I have a 23" x 60" metal work table...the kind that restaurants use for prep work. I'm using it as my computer table & electronics workstation.
I want to make the surface non-conductive in the cheapest way.
I've seen cheap neoprene mats and more expensive mats with grounding wires. An expensive example out there: Static Control Work surface mat
What are some cheap alternatives to cover a large area? Can I get something from the hardware store? Rubber shelf liners?
While it is risky, if done properly, can provide an ESD safe place to work. Since you live on the beach near LA, this may be of no importance. Humidity above 60% or so makes ESD protection somewhat redundant. I'd get a sheet of 3 or 6mm plywood for the top (full sheet, not pieces which will let the table show through). An overhang of 2-3 inches on all sides is best, but will require a thicker sheet. The sides of the table top can be covered with heavy duty wide insulation tape.
Make sure no live wires are below the table. A simple stand to hold the power points can be made using wooden batons (1"x1") and fixed to the sides or rear, so all live wires are well above the table top. Do not skimp on safety.
My wooden shelf constructed with 1"x0.5" batons is behind the table and holds all my gear, and a wooden stand with power sockets and wire spools, tape rolls, multimeter probes, is attached to the table side. Makes it all very handy, and safe. I work at a metal table with 3/4" blockboard top.
edit: pics you requested
The curtains are a hazard, but it's simply too dusty in India. Definitely not recommended. [Almost all are brick houses in India, so hopefully only me and my room will burn in case of fire]
The full setup. table is 3'x2', always wish it was at least a foot wider. Rear shelf is 40" wide, 10" deep (fitted inside unused doorway). Bottom steel shelves hold multimeters, magnifying glasses soldering accessories, pliers wire cutters etc.
There is a fuse on the left, and another fuse where this strip attaches to the wall socket. Wiring is very heavy gauge (4 square mm).
Shelves lined with cardboard, but no cardboard under laptop. Keeps it very cool. The batons are 1"x0.5" shorea robusta... extremely strong, and dirt cheap.
As you can see, I do not throw away any packaging... ever :(
two 12W LED bulbs fitted on the top of the near edge of the table, so no shadows under my fingers while working. Also, 2' away from the curtains.
Can there be a fire? yes. Never leave the workplace unattended. Always switch off everything when not in the room. Do not sleep at work.
I've used tempered masonite to cover a work table. You can obtain it from the big box home improvement stores in 4' x 8' sheets. It's available unfinished as well as melamine coated. I prefer the white melamine coating because it's easy to see small surface mount parts and it cleans well. Use an ESD mat as needed when working with vulnerable components.
Linoleum has nice anti-static properties and can be put on top of any table.
I've done some research on self-healing cutting mats such as this one...because my wife happen to have a couple of these lying around. These are supposed to be static free, too. They're not the cheapest thing out there, but b/c I had some lying around, they cost $0 for me.
These silicone pastry mats seem good too.
