Pictured is my downdraft sanding table..

I use a rubber matting material on top..

The problem I am having is about once a month to 6 weeks I have to replace it because it wears like it does... the stuff got cheap on me...

I'm looking for a rubber material that I can place over the table top that still allows the suction (vacume) to work and not mar the woodworking pieces being sanded?

Any help to a link or company is greatly appriciated...

TIA,

Hog

Hog,

Try a restaurant kitchen floor mat. They are heavy duty - about 3/4 inch thick - with holes. There are different styles and colors.

This is just one site so you can see what they look like:

http://matsetc.com/544comfortzone.html 

I'm sure you could find them cheaper.

You need Silicone not rubber.. Probably avail at a Restaurant Supply house.

I bought some stuff for the drawers in my tool box that would prolly work. not sure if you get a roll that wide tho...

Get a thin UHMW sheet and drill the holes. It is a industrial plastic type material that will wear very well!! Most bearing type houses and such should carry it or be able to get it for ya.

#2 Camper, Thanks for the link,

I used something simular to that I got from U-Line a few years back.. the rubber was hard on the wood...

some woods dent easy or mar

Jack, something like that is what I'm looking for, just haven't had much luck in my searches..

#4 that is what I have been using now for a couple 3 yrs... tool box liner material.. works well but the stuff has gotten cheaper on material and doesn't hold up like it used to... as shown LOL

Dave.. cannot use something hard like a plastic of it will mar and dent the wood...

for now I guess I'll run another roll of this stuff over the top...

Thanks all for your inputs...

Hog

Our CNC machine uses Phynalic (sp?)if that helps any.

I think I may have found something here...

http://www.rubbersheetroll.com/silicone-rubber-commercial-grade.html 

didn't think about typing in "silicone" rubber..

I was just researching silicone and/or polyurethane sheets and was going to mention it. Mcmaster.com has some good info on it.

JHC, You probably are talking about Phenolic?

I think that is somewhat hard.

The UHMW would be great for wear resistance, but as Hog said it could mar the wood. It's used for heavy duty dock and boat bumpers.

Hog, I looked at the website you provided and you could get one of the rubber sheets and perforate it yourself. I would build a form that had nails/tacks on it every 1/4" or so, and then just press the rubber sheet on it to poke the holes.

Just remember, the softer and tackier it is, the quicker it will wear out. You'll need to determine the best hardness (durometer) that offers the best combination of properties.

I'm surprised there isn't an industry standard perforated sheet?

Google "perferated rubber sheet"

Call any custom rubber sheet manufacturer. They may offer it pre-cut.

Good luck.

Tailgater, we use for laminated wood every day all day. No scratching at all. Industry standard.

Yes....Phenolic...is correct.

Hey@@

Stop yhe fuggin arguin already...

I was just askin for advice and jelp to a link...

Thanks All.. seriously I think jacks post helped the mos t.. I'll rill on from there..

JHC, is it a softer phenolic?