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Anti Fatigue Mat

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I was looking at the Woodcraft 3/8" thick anti fatigue mat. I then noticed that Wood Turners Catalog has a Gel Pro which is 3/4" thick but is quite a bit more money. Has anyone tried either of these or is it even worth using one.

Rich
 

odie

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I was looking at the Woodcraft 3/8" thick anti fatigue mat. I then noticed that Wood Turners Catalog has a Gel Pro which is 3/4" thick but is quite a bit more money. Has anyone tried either of these or is it even worth using one.

Rich

Rich.....

I have tried both. The earlier photo on the left has the cheaper mat, and on the right is the more expensive gel mat I've been using for a couple years. From my point of view, I would not go back to the cheaper mats. All this year, I've probably spent 25 hours per week standing on the gel mat......my feet are thankful, and my endurance is benefited.

I believe the gel mat was more than $150.....it's been a wise choice to buy it. There are two sizes, and I got the larger one. The smaller one probably would have been adequate.

The first foam mat I used, I believe I bought at Home Depot, but I've seen similar at HF that look the same. It's simply a foam rubber. It's much better than standing on the bare floor. Just looked at the mats at Woodcraft, and it looks like these mats are somewhere in-between, but I went from really cheap, to the most expensive. Can't say about those blue ones currently at Woodcraft. I can say that the gel mat is really "cushiony"......you sink right down on that one!

Can't remember that saying about "cry once".....but, those who know it will understand what I mean.

ooc
 

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I use the 1/2" interlocked stuff that HD sells in packs. Works fine on my cement floors, although it's a bit of a pain if I need to move "stationary" tools around. Since I have a moveable platform around my lathe, the ply has enough flex to keep my knees in good shape. Think you'll get more mileage out of a good pair of shoes.
 
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Odie....

I'm leaning towards the gel mat. I guess you can't put a price on comfort. Looks like they are 20" deep. Is that what yours is and is it enough room? Then I just have to decide between 48 and 72 inches.


Rich
 

Bill Boehme

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Odie, I appreciate you very informative feedback.

I have just one concern which you probably would not be able to answer unless you also have peripheral neuropathy. Since developing this condition recently I occasionally have strange sensations in my feet and legs as though I am standing on a soft mattress even though I am on a hard floor. This sometimes leads to imbalance, but I have adapted by being more observant. If the mat is too soft, I might have problems with my balance, but on the other hand it might actually help to reduce some of my symptoms. I currently have some black rubber mats that I got at a woodworking show. They are thin and about as hard as the bare concrete.

I have found that standing on a big pile of wet shavings feels good -- to a certain point -- like needing to move my feet. :rolleyes:
 

odie

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Odie, I appreciate you very informative feedback.

I have just one concern which you probably would not be able to answer unless you also have peripheral neuropathy. Since developing this condition recently I occasionally have strange sensations in my feet and legs as though I am standing on a soft mattress even though I am on a hard floor. This sometimes leads to imbalance, but I have adapted by being more observant. If the mat is too soft, I might have problems with my balance, but on the other hand it might actually help to reduce some of my symptoms. I currently have some black rubber mats that I got at a woodworking show. They are thin and about as hard as the bare concrete.

I have found that standing on a big pile of wet shavings feels good -- to a certain point -- like needing to move my feet. :rolleyes:

Can't help you there, Bill

Maybe someone at your club has one, and would allow you to test it. The gel mat really does compress with your body weight......not so noticeable with the interlocking mats, but those do compress a certain small amount, as well. I've moved my interlocking foam mats in front of the work bench and in front of my grinder. I don't spend as much time at those locations, but I appreciate having them there, too. I'll be standing for hours at a stretch in front of the lathe, and that's where I really have been sold on the gel mat.

Odie....

I'm leaning towards the gel mat. I guess you can't put a price on comfort. Looks like they are 20" deep. Is that what yours is and is it enough room? Then I just have to decide between 48 and 72 inches.


Rich

Rich......

