Dealing with dust with Mike Okner

November 2012 Volume 25 Issue 11

WOODWORDS ON

THE BRANDYWINE

WOODWORKERS

GUILD OFFICERS FOR

2012

President: Peter Leavens

VP: George Hoffman

Treasurer: Jeremy Noblitt

Newsletter Editor:

Tim Sabo

Librarian: Tony Knisley

Raffle Manager:

Tony Knisley

Webmaster:

Richard Dell

Program Committee:

Jim Stevens

Charles Given

Pell Sherman

Jim Kirkbride

I once visited a shop in Unionville, PA that

was spotless. No chips of wood on the floor or dust on the benches. I didn’t understand because there were a number of unfinished

pieces distributed among the different sta-tions of the room. There’s no conclusion to

this story because I’m still perplexed.

I attended an auction of an out of business shop two weeks ago. Everything was dusty. I felt right at home, but not comfortable.

Dealing with dust is important. Many of us have our shops in areas attached to our houses; basements or garages. Keeping the dust out of the central air system can be ex-

tremely difficult. But more important breath-ing in wood dust can be a serious health haz-ard. Long term exposure to wood dust can

contribute to respiratory problems like sinusi-tis, asthma and emphysema. Acute sensitivity problems can develop from many exotic im-

ported species such as Rosewood and Teak.

Mike walked us through a number systems currently on the market appropriate for any

size shop. He was very passionate about Not addressing this issue is Not an option. You should anticipate dealing with dust the same

way you anticipate an electric bill every time you turn on a tablesaw. Buy or fabricate a

system.

For those who saw Mike’s presentation know that he was thorough. He discussed airflow calculations needed to properly size your

system, duct work layout, and filter efficiency. He showed us systems as small as a shopvac to big cyclones. There are attachments on

the market that attach to garbage cans which separate larger chips from fine dust and

extend the filter’s life. There are torit

systems that self clean the filter and keep the cfm’s high. There are systems that attach directly to tools and wall systems

to clarify the air within the room.

Mike discussed the potential for static buildup when PVC duct work is used. He

personally never experienced a shock, but doesn’t dismiss the danger. To get around this install a copper wire through the tub-

ing. Have it exit the tubing near an elec-trical outlet. Caulk the hole where it exits to seal the tubing. Add a 110v male plug to the wire. Attach the wire to the

ground connection only and plug it in. This will safely eliminate any static electric-ity especially in the winter months when

the air is dry.

Thank you Mike for sharing!

Photo on page 2

Page 2 WOODWORDS ON THE BRANDYWINE

Page 3

Show & Tell

David Webber

Ron Hasse

Jeremy Noblitt

2012 Meeting Schedule

Guild meetings are held on the third

Wednesday of each month. All interested persons are invited.

Our upcoming meeting is:

November 21st

Bob Bradish—Ships Carpenter (Kalmar Nickel)

7:00 PM Woodcraft

166 South DuPont Highway

New Castle, DE 19720

Page 4 WOODWORDS ON THE BRANDYWINE

166 South DuPont Highway

Upcoming contest The topic for this contest will be “Toys”. This will include whirli-

gigs through checker boards. Entries will be due in December. Multiple entries are acceptable, however, one prize per individual.

Contest is open to all current members. Rules on how the judg-ing will take place will be distributed at a future meeting. The

judges will be selected by the program committee and will include only non-participants. If you don’t plan on having an entry and

would like to be a judge, please see any member of the program

committee.

Christmas tree ornaments made for the festival of trees

Page 5 Volume 25 Issue 11

The classified section is open to any paid member. Have your classified information into Tim Sabo by

the first of the month to be included in that month’s newsletter. Email your information to: TSabo@Dow.com

Classifieds

Woodcarvers of Delaware club

The “Woodcarvers of Delaware” club meets every Monday night (6:30-8:30), while school is in session. We meet at

McKean High School in the old woodworking room. The meetings are informal. People bring and work on their projects at the meetings. Experienced woodcarvers are available to help you master the art of woodcarving. If you would like to add a new dimension to your wood working skills, come and check this club out. For additional infor-

mation contact Roger Earley (president) at 302-998-4855.

Jim Stevens has the following for sale: call (302) 545-6937

Rockler Clamp Storage Rack Asking $75.00

Raffle Winner Treasurer’s Report 11/01/2012

Raffle Income $ 34.00

50/50 Income $ 4.00 Current balance $ 998.42

2012 Dues are now being collected — see Jeremy for payment

Yearly dues are $ 35.00

Ron Hasse won the 1st raffle prize

(Digital angle gauge) Jeremy Noblitt won the 2nd raffle prize

(Chisel sharpening jig system)

Jim Malone won $4 in the 50/50

Page 6 WOODWORDS ON THE BRANDYWINE

Updated photos for two projects that were partially completed in past newsletters

From Peter Leavens’ shop. Wine bottle cabinet—first shared as being in-process in the July 2012 newsletter.

From Tim Sabo’s shop. Walnut chest of drawers—first shared

as being in-process in the March 2012 newsletter.

Woodworkers Guild of Delaware

38 Jay Drive

New Castle, DE. 19720

WE’RE ON THE WEB www.delawarewoodworkers.org

Open to all woodworkers novice to experts

Woodworkers Guild of Delaware

Benefactors of the Guild Please keep these friends in mind when you make purchases:

Woodcraft www.woodcraft.com Lee Valley www.leevalley.com Veritas www.veritastools.com