Workbench

[Atomic_Sheep]

Is there anything special that is required for an electronics workbench? I was thinking making it all completely metal and grounding it but then I read that the top needs to be non conductive. Most people seem to not really give this much thought and build it from wood and put an ESD cover/mat on top.

 

[Spudboy488]

IMHO, that's the proper way to do it. ESD mat to dissipate static and, if your work gets accidentally set on the the uncovered top, it won't short out. My bench has a butcher block like top with an ESD mat.

 

[JimB]

A metal workbench for electrical/electronic work is a really bad idea.

Wood is a good choice, it is non conductive, there will not be problems if/when live wire come into contact with the benchtop.
Working on a bare board on a metal worktop is likely to cause big problems.

If you have to take rigorous ESD precautions, use a proper ESD Mat and associated earthing precautions.

JimB

 

[OBW0549]

Is there anything special that is required for an electronics workbench? I was thinking making it all completely metal and grounding it but then I read that the top needs to be non conductive. Most people seem to not really give this much thought and build it from wood and put an ESD cover/mat on top.

Metal is definitely not a good idea unless it is surfaced with some non-conductive material like Masonite, plywood or particle board. Bare metal invites short circuits and ESD.

Wood is good. So is a table with a Melamine or Formica surface, like this one., which is what I use in my work room. I top it with a sheet of cardboard so the table top doesn't get scratched.

 

[dknguyen]

I like glass, personally.

 

[Grossel]

Whenever I had bought motherboards for PC builds in the past, I never got rid of the antistatic foam that was included in the package, so whenever I need to do a repair on a motherboard or similar, I just use that antistatic foam onto a wooden table. Works perfectly.

 

[throbscottle]

There are lots of good designs for electronic workbenches on Instructables www.instructables.com

 

[throbscottle]

I use an old tongue and groove wooden door. The grooves between the boards catch stuff before it lands on the floor...

 

[jpanhalt]

I use an old tongue and groove wooden door. The grooves between the boards catch stuff before it lands on the floor...

I "apprenticed" with an uncle who was a real watchmaker. An important accessory are pants with cuffs. They catch everything. Hard to find during certain fashion trends, but I appreciate functionality over fashion.

 

[throbscottle]

LOL - I remember catching things in my turn-ups! Totally agree

 

[Atomic_Sheep]

Wood is a good choice, it is non conductive, there will not be problems if/when live wire come into contact with the benchtop.

Ah good point.

Wood is good. So is a table with a Melamine or Formica surface, like this one., which is what I use in my work room. I top it with a sheet of cardboard so the table top doesn't get scratched.

Wood it is.