Yes, I have the 20x72. I guess it would all depend on the individual, as to the question of whether the 20" depth would be adequate. I don't recall ever not having both feet on the gel mat, and wishing for more width......so, for me, 20" is good to go. I'm currently only 5'7" tall, so a taller person may, or may not step off the mat. (I was 5'9" in my youth, but age has settled my bones a little!) Maybe someone taller, and has the gel mat could chime in and let us know. I see Mike Mahoney endorses this mat, and I think He's taller than I am.

If I were to buy again, I think I'd get the 20x48. Possibly someone doing long spindle turning would require the longer one, but I specialize in bowls. I spend all my time at the lathe standing in a relatively small space.

ooc
 
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Odie
Check out Home Depot they use to sell a Gel Mat in there flooring dept. I got one a couple years ago and there GREAT and only $20.00. I'm pretty sure they were called Martha Stewart kitchen anti fatigue gel mat. There about 18"x36" and 3/4" thick.
 

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I have a different take on the issue of mats at the lathe. I use a 50" x 50" x 3/8" mat from HF. It fits neatly between the feet of my Oneway lathe and provides anti-skid protection for me on the working side of the lathe and dropped tool protection on both sides. While, I have not tried thicker, softer, mats, I speculate that they will add little to comfort and may inhibit easy shuffling of the feet while turning. JMO.

Dennis
 

Bill Boehme

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When I was younger, I scoffed at the idea of using mats, but that was because I didn't derive any benefit from the cushioning. Things are different now -- senior citizen back, legs, and feet need all the help that they can get. I have a couple gift certificates for Craft Supplies so I might check into those mats.
 
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I've always been skeptical about anti-fatigue mats--Our common sense says they must work, so people expect to be more comfortable on them, and of course they're going to feel more comfortable on them. But I have never seen any research on the subject, so I looked it up. Very little research exists, it turns out and one very small study in 1994 showed no significant benefit.

Pertinent to this conversation, researchers, who assumed they worked, compared 4 different types of mats. The study subject felt 3 out of 4 helped, with no appreciable difference between the 3. The difference with number 4 was measurable, but not statistically significant. One side comment was that employers provided them to reduce the cost of falls, rather than for the comfort of the workers. (Hum Factors. 2013 Aug;55(4):764-75. Effects of anti-fatigue mats on perceived discomfort and weight-shifting during prolonged standing. Wiggermann N1, Keyserling WM.)

Bottom line: there is no reason to expect you'll be any more comfortable on the more expensive mat (Unless you're Odie who is a researcher always noting his observations, with an N of 1)

Bill--I could find no research on anti-fatigue mats and neuropathy. It may exist, but I didn't find any. Just for you, here's a citation which only you will understand:

Biomed Sci Instrum. 2012;48:415-22.
Determination of stabilogram diffusion analysis coefficients and invariant density analysis parameters to understand postural stability associated with standing on anti-fatigue mats.
Soangra R1, Lockhart TE.

Abstract
Prolonged standing has been associated with loss of balance, onset of low back pain symptoms and development of fatigue in lower extremity muscles in working populations. Although so far, it is unknown how individuals’ postural stability is affected by standing on rigid versus cushioned platform but many industries are opting for anti-fatigue mats at workstations to reduce fall and injury related socio-economic cost. The goal of this study is to test SATECH's anti-fatigue mat for its effects on postural stability. A pilot test with seven healthy subjects (25–35 years old) has been conducted with a force plate to obtain kinetics of body when standing on two different platforms. The centers of pressure (COP) position of subjects were determined on rigid and anti-fatigue mats for quiet stance (each trial 60 seconds). In order to understand postural control along with dynamic or stochastic characteristics of the COP, stabilogram diffusion analysis (SDA) and Invariant density analysis methods are used. Subject specific patterns were seen in stabilogram diffusion plots and associated parameters in both conditions. We also found differences in some postural sway SDA parameters with anti-fatigue mats compared to rigid vinyl floor standing with open eyes condition. But no significant differences were found in sway IDA parameters. This work further provides insights whether anti fatigue mats can be helpful to workers involved with prolonged standing tasks.
PMID: 22846314 [PubMed - in process] PMCID: PMC3716259
 
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I plan on cleaning my floor and putting the mat down and then I'll stand on it for some time while simulating turning. Just standing is sometime worse on your legs and back than doing something as your mind is on your standing instead of your work. I ordered it thru Amazon so if I don't like it they will take it back and pay the shipping back if I say it doesn't perform as promised. A win win situation. It should be here on Tuesday.

