How To Safely Use And Handle Plywood
Handle plywood, which is often offered in four foot by eight foot sheets, poses a bit of a problem in addition to the standard safety requirements involved in any woodworking operation. Hefting Safely Around a Massive Piece of Plywood The sheer immensity of plywood contributes to its greatness. Unfortunately, such trait is also one of its most difficult tasks. Consider the weight of a sheet of plywood. A full size sheet of 34″ hardwood plywood weighs around 55 pounds; certain kinds weigh an extra 10 or 15 pounds. While many adults can easily carry 55 pounds with very modest effort, lifting the weight of plywood is made more difficult by its uncomfortably huge and ungainly dimensions.Teamwork is the most effective way to move plywood.
Many do-it-yourselfers, though, take the “yourself” component to heart. American Woodworker recommends the following options for them:
When moving handle plywood sheets, use a rolling cart.
To transfer sheets, tie loops on either end of a 12-foot rope and wrap the loops around the bottom corners of a sheet; then, pull up on the centre of the rope for a “handle” and raise up (it will still be heavy, but less awkward to move).
If the project components do not require a full length of plywood, have it cut before loading it up for the journey to the shop.
Cutting
Saws of various kinds offer major safety hazards. Working with a huge material, such as a sheet of plywood, may raise the risk factor. Individualism is admirable, but if possible, enlist the assistance of others in the cutting process, at least when ripping the enormous sheet into smaller components. However, if a project is exclusively a solo endeavour, proceed with caution. All construction operations involving saws and cutting need the use of both safety eyewear and respirators. Ascertain that the saw is fitted with the appropriate blade for the material. If possible, create the initial crosscuts on plywood with a rotary saw. Place the sheet on sawhorses or a pair of 2x4s on the floor.
Using this procedure, you will receive a more exact cut than if you tried it on your own with a table saw, have a better chance of maintaining all digits, and avoid long-term scarring. If a table saw is the only option, use the following safety devices: A strong out-feed table that supports the plywood after it has passed through the cutting blade area (bigger shop carts with locking wheels, as well as conventional tables, may work)
When cutting larger pieces, use tables or sawhorses to give side support.
When used properly, a riving knife may remove almost all kickbacks that occur during ripping, and when combined with other good safety practises such as precise blade heights, blade guards, and stance, it considerably reduces the chance of table saw injury.
Dust
The majority of woodworkers wear eye protection to keep dust and debris out of their eyes. Many people, however, underestimate the importance of lung protection. Dust is produced when plywood is cut. Inhaling dust particles from almost any substance can result in respiratory problems ranging from moderate throat irritation to asthma or worse. Because most woodworking is done indoors, dust rapidly builds on surfaces and spews out from freshly cut surfaces.
Dust remediation systems are one way to reduce dust inhalation concerns. Many tools include an attachment for a dust remediation system or even a simple shop vac. There are even more complex systems that can meet the needs of a complete shop. The dust mask, on the other hand, is a simple and generally available solution that can be found almost everywhere that sells wood items. WEAR IT after reading the label to confirm it is intended for use in wood shops. Excellent Results Require Safety. Following safe plywood handling practises ensures excellent results on all fronts. Shortcuts are appealing, and the additional expenditure of safety devices may appear superfluous at first, but they pay off in the end.
Handling plywood, which is often offered in four foot by eight foot sheets, poses a bit of a problem in addition to the standard safety requirements involved in any woodworking operation. Hefting Safely Around a Massive Piece of Plywood The sheer immensity of plywood contributes to its greatness. Unfortunately, such trait is also one of its most difficult tasks. Consider the weight of a sheet of plywood. A full size sheet of 34″ hardwood plywood weighs around 55 pounds; certain kinds weigh an extra 10 or 15 pounds.While many adults can easily carry 55 pounds with very modest effort, lifting the weight of plywood is made more difficult by its uncomfortably huge and ungainly dimensions.
Teamwork is the most effective way to move plywood. Many do-it yourselfers, though, take the “yourself” component to heart.
American Woodworker recommends the following options for them:
When moving plywood sheets, use a rolling cart. To transfer sheets, tie loops on either end of a 12-foot rope and wrap the loops around the bottom corners of a sheet; then, pull up on the centre of the rope for a “handle” and raise up (it will still be heavy, but less awkward to move). If the project components do not require a full length of plywood, have it cut before loading it up for the journey to the shop.
Cutting
Saws of various kinds offer major safety hazards. Working with a huge material, such as a sheet of plywood, may raise the risk factor. Individualism is admirable, but if possible, enlist the assistance of others in the cutting process, at least when ripping the enormous sheet into smaller components. However, if a project is exclusively a solo endeavour, proceed with caution. All construction operations involving saws and cutting need the use of both safety eyewear and respirators. Ascertain that the saw is fitted with the appropriate blade for the material.
If possible, create the initial crosscuts on plywood with a rotary saw.
Place the sheet on sawhorses or a pair of 2x4s on the floor.
Using this procedure, you will receive a more exact cut than if you tried it on your own with a table saw, have a better chance of maintaining all digits, and avoid long-term scarring.
If a table saw is the only option, use the following safety devices:
A strong out feed table that supports the plywood after it has passed through the cutting blade area (bigger shop carts with locking wheels, as well as conventional tables, may work)
When cutting larger pieces, use tables or sawhorses to give side support.
A featherboard for moving materials towards the sawblade that holds the material up against the rip fence of the saw, reducing the possibility of backlash and bent sawblades. When used properly, a riving knife may remove almost all kickbacks that occur during ripping, and when combined with other good safety practises such as precise blade heights, blade guards, and stance, it considerably reduces the chance of table saw injury.
Dust
The majority of woodworkers wear eye protection to keep dust and debris out of their eyes. Many people, however, underestimate the importance of lung protection. Dust is produced when plywood is cut. Inhaling dust particles from almost any substance can result in respiratory problems ranging from moderate throat irritation to asthma or worse. Because most woodworking is done indoors, dust rapidly builds on surfaces and spews out from freshly cut surfaces. Dust remediation systems are one way to reduce dust inhalation concerns. Many tools include an attachment for a dust remediation system or even a simple shop vac. There are even more complex systems that can meet the needs of a complete shop.
The dust mask, on the other hand, is a simple and generally available solution that can be found almost everywhere that sells wood items. WEAR IT after reading the label to confirm it is intended for use in wood shops. Excellent Results Require Safety. Following safe plywood handling practises ensures excellent results on all fronts. Shortcuts are appealing, and the additional expenditure of safety devices may appear superfluous at first, but they pay off in the end.