Popular Woodworking 2007-08 № 163, страница 39

is supplied by a small, battery operated pump and kept clean by means of a filter. The system creates positive air pressure right around the mouth and nose and keeps airborne dust at bay. This equipment is relatively expensive, and not everyone will like working in the confines of a hood or helmet. Yet many who have them swear by them.

Special Concerns: Indoor Heating Equipment

Dust can create special hazards in shops that share floor space with heating equipment. This is often the case in basement shops where a woodworker might be sanding a tabletop a few feet from an oil-burning furnace that is laboring to operate under less-than-ideal conditions.

By itself, a high concentration of dust can be a fire hazard. Dust also will interfere with the operation of heating equipment that draws combustion air from inside the shop. Dust can clog and ruin the burner, requiring you to call a

technician on the coldest night of the year.

Direct-vent space heaters are vented to the outside via a double-walled pipe rather than a chimney. Vent pipes are formed by two concentric layers of steel, creating a pipe within a pipe. Combustion air is drawn through the outer perimeter of the pipe; exhaust gases go out through the middle. The clever design not only keeps the stack cool but it means that no shop air is used for combustion. These heaters typically run on natural gas, propane or kerosene.

If you have a conventional oil or gas furnace in the basement, call your service company and ask for the installation of a duct from the burner to the outside. That will accomplish the same thing. It won't cost that much and will save you a lot of trouble in the long run.

Electric heaters should be inspected regularly and cleaned when the heating elements show a buildup of dust. A blast of compressed air should take care of it. PW

Having a furnace in or near your shop can be a headache. The dust from the equipment can clog the burner. And fine sanding dust can be a hazard with some furnaces. So check with an HVAC professional.

Popular Woodworking

Everything you need to know about setting up your shop!

From getting the most out of your space, to choosing machinery location, lighting, power and material storage, this seven-chapter series offers all the answers.

Chapter 7 Dust Collection

Keep your shop (and your lungs) dust free by planning ahead for any task.

IN PAST ISSUES

Chapter 1 (issuE #157) The Right Location

Learn the pros and cons of basement, garage and outbuilding shops - and how to make the most of any shop.

Chapter 2 (issuE #158) Lighting & Power

Task versus ambient lighting? 110v or 220v power? Learn the best options for your shop.

Chapter 3 (issuE #159)

Placing

Machinery

The right machines in the right locations will make your woodworking smooth.

Chapter 4 (issuE #160)

Small Tool Organization

Balancing maximum storage with accessibility will save time and energy.

Chapter 5 (issuE #161) Material Storage

Proper lumber and sheet-good storage keeps the materials straight and handy.

Chapter 6 (issuE #162) Rules for Workbenches

Beyond machines, workbenches are where everything gets done in a woodshop. Choose well.

Order back issues online at popularwoodworking.com or call 800-258-0929.