Rich
 

odie

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I've always been skeptical about anti-fatigue mats--Our common sense says they must work, so people expect to be more comfortable on them, and of course they're going to feel more comfortable on them. But I have never seen any research on the subject, so I looked it up. Very little research exists, it turns out and one very small study in 1994 showed no significant benefit.

Pertinent to this conversation, researchers, who assumed they worked, compared 4 different types of mats. The study subject felt 3 out of 4 helped, with no appreciable difference between the 3. The difference with number 4 was measurable, but not statistically significant. One side comment was that employers provided them to reduce the cost of falls, rather than for the comfort of the workers. (Hum Factors. 2013 Aug;55(4):764-75. Effects of anti-fatigue mats on perceived discomfort and weight-shifting during prolonged standing. Wiggermann N1, Keyserling WM.)

Bottom line: there is no reason to expect you'll be any more comfortable on the more expensive mat (Unless you're Odie who is a researcher always noting his observations, with an N of 1)

Bill--I could find no research on anti-fatigue mats and neuropathy. It may exist, but I didn't find any. Just for you, here's a citation which only you will understand:

Biomed Sci Instrum. 2012;48:415-22.
Determination of stabilogram diffusion analysis coefficients and invariant density analysis parameters to understand postural stability associated with standing on anti-fatigue mats.
Soangra R1, Lockhart TE.

Abstract
Prolonged standing has been associated with loss of balance, onset of low back pain symptoms and development of fatigue in lower extremity muscles in working populations. Although so far, it is unknown how individuals’ postural stability is affected by standing on rigid versus cushioned platform but many industries are opting for anti-fatigue mats at workstations to reduce fall and injury related socio-economic cost. The goal of this study is to test SATECH's anti-fatigue mat for its effects on postural stability. A pilot test with seven healthy subjects (25–35 years old) has been conducted with a force plate to obtain kinetics of body when standing on two different platforms. The centers of pressure (COP) position of subjects were determined on rigid and anti-fatigue mats for quiet stance (each trial 60 seconds). In order to understand postural control along with dynamic or stochastic characteristics of the COP, stabilogram diffusion analysis (SDA) and Invariant density analysis methods are used. Subject specific patterns were seen in stabilogram diffusion plots and associated parameters in both conditions. We also found differences in some postural sway SDA parameters with anti-fatigue mats compared to rigid vinyl floor standing with open eyes condition. But no significant differences were found in sway IDA parameters. This work further provides insights whether anti fatigue mats can be helpful to workers involved with prolonged standing tasks.
PMID: 22846314 [PubMed - in process] PMCID: PMC3716259

Dean....You mean it's all in my mind, and I'm only being fooled into thinking anti-fatigue mats work? Heh,heh,heh.......:rolleyes:

Actually, I'm in a unique position to tell if a my gel mat works for me. You see, I stand all day long at work, and I stand for long sessions of lathe turning in my home shop. There is a difference, and I'm much more comfortable in my home shop while standing on the gel mat. At work, there is a hard rubber mat with almost no cushion to it.

The level of comfort I feel has a direct relationship on my well being, and endurance. I don't think I'm being fooled into believing my body gets less tired with the gel mat, than I do at work. For me, it's real, and not psychological trickery.

ooc
 
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john lucas

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I'm with Odie on this one. To hell with the research. They work for me. Any of them. I have several styles and use them at every machine in the shop. That is except one. My new jointer. I can definitely tell when I'm not on the Matt's. it hurts my back not my feet
 
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irrelevant study

I've always been skeptical about anti-fatigue mats--Our common sense says they must work, so people expect to be more comfortable on them, and of course they're going to feel more comfortable on them. But I have never seen any research on the subject, so I looked it up. Very little research exists, it turns out and one very small study in 1994 showed no significant benefit.

