Work area surfaces?

[Caligula]

So I've been scouring the internets on a search for anything and everything I can use to make my life easier. On one such recent journey to the dark depths of Amazon, I stumbled upon this:

http://www.amazon.com/Jumbo-Craft-S...N5SL2/ref=aag_m_pw_dp?ie=UTF8&m=AK7OW07HY2UXA

Wait... whats that? A big ass PTFE (Teflon) coated sheet for super cheap with free shipping? Yes please! I ordered Sunday and the stuff actually came today! Amazon Prime FTW. Also, it turns out you can buy this stuff by the foot directly from the vendor (not Amazon) and it's stupid cheap.

With a bit of clear packing tape, I was able to secure it to part of my desk. I think it makes for a very nice work surface that's not only non-stick, but is also resistant to quite a few chemicals!

http://www.coleparmer.com/Chemical-Resistance

Pretty slick if I don't mind saying so myself (pun intended)!

 

[Doug]

Woah! Ordered! Thanks! Wonder if this PTFE is okay to blast on with the fiberglass threads.

 

[CG420]

So if I drop my sub apollo on this it won't burn?

 

[Caligula]

So if I drop my sub apollo on this it won't burn?

Ummmm... I think it might melt. Its not pure PTFE (which should be good to 500+°F). Its vinyl coated in PTFE, IIRC. Ill do a test on a small piece for you though.

 

[CG420]

Yeah that was what I was thinking because it would be kinda expensive for the sheets to be fully teflon. If it withstand just a source or heat like say a Ti nail (heat from after dabbing it) it should be good for me. I've been looking for these for a while now. Thanks a lot Btw!

 

[EveryDayAmnesiac]

I've got a few of these bar mats around my place. Cleaning station, work space, storage station. I like the extra padding. But I get pieces of herbs stuck in it and it can be slightly annoying at times.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000MVI4ZK/ref=oh_details_o05_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Might have to pick up some of this PTFE though for that price. Just for shits and giggs.

I'm just sayin'!

 

[Caligula]

I've got a few of these bar mats around my place. Cleaning station, work space, storage station. I like the extra padding. But I get pieces of herbs stuck in it and it can be slightly annoying at times.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000MVI4ZK/ref=oh_details_o05_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Might have to pick up some of this PTFE though for that price. Just for shits and giggs.

I'm just sayin'!

I know exactly the type of mat you mean. I cant imagine those bar mats would be easy to clean in any way.

If someone wants nonstick plus padding then you need to look at silicone mats. Not Oil slick or Silpat stuff... thats overpriced.

You can buy large sheets of silicone (places sell this stuff for handicapped and elderly people as safety equipment like for getting in and out of wheelchairs and stuff without slipping) for much less (per sq in) than BHO or even cooking specific products.

Alternatively you can get thinner (not so much padded) silicone mats if you shop for nonstick baby placemats on Amazon.

 

[EveryDayAmnesiac]

I know exactly the type of mat you mean. I cant imagine those bar mats would be easy to clean in any way.

I put them in the sink. With some soap and water.

Sometimes I go all out and give it a vinegar and water bath.

But I know what you're saying. The mats certainly leave plenty to be desired. Though, as a cleaning space, they work wonderfully.

 

[Caligula]

So if I drop my sub apollo on this it won't burn?

Well... apparently the wife gaffled my second sheet, so I cant do a proper test for you. However, I did find this:

http://rangerink.com/?product=non-stick-craft-sheet™

(This is who makes the stuff I bought)

The slick, non-porous material withstands high temperatures, making it the perfect compliment to Melt Art™ and the Melting Pot®. Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel™ (UTEE), candle wax, soap chips and even hot glue won’t penetrate or distort its smooth-as-glass finish.

Also, this is apparently woven FIBERGLASS coated in PTFE. As such, I Wiki'd it:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fabric_structure

Woven fiberglass coated with PTFE (Teflon or silicone) is also a widely used base material. Glass fibers are drawn into continuous filaments, which are then bundled into yarns. The yarns are woven to form a substrate. The fiberglass carries a high ultimate tensile strength, behaves elastically, and does not suffer from significant stress relaxation or creep. The PTFE coating is chemically inert, can withstand temperatures from 100°F upwards to 450°F+. It is also immune to radiation and can be cleaned with water.

Because of its energy efficiency, high melting temperature and lack of creep, fiberglass-based fabrics have been the material of choice for stadium domes and other permanent structures, particularly in the United States. However, when properly constructed, polyester structures may be equally durable.

Now, I dont do dabs off a nail otherwise I would have made this a consideration when buying the material. As such, it looks like I may have lucked out anyway? Perhaps someone who is more enlightened in such materials (@OF ?) can shed a bit more light on this? At 5 mils, there's not much to it in terms of thickness. Not sure if this is a major factor though...


Edit: also looked up how hot "hot glue" is, exactly. Again, Wiki states it ranges from 250-380*F (121-193*C). No idea how hot your nail would be though.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hot-melt_adhesive

double edit: I just called Ranger. The lady wasnt sure what max temp was but she said they use a product that melts at 450*F and its good for that. Sounds like this might be a win?

 

[CG420]

Awesome then looks like I'll buy myself some for a new table that I got on the way.

 

[Caligula]

Awesome then looks like I'll buy myself some for a new table that I got on the way.

LMK how that works out!

 

[pigfoot]

I was just looking at those silicone sheets today, found some with a peel n stick backing......

 

[Caligula]

Be sure to let us know how out works of you get some.

 

[Quetzalcoatl]

I use cabinet liner. The material that falls on it stays in the holes and when I lift it I can just scrape it into a pile. I've got a small silicone pan holder that my glass sits on.

 

[pigfoot]

Be sure to let us know how out works of you get some.

I was actually looking for a material to act as a "lid liner" on my existing glass jars. I ended up ordering
a sheet of BUNA rubber. The silicone was described as very tacky.

My work surface is just a desktop calendar. I get a new surface every month, but this has gotten me thinking about options.