Need a new workbench

Hey all,
My company is moving to a new site and my boss has asked me to look into a new workbench/new build area for desktops and servers. I have a few in mind, but one question is bugging me.
Should I get a wood top or a metal one? If not metal, why? Is it because of static electricity?

this is one I'm looking at...
http://www.globalindustrial.com/p/w...le-heavy-duty-7-gauge-steel-workbench-36-x-72

Any opinions or suggestions are welcome!!!
thanks.....

 

Greetings, shelpdoggSVT.

The table in your link looks good, and will probably suit you just fine.

Theoretically, a metal table with a metal surface is best, especially if you can ground the frame. With that much conductive surface, every time you touch the table you will effectively bleed off any static that you and your equipment may be carrying.

A couple of anti-static mats on the surface should finish things off nicely.

 

I suppose it is more a personal thing as opposed to a practical one.

I have always liked a wooden surface to work on, it is quieter when i drop the screwdriver.

 

And you don't have to ground it.

:major

 

I could ground the table with no problem. I just wanted to be sure that if I went Metal that I wasn't setting myself up to keep getting zapped. Most of the other workstations I've had have all been something like a counter top that has some type of laminate top.

I basically can set this up however I want, and want to be sure it's functiional as well as safe for equipment. Nice to hear the boss say...."set it up the way you want it".

Thanks for the replies everyone......

 

We were always mandated to use metal surfaces in the military - the purpose is to have a grounded area that will dissipate static charges.

Electricity always finds the easiest path to ground. The problem with laminated or wooden surfaces is that they are not conductive, so any static buildup has nowhere to go. If you don't provide that path with a grounded metal surface, chances are that it will find its own path to common - unfortunately, that usually means that it's going to travel through whatever components you're working on.

Zap!

 

Good point Caliban...... Metal it is!
this one will work......has a peg board to store some tools for easy access too.
http://www.globalindustrial.com/p/work-benches/mobile/mobile-steel-workbench-w-pegboard-30-x-72

thanks again !!!

Mike

 

Nice! I like the brakes on the casters, and especially the pegboard. Make sure you scrape off some of the powder coating in an inauspicious area to attach a ground strap.

Good luck - sounds like a fun project!