Pertinent to this conversation, researchers, who assumed they worked, compared 4 different types of mats. The study subject felt 3 out of 4 helped, with no appreciable difference between the 3. The difference with number 4 was measurable, but not statistically significant. One side comment was that employers provided them to reduce the cost of falls, rather than for the comfort of the workers. (Hum Factors. 2013 Aug;55(4):764-75. Effects of anti-fatigue mats on perceived discomfort and weight-shifting during prolonged standing. Wiggermann N1, Keyserling WM.)

Bottom line: there is no reason to expect you'll be any more comfortable on the more expensive mat (Unless you're Odie who is a researcher always noting his observations, with an N of 1)

Bill--I could find no research on anti-fatigue mats and neuropathy. It may exist, but I didn't find any. Just for you, here's a citation which only you will understand:

Biomed Sci Instrum. 2012;48:415-22.
Determination of stabilogram diffusion analysis coefficients and invariant density analysis parameters to understand postural stability associated with standing on anti-fatigue mats.
Soangra R1, Lockhart TE.

Abstract
Prolonged standing has been associated with loss of balance, onset of low back pain symptoms and development of fatigue in lower extremity muscles in working populations. Although so far, it is unknown how individuals’ postural stability is affected by standing on rigid versus cushioned platform but many industries are opting for anti-fatigue mats at workstations to reduce fall and injury related socio-economic cost. The goal of this study is to test SATECH's anti-fatigue mat for its effects on postural stability. A pilot test with seven healthy subjects (25–35 years old) has been conducted with a force plate to obtain kinetics of body when standing on two different platforms. The centers of pressure (COP) position of subjects were determined on rigid and anti-fatigue mats for quiet stance (each trial 60 seconds). In order to understand postural control along with dynamic or stochastic characteristics of the COP, stabilogram diffusion analysis (SDA) and Invariant density analysis methods are used. Subject specific patterns were seen in stabilogram diffusion plots and associated parameters in both conditions. We also found differences in some postural sway SDA parameters with anti-fatigue mats compared to rigid vinyl floor standing with open eyes condition. But no significant differences were found in sway IDA parameters. This work further provides insights whether anti fatigue mats can be helpful to workers involved with prolonged standing tasks.
PMID: 22846314 [PubMed - in process] PMCID: PMC3716259


7 subjects not enough to be statiscally relevant. Age group also skews results. When I was 25 to 35 I could stand tor long periods of time with no appreciable effects. Now my 70+ year old body does not like standing for long periods of time and I notice significant benefits from my thick mat. Think a study would only be significantly revelant if it had a much larger group with a cross section of people, old, young, male, female.
 

hockenbery

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I've always been skeptical about anti-fatigue mats--Our common sense says they must work, so people expect to be more comfortable on them, and of course they're going to feel more comfortable on them. But I have never seen any research on the subject, so I looked it up. Very little research exists, it turns out and one very small study in 1994 showed no significant benefit.

Interesting search of the research!
Mats seem more comfortable to me.

:). I can attest I have not yet fallen at the lathe on a mat :)

But then I have not fallen when a mat was not available.

Oh wait!

I did trip on the edge of mat once but did not fall.

Mats are dangerous! N= 1 :)
 

hockenbery

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I'm with Odie on this one. To hell with the research. They work for me. Any of them. I have several styles and use them at every machine in the shop. That is except one. My new jointer. I can definitely tell when I'm not on the Matt's. it hurts my back not my feet

Hi john,
I have found the shoes I wear affect my back. When I wear good quality hiking shoes or sandals the back is fine.
If I wear crocs, flip flops, the back will let me know.

I use mats too but the shoes are the main thing.

Shoes are good for 300 miles so count your steps. :)
 
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Dean....You mean it's all in my mind, and I'm only being fooled into thinking anti-fatigue mats work? Heh,heh,heh.......:rolleyes:

Actually, I'm in a unique position to tell if a my gel mat works for me. You see, I stand all day long at work, and I stand for long sessions of lathe turning in my home shop. There is a difference, and I'm much more comfortable in my home shop while standing on the gel mat. At work, there is a hard rubber mat with almost no cushion to it.

