Yoga mat

jmace57 · #1 03-11-2017, 10:41 AM

I ran across something while watching a YouTube video and wanted to pass it on. Sorry if this is well known already. The guy was using a piece of yoga mat in place of a bench mat. It seemed like a really good (and cheap) idea. I went to eBay and bought a bright orange one (so I can easily see small dark parts) for about $7 delivered. I figure based on the size I can replace it 4 or 5 times. It's waterproof and slightly padded. Anyway, I thought it was a good idea and a lot cheaper than the bench mats for sale out there.

Protocall_Design · #2 03-11-2017, 11:37 AM

That is a great idea. Now we can all be Zen Masters of gunsmithing!

yeti · #3 03-11-2017, 11:52 AM

Yes, yoga mats work nicely.
Use them for drawer liners in the tool chests too. They come in some crazy colors.

chief38 · #4 03-12-2017, 03:45 AM

I've posted this a few times but I will once more for guys who have not read it.

I found years ago that a "Bar Mat" typically found in Bars and in Restaurants is excellent for gun smithing. I am talking about the ones with the little rubber knobby things. The reason it works so well is because it will hold oils and solvents without dripping off the mat, it will capture and keep in place very small screws and parts, it will NOT hurt any gun finishes, is easily cleaned with soap and water, and if you are friendly with a Restaurant or Bar owner, he'll probably give you one for free.

When I work on guns I will usually line the bench top with a layer of Newspapers just to catch any over spray of fluids, solvents, dirt or grime from long guns that are larger than the Mat is. I have also found that they are impervious to any chemicals, solvents and lubricants I have in my shop. These Mats last a very long time and work incredibly well!