I got the plank. Usually, I treat wood by lin (flax) oil for an wonderful look. Would this treatment modify the properties of the wood in respect of ESD or otherwise? Thanks!
The good part is the oil will evaporate rather quickly. The bad part is the oil will get onto any component you are working with and the thin film will insulate any electrical connection you try to make. Bad move! Bare wood will work quite well and will eventually have lots of burn marks from your soldering iron!
So an wood base would decrease the potential places of static charges?
There won't be any static charges on the wood, its a good conductor from the point
of view of electrostatics. But any surface of any good insulator will hold a static charge (unless
the air is humid) - so any plastic pretty much can hold a charge, and putting it on a piece of
wood doesn't change that fact.
I see nothing against wearing a wrist strap, but this has to be carefully earthed. And, to be honest, I never see somebody wearing it. It is even very difficult to find one in my market. Of course, no big deal in a DiY bracelet. But, do I really need one?
If you are in a centrally heated building during cold dry conditions, yes you do really. Anytime combing
hair can generate a crackle of static there is plenty of static charge around on every insulator...
If in the tropics during hot humid weather you'll never be able to generate any static however hard you try!
Simple precautions - no nylon/synthetic carpet. No nylon/synthetic clothing/furniture. Wooden work bench, earth yourself to the bench before touching any component... (and don't wear wellington boots!)
- I would never think on it)! You are 100% right. I will left the wood natural (no oil).