A Clean Woodshop is a Safe One

Woodworking is a great way to relieve stress, but many people put off the dreaded clean up process afterward. Here are tips to keep your workshop clean easily so you can be safe.

If you are a true woodworking enthusiast, chances are you have invested a lot of money in tools and materials. Therefore it is essential that you invest a little more money into a dust collection system. It's not "just a little dust" in your woodshop: Wood dust can irritate your skin and lungs. The wood you use may also have mold and chemicals that can be deadly. A good dust collection system is essential to your health.

When cleaning your workshop, keep your saw blades clean. Whether you use a band saw, a hack saw or any other type, wood resin can coat the blades and affect how well they perform. There are many saw blade cleaners on the market that are inexpensive and easy to use. They will extend the life of your expensive saw blades if you use them regularly and correctly.

Resin also collects on router bits, affecting how well they cut. Your hardware store or home improvement center has many router bit maintenance kits to help you get rid of the resin and also to lubricate the pilot bearings on your router bits. These easy maintenance tasks will extend the life of your router bits. It's much better to maintain them than to shell out money for more of them.

Be sure to carefully clean other pieces of equipment too, to keep them running longer. When you are done cleaning them, make sure you keep them in a clean place as well: Clean off counters and table tops, including the table saw platform. Pick up and put away the bits of clutter that seem to collect in every workshop. Not only will it look better, it will be safer too. You will also be able to find the tools and materials you need more easily. You won't have to go to the store to buy things because you simply couldn't find the one you already have.

Some people simply don't know how to clean and organize their woodshop. There are many websites and many books to help you. You can also visit a home improvement store and see what products they have to help you keep your workshop clean. It's worth the time and the extra expense to keep the area safe and clean.

Many people consider cleaning a chore. However, if you keep your workshop area clean, you may find you enjoy your hobby even more. You'll be able to show others how you work and can take pride in having a well-kept area in which to produce your creations.