put the cookie sheet back on the bench and carry on with that project.

dave

This is a great idea! I may give this a try next time I Commandeer the kitchen table for temp building. I remember seeing some cheap cookie sheets at the 99 cent store by my house.
Title: Re: Table top solder blanket/tarp?
Post by: EBK on April 15, 2020, 06:36:23 PM
You could always graduate up to a sheet pan rack, reserving one of the pans as a workspace tray.

I have one, and it is one of the most useful tools I own.
(https://i.imgur.com/Spf5pavl.jpg)

Credit for the idea here:
https://www.madbeanpedals.com/forum/index.php?topic=29961.msg289598#msg289598


I need to purchase an additional sheet pan for mine.  I've filled up my "current project" pan with too many open projects.   :-[
Title: Re: Table top solder blanket/tarp?
Post by: MTK on April 15, 2020, 09:06:53 PM
Quote from: EBK on April 15, 2020, 06:36:23 PM
You could always graduate up to a sheet pan rack, reserving one of the pans as a workspace tray.

Credit for the idea here:
https://www.madbeanpedals.com/forum/index.php?topic=29961.msg289598#msg289598


That's genius!!!