The level of comfort I feel has a direct relationship on my well being, and endurance. I don't think I'm being fooled into believing my body gets less tired with the gel mat, than I do at work. For me, it's real, and not psychological trickery.

ooc

Let your boss know, he may provide a new mat so you will feel inspired at work to do more. (not that most boss's need proof to try to get more work from workers)

Stu
 

Bill Boehme

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Dean, I believe that you might be extrapolating well beyond the scope of the cited study. This was an engineering study and not a medical study. Besides, one study does not imply conclusive results especially considering the very narrowly focused scope of that particular study which was to evaluate the mechanics of postural stability as they apply to one particular mat -- a parameter that would not be relevant to many of the reasons that a pad would be beneficial. The fact that the study only used seven young healthy men is an indicator that their focus was not aimed at evaluating that particular mat for things that would be more relevant to common medical conditions of "more mature" (meaning most of us) individuals who are experiencing various problems from working at the lathe.

Orthopedic surgeons prescribe gel pad orthotic inserts for shoes to treat various conditions such as plantar fasciitis. They also recommend the use of mats to help relieve discomfort for patients with various conditions.

Or as John more succinctly put it, "to hell with the research".
 

odie

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Let your boss know, he may provide a new mat so you will feel inspired at work to do more. (not that most boss's need proof to try to get more work from workers)

Stu

Hi Stu......

Actually, the hard rubber mat I have at work is what I got when I did ask for a mat at my work station! At the moment, all I care about is getting to my 66th BD next May......and retire. I'm now ready to pursue something that means something to me.....If I can manage to live for a couple or three more decades! :p

ooc
 
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I've always been skeptical about anti-fatigue mats--Our common sense says they must work, so people expect to be more comfortable on them, and of course they're going to feel more comfortable on them. But I have never seen any research on the subject, so I looked it up. Very little research exists, it turns out and one very small study in 1994 showed no significant benefit.

Pertinent to this conversation, researchers, who assumed they worked, compared 4 different types of mats. The study subject felt 3 out of 4 helped, with no appreciable difference between the 3. The difference with number 4 was measurable, but not statistically significant. One side comment was that employers provided them to reduce the cost of falls, rather than for the comfort of the workers. (Hum Factors. 2013 Aug;55(4):764-75. Effects of anti-fatigue mats on perceived discomfort and weight-shifting during prolonged standing. Wiggermann N1, Keyserling WM.)

Bottom line: there is no reason to expect you'll be any more comfortable on the more expensive mat (Unless you're Odie who is a researcher always noting his observations, with an N of 1)

Bill--I could find no research on anti-fatigue mats and neuropathy. It may exist, but I didn't find any. Just for you, here's a citation which only you will understand:

Biomed Sci Instrum. 2012;48:415-22.
Determination of stabilogram diffusion analysis coefficients and invariant density analysis parameters to understand postural stability associated with standing on anti-fatigue mats.
Soangra R1, Lockhart TE.

Abstract
Prolonged standing has been associated with loss of balance, onset of low back pain symptoms and development of fatigue in lower extremity muscles in working populations. Although so far, it is unknown how individuals’ postural stability is affected by standing on rigid versus cushioned platform but many industries are opting for anti-fatigue mats at workstations to reduce fall and injury related socio-economic cost. The goal of this study is to test SATECH's anti-fatigue mat for its effects on postural stability. A pilot test with seven healthy subjects (25–35 years old) has been conducted with a force plate to obtain kinetics of body when standing on two different platforms. The centers of pressure (COP) position of subjects were determined on rigid and anti-fatigue mats for quiet stance (each trial 60 seconds). In order to understand postural control along with dynamic or stochastic characteristics of the COP, stabilogram diffusion analysis (SDA) and Invariant density analysis methods are used. Subject specific patterns were seen in stabilogram diffusion plots and associated parameters in both conditions. We also found differences in some postural sway SDA parameters with anti-fatigue mats compared to rigid vinyl floor standing with open eyes condition. But no significant differences were found in sway IDA parameters. This work further provides insights whether anti fatigue mats can be helpful to workers involved with prolonged standing tasks.
PMID: 22846314 [PubMed - in process] PMCID: PMC3716259

