work table tops

[all_things_art]

After reading through the thread "Shop Setup" ,and seeing all the different tables ....i'm just curious what everyone used for their production table top surfaces? or what they found was the best material to use?.....I have 2 tables ,one covered in cutting mat material and the other table has alumacorr over the original wood surface.

 

[rfulford]

Self healing cutting mats or glass would be my two preferences.

 

[ddarlak]

my main table has a 4' x 16' old lexan sign, best table cover yet!!!

 

[GulfGlo]

cutting mat's with 1" grid underneath.

 

[ddubia]

We have 2 ea. 4' x 8' tables covered in 1/4" plate glass and arranged end to end for a 4 x 16' table. I love it!

 

[Pat Whatley]

Currently covered in Upson Board. When (whenever) we do our remodeling project I'm going to convert our 4' x 16' table into a 4' x 16 light table with a cutting mat top.

 

[brush1]

1/8" PVC is working great for me.

 

[SignSister]

Love my self-healing cutting mat with 1" grid.

 

[Mike Paul]

Cutting mat here.

 

[gabagoo]

I use uhmw ( i think thats the name) it is like a cutting mat and comes in white 1/4" thick and lasts a very long time, after 2 or 3 years you just flip it over and new again.

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

 

[Pro Image]

I use 5x8 sheets of MDF.......With a cutting mat on one 5x8.........I have a 5x16 table......and 1 4x8 on wheels for the screenprinting........

 

[Wildpony]

I use a cutting mat with 1" squares on it, on top of 1/4" clear polycarbonate.

 

[signpro]

1/4" glass on my table tops. i love it!! 3 in a row to total 4' x 24' work table!! (minus the 2x6"s at each end, so 23ft long)

however, the last table is always full of stuff for tinting, and a cutting board, and usually accumulates all of the items to be picked up, but can be used if needed. rarely get stuff over 14ft long, so we've got suffiecient space for that. we have another full 4x8 table next to it as well, doubles as the light table, drying table, and sewing table.

 

[cdiesel]

We've got a 6'x20' table with glass on top, with a banner underneath printed with 1" and 12" grids. Also, an additional 4'x8' with glass and grid that'll roll up next to the big one if needed. I'm going to post pics of our shop today or tomorrow after the cleaning crew comes in.

 

[OneUpTenn]

Self healing mat here....good idea to turn it over...never thought about that. I love this forum!!!

 

[Adam Bennett]

"self healing" mats here. 3 4'x8' on casters for endless possibilities

 

[Illuminated]

16 gauge Steel 4X10 sheets

 

[gnatt66]

plexiglass one one and plywood covered with self healing mat and several ever changing layers of kraft paper. (multi use shop)

 

[d fleming]

galvanized

 

[vmw]

Used piece of painted MDO plywood covered with Signblast Tape, great for cutting on.

 

[Jester1167]

Self healing matts. Glass drive me crazy if you have to cut on it. The tip of your exacto will curl and dull quickly.