Anti-fatigue Mats

[RJD2]

I am looking to replace my Harbor Freight anti-fatigue mats with something better. They are okay, but spend quite a lot of time working on my metal and wood lathes in a shop with a concrete floor. Does anyone have recommendations for other versions of ant-fatigue mats that are better quality and more comfortable than what could be found at Sears, Harbor Freight, Sams Club, etc? Thanks.

Ron

[sweensdv]

I'm sure you already have done this but if you haven't, do a Google search for "anti-fatigue mats". Lots of choices come up.

[LCHIEN]

Rockler has some in their clearance area... 2x2 ft per piece, 6 interlocking pieces for $10

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?p...50&filter=mats

24 square feet for $10 -seems like a good buy. I have a free shipping code if you need it.

P.S. SOLD OUT NOW

[cwsmith]

I don't use them, though have looked at a variety.

What I have done is covered my basement concrete floor with "Dri-Cor" waferboard blocks. These are available at Home Depot (and a competive version at Lowes) and are basically designed for use on damp basement floors. They are pressure-treated 3/4 x 25 inch sq T&G wafer-board "tiles" that have a PVC backing with integrated standoffs that allow for air circulation as well as vapor blocking. (the latter is great as during the rainy months I do get seepage in the basement)

While not as "cushy" as rubber mats, they certainly are far more pleasant to stand on than concrete and I find it helps my old legs considerably. Also, it easily allows me to wheel my tools around and even my drafting stool rolls from one location to the other... and I don't have to worry about tripping over "mats".

Just an idea!

CWS

[radhak]

I have the same from sears I think, but I am re-thinking their efficacy. This type is proving too soft and smooth.

Instead, I am looking to buy something like these :

(as listed in this article http://ergonomics.about.com/od/antif...-Materials.htm).

The rubber spikes were very relieving when I experienced them elsewhere. I even tried standing on them bare foot, and it felt sort like a massage!

If not, these look okay too :

[pelligrini]

I've read good things about Horse Mats, and not just from the Schwarz.

http://www.popularwoodworking.com/ar...g-road-to-haul
http://www.popularwoodworking.com/wo...monster-trucks

[LinuxRandal]

Personally, I HATE anti-fatigue mats. This is in part due to my experiences with them. The first one that Radhak shown, is similar to the best one that I have had experience with, which can be bought at Sam's club. The issues with it are the lego style connectors on it, break away (the mats will slip when not together), and how it splits where people fold it up, when trying to get it out of the way (sweeping/mopping under it, etc).

The second one that Radhak shown is a lawsuit waiting to happen in my mind. It curls up on the outside from moisture, so coming in with wet shoes from outside and such, will cause it to be a trip hazard (not what I want around tools or anywhere for that matter). My bosses are idiots about them and get them free, used, with the bubbled/curled ends.

[radhak]

Good feedback, LR - and I'll check out Sams. Thanks!

[tophermarshall]

I am looking to replace my Harbor Freight anti-fatigue mats with something better. They are okay, but spend quite a lot of time working on my metal and wood lathes in a shop with a concrete floor. Does anyone have recommendations for other versions of ant-fatigue mats that are better quality and more comfortable than what could be found at Sears, Harbor Freight, Sams Club, etc? Thanks.

Ron

I've got an anti-fatigue mat in my garage done by a company called Wellnessmats. Good industrial mat, but they really specialize in kitchen mats (which we also have).

[dbhost]

Not sure how much time you spend out in your shop at the lathe, and mind you, I have LOTS of back problems due to an old car wreck injury, and too much beer and pizza in college... I use the Craftsman Anti Fatigue mat at my lathe and am very happy with it. I do tend to wear very supportive Hiking Boots while working in the shop... Another thing. To help reduce foot, leg, and lower back fatigue when working at the lathe, let the chips stay on the floor. No joking. The bed of wood chips that accumulates at a lathe is far better than any commercially produced anti fatigue mat I have found.

[greenacres2]

... Another thing. To help reduce foot, leg, and lower back fatigue when working at the lathe, let the chips stay on the floor. No joking. The bed of wood chips that accumulates at a lathe is far better than any commercially produced anti fatigue mat I have found.

And very comfy to sleep on....

earl

[pelligrini]

I've got an anti-fatigue mat in my garage done by a company called Wellnessmats. Good industrial mat, but they really specialize in kitchen mats (which we also have).

$250 for a 3x5 not including shipping puts it at $16.67 a sq. ft. That's a little too expensive for my tastes.

Sure hope it makes for some happy feet.