I have done 44 years of research as a Pharmacist. I would never sit and we do not get breaks. Yes the mats do help . For me it was always my knees. Wore leather sole shoes for 1st 10 years and then started using foam soled shoes. Then in addition they started building the pharmacy itself on concrete and no raised wooden platform. The mats do have a limited lifetime as the cellular structure on the foam will collapse. When I work w/o the mat I am much more worn out at the end of a 10-12 hour shift. Cannot stress how much us older folks (and youngun's too) need sturdy footwear.
Bill try Neurogen for the neuropathy . As you know no cure only some relief.
I cannot speak to gel mats, but I do like the thicker ones some stores use.
 

john lucas

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For too many years I had to photograph 900 to 1200 graduates. I stood on a hardwood basketball court and usually by the end I was dancing going from foot to foot to ease the pain. Finally I had the common sense to bring a Matt. It made a huge difference. It is the same Matt that I use at my workbench. That's why I'm a firm believer in them
 
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Since there appears to be a lack of hard data on the subject, each of us needs to draw our own conclusion about anti-fatigue mats. My post was not intended to discourage anyone, just to suggest that increased cost might not translate to increased satisfaction. And to give Bill something obscure to chew on for a moment.

Viewing the comments from several of the members that they would not have had problems at a younger age, seeing that my own feet no longer have the amount of padding on the sole that they did when new, and knowing that the sole of the foot is an amazingly sophisticated hydraulic cushioning system, I have a theory. Sometimes people develop a heel pain that is not related to a spur and which feels like a bruise. It responds very nicely to new shoes or insoles, and I believe that it's not strictly related to better cushioning, but from the cradling effect typical of contemporary insole design. More simply, the fat pad is splaying out and the cradle forces the natural cushion back underneath the heel bone. Back in the days when Gerald, like the rest of us, was wearing oxfords with leather soles, there was no cradle in the shoe, as there is in modern running shoes.

So my theory is this: the mats help us older guys while standing on our poorly padded feet by re-establishing the cushion that was originally intended to be there.

There may also be some positive effects from applying our weight to the floor at a variety of angles rather than strictly straight down. This would apply compressive forces to the joints and tensional forces to the ligaments, tendons and muscles in a multitude of directions, spreading wear and aches rather than concentrating them in a small part of us.

More than anyone wants to think about. Bottom line: If it feels good, do it. (get a mat)
 

Bill Boehme

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Since there appears to be a lack of hard data on the subject, each of us needs to draw our own conclusion about anti-fatigue mats. My post was not intended to discourage anyone, just to suggest that increased cost might not translate to increased satisfaction. And to give Bill something obscure to chew on for a moment.

Thanks, Dean. All my years as an engineering manager, I had more than enough to chew on -- most not very tasty. I'm not convinced that the data you referenced is obscure -- just not relevant.

.... I have a theory. Sometimes people develop a heel pain that is not related to a spur and which feels like a bruise. It responds very nicely to new shoes or insoles, and I believe that it's not strictly related to better cushioning, but from the cradling effect typical of contemporary insole design. More simply, the fat pad is splaying out and the cradle forces the natural cushion back underneath the heel bone.....

The condition that you are describing could be a number of things, but it sounds very much like the typical symptoms of plantar fasciitis. If the pain is at its worst the first thing in the morning when your feet hit the floor it's almost a guarantee to be plantar fasciitis. I'll vouch for the fact that it can hurt like hell. The treatment is physical therapy that mainly involves stretching the calf muscle and fascia that wraps across the bottom of the heel from the back towards the front of the foot. There can also be pain in the arch. Comfortable padded wider shoes may help, but they alone won't completely fix the problem. It sounds like you have dealt with this problem too. If you search online there are simple stretching exercises that can relieve the pain, but the best solution is probably to have a doctor prescribe physical therapy.

