Phil_S wrote:No one has mentioned anti-fatigue mats to stand on. Is anyone using them? Do they work? Certainly, we all should using some sort of rubber mat.
I cater chef'd for a couple years. We'd spend 12hr days standing, sometimes just prep and in one spot for all that time. One place had 6 stations but only 5 mats. We'd fight for the mats ...
Wow! I really should get a mat. There are times, particularly in the winter, when I might spend a whole afternoon at the bench doing whatever or actually building an amp and it always leaves me very sore. Some of this is age I'm sure having managed to survive into my 6th decade.
So, I started to look at mats on line. I'm confused by what I see. Some mats are dirt cheap and others run up to over $200. I willing to reject the cheapest out of hand just because it suggests you get what you pay for and I don't want to end up buying a mat that isn't good enough. I can't imagine for occasional use I need the $100+ mat. Based on what I saw, I'm thinking $25-$50 is a reasonable budget for a 2'x3' or 1.5'x3.0'. A 4' mat would be nice but not needed.
So, if you know, please tell me/us what fits. Does brand matter? Materials? A little bit of education can go a long way.
Prairie Dawg wrote:That's if you solder naked. After digging a chunk of solder out of a burned crater on my leg I gave up on anything except heavy denim long pants.
No not naked nor briefs, just boxers when no AC. I may be a soldering geek but I do have my dignity. Wish I wore a gold chain, still had my 'fro, and still smoked 'cause then I'd really make a striking sight.
Phil_S wrote:So, I started to look at mats on line. I'm confused by what I see... So, if you know, please tell me/us what fits. Does brand matter? Materials? A little bit of education can go a long way. Thanks.
I only used the ones that you see in pro kitchens in NYC - a black rubber lattice of round holes, they likely came from all the restaurant suppliers on the Bowery. I vaguely recall looking into buying one for home and was surprised at the high price. They are very heavy industrial rubber made for restaurant duty which is like coal mine duty. The kitchen ones are made to let a tub of bechamel spill onto them without causing a slipping hazard. At the end of the day you drab them outside, hit them with a soapy broom and hose them off. At home in one spot for too long I bet you get a nice polka-dot dirt pattern. You might want to also look into the home use, lab use type. I just know the kitchen ones really made a big difference on your feet and back.
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
Yup, those restaurant mats are pricey and for good reason. After all, can you imagine just a little bit of water on a solid rubber mat? I think, though, I'm working in a totally dry environment and will be OK with something that is less costly. I'm thinking in terms of a solid mat with beveled edges (for clumsy feet when the mind is elsewhere occupied.) How thick? Does the composition actually matter much? Any sort of closed cell foam OK? Just trolling eBait, it looks like I'm in the $25 +/- range.
I think the holes had a lot to do with the cushioning effect, but not begin a mat engineer can't say for sure. Clever design actually, spare use of material, easy cleaning, safety, and cushioning all in one.
Maybe lurk around the back door of a restaurant around closing time and run off with a newly hosed off one? - makes sure it's an evil fastfood chain and not a mom and pop
Yeah, I'm thinking the same thing about holes in the mat. Besides, this isn't my daily work, it's a hobby, so I keep thinking I don't need the very top of the line in quality. Also, I think I'm good with 2'x3' which will keep cost down. I am looking at a concrete floor, so I guess a little more thickness is worth getting. Tom, thanks very much for that link as it tells me what is in a decent mat. The Trax website is reasonably informative, too.
I dunno about hanging around the back door of a restaurant late at night. TV teaches us this is where to go to meet a tough guy whose last name ends in a vowel and you get beat to a pulp or shot Still, its good to know where to look
I'm a pharmacist and I do 10 & 11 hour shifts 7 days in a row. Standing - on those mats - they are a must have if you stand for any length of time.
Here is another must have: http://www.amazon.com/Lynco-Sport-Ortho ... =lynco+405
These insoles are worth what they charge and then some. I wish I had discovered them before my foot surgery.....
- makes sure it's an evil fastfood chain and not a mom and pop 
Still, its good to know where to look 