....Bottom line: there is no reason to expect you'll be any more comfortable on the more expensive mat (Unless you're Odie who is a researcher always noting his observations, with an N of 1)...

vs.

.......So my theory is this: the mats help us older guys while standing on our poorly padded feet by re-establishing the cushion that was originally intended to be there.....

OK, you've convinced me that using a mat would be a good idea. :) Money can soothe a lot of pains, so no reason to doubt that it might help here as well. :rolleyes:

A lot of the problems of we "more mature" guys are back related and a pad will also reduce some of the shock loads that aggravate bulging discs.
 
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[/QUOTE]A lot of the problems of we "more mature" guys are back related and a pad will also reduce some of the shock loads that aggravate bulging discs.[/QUOTE]

If you're my age, as I suspect you are, you are more likely to have dessicated discs, which shouldn't have enough content to bulge. Also less cushioning between vertebrae, and a good collection of hypertrophic calcifications and tight ligaments. Just more of the gifts that the decades bring.:(
 
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Got my Gel Mat today it is really a nice quality mat, not to mention a 5 year warranty. All I could do is stand there for about 30 minutes simulating turning. My legs and back felt great but I won't be able to give it a really good test turning something until next week. A week ago I had my yearly Dermatology visit with the doc. He froze a bunch of bad areas on my forehead and I still can't wear my Air Shield yet. Darn sun here in the Palm Springs area.

Rich
 

Bill Boehme

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Got my Gel Mat today it is really a nice quality mat, not to mention a 5 year warranty. All I could do is stand there for about 30 minutes simulating turning. My legs and back felt great but I won't be able to give it a really good test turning something until next week. A week ago I had my yearly Dermatology visit with the doc. He froze a bunch of bad areas on my forehead and I still can't wear my Air Shield yet. Darn sun here in the Palm Springs area.

Rich

Hmmmm . . . . I didn't even think about that. I went to the dermatologist today and had about two dozen actinic keratoses frozen on top of my chrome dome. I suppose that my noggin will be tender in a day or two. Well, I can't allow a little thing like that interfere with my turning. Only a week until the next club meeting and I need to have a snowman, Christmas tree, and several Empty Bowls before then, not to mention a few show and tell items to complete. At least it isn't a busy month. :rolleyes:
 
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I have numerous spinal stenoses ranging from mild (whatever the heck a "mild" back pain could possibly mean) to severe. Too much using my back to lift heavy things when I younger and dumber.

Me too, but still dumb about lifting heavy things, PT didn't help (as suspected), tingling, burning of left legVery low back pain worsens in the afternoon after carrying some things, or turning. May have to consult a neuro surgeon. 2 friends recently had spinal surg (spinal stenosis) with mini approach and doing very well.:p Gretch
 
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Craft Supplies USA?

Got my Gel Mat today it is really a nice quality mat, not to mention a 5 year warranty. All I could do is stand there for about 30 minutes simulating turning. My legs and back felt great but I won't be able to give it a really good test turning something until next week. A week ago I had my yearly Dermatology visit with the doc. He froze a bunch of bad areas on my forehead and I still can't wear my Air Shield yet. Darn sun here in the Palm Springs area.

Rich

Rich - GelPro Anti-Fatigue Mat, item no. 104-820, from Craft Supplies USA? - John
 
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I have a few of the Woodcraft mats spread around the shop- one at the lathe and agree that they are more comfortable (and warmer) than standing on concrete. They also have saved several pieces from certain destruction as they slipped out of my hands and hit the floor. That alone has paid for then several times over.
 
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Have a look at these Anti-Fatigue mats - the best I have found to date....

After going through several different kinds of floor mats to serve the anti-fatigue function, from "cheap" to "not-so-cheap", the best mats I have found (they are in the 'not-so-cheap' category) are "Therapeutic Floor Mats" made (in Canada) of a urethane foam material (5/8" thick) with a special hardened (but resilient) urethane membrane coating on their upper surface. It stands up well to dropped tools (it laughs at dropped sharp tools like gouges and skews, and was not damaged), provides great foot traction/non-slip surface, and is industrial grade (literally) from top to bottom and side to side.

They are called "Therapeutic Floor Mats" and sold by a company near Minneapolis, "Ground Floor Packaging". We put-in a club order for these mats right after the St Paul AAW Symposium, and had two pallets of them delivered for our members - not a single problem with any of them, and every member that has one, loves them. It is very easy easy to sweep-up chips & dust from them, and they do not provide a trip hazard. The company had a booth at the AAW Symposium in St. Paul, and sold-out of all of the product they had available at the time. Kurt Hertzog did a write up on them shortly after this symposium in Woodturning Design, if I am not mistaken.

Have a look at: http://www.groundflr.com/products.html - specifically the "Runner Series". If interested, give Tim Tompkins a call for more information, quotes and shipping estimates. There is a link to the product and price list, but it appears to be from 2012 and may not have current prices in the downloadable pdf. I have a 4 ft x 6 ft mat under my Robust American Beauty (standard/short bed), and it works, well..... ...beautifully!!

I hope this adds another high quality option for those considering the purchase of anti-fatigue mats - BTW - don't waste your money on the thin, non-foam ones (especially the snap together "tiles") because over time these degrade and roll-up at the edges and develop tripping hazards and are a PITA to clean up chips and dust from. Been there, done that, and never again.

Good luck!

Rob
 
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Bill Boehme

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.... I have a 4 ft x 6 ft mat under my Robust American Beauty (standard/short bed), and it works, well..... ...beautifully!

I don't suppose that this means that the lathe itself is sitting on the pad ... or ... is it? It sounds like the pad is oriented so that you can work all around the lathe without needing to move it. Have you ever noticed any problem with dust from sanding making the surface slick?

I'm wondering about the shipping on a quantity of one and if it could be rolled up.
 
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I don't suppose that this means that the lathe itself is sitting on the pad ... or ... is it? It sounds like the pad is oriented so that you can work all around the lathe without needing to move it. Have you ever noticed any problem with dust from sanding making the surface slick?

I'm wondering about the shipping on a quantity of one and if it could be rolled up.

Hi Bill!

All 4 legs of the AB are sitting firmly on the concrete floor. I cut a 4.5" square out of the 4' x 6' mat for the right front leg, and a similar notch along the left front leg at the left edge of the mat - these keep it in place, although it would just as easily sit there without these cut-outs. The entire mat sits under the lathe with "extensions" to the front and to the tailstock/tilt-away side of the lathe (for front and end position turning, respectively). If I can get a photo later today, I'll try to post it here.

No problems with dust making the mat surface slick (with over 2 years of experience working on it). I think they could ship a unit of one via UPS - the mats are not that heavy, just awkward to handle given their size. All of our mats were shipped in boxes, rolled up - but ONLY with the hardened urethane membrane top surface OUT - they are explicit about this - rolling them up backwards WILL damage the foam 'bottoms' of the mats. Let me know if you have any additional questions. (BTW - I e-mailed Tim last night to see if there are any updates on prices or availability of their mats - no response yet.)

The real question: ......2:28 am ? ? ? .... Night owl, eh?

Rob
 
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Images of Therapeutic Floor Mat Installation

Bill, et al.

I was home at lunchtime and took a few phone pics of the floor mat in use with my American Beauty. The images below give you an idea of how I made the cutouts mentioned above. I was mistaken in my comment above; my floor mat is actually 3 ft x 6 ft. - I could not use a 4 ft. depth due to other constraints on shop use.

(Note: The shop is rarely this clean; on this past Saturday (Oct 18th) I hosted an open house/shop tour for our local woodworking club, and I spent some time cleaning. Please don't get the false impression that I am an overly tidy woodturner - safe, yes; but tidy, no....)

I did get a reply from Tim Tompkins this morning, and the prices listed in the file downloadable from his web site are still current; he is still taking orders for the Therapeutic Floor Mats, and will also be able to answer questions about shipping, etc.

I hope this helps!

Rob


Floor Mat 1.jpg


Floor Mat 2.jpg



Floor Mat 3.jpg


Floor Mat 4.jpg
 
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