Ask the Expert
IF YOU HAVE A PRODUCT RELATED QUESTION, PLEASE USE OUR CONTACT US FORM FOR AN IMMEDIATE RESPONSE. THIS SECTION IS RESERVED FOR GENERAL WOODWORKING RELATED QUESTIONS.
Michael Van Pelt is the founder of American Sycamore Woodworker’s Retreat. He has a reputation as the tool guru. Mike has been in woodworking for over thirty years. His knowledge of tools comes from his many years of intertwining experience in the woodworking industry. Mike’s experiences include being active as an Industrial Arts Teacher, professional instructor of power machinery and tool techniques, tool sales, management and owner of woodworking tool retail store, Delta Machinery representative and technical advisory.
If you have a question for Michael, choose the Submit Question button to the right by November 30th. We will send you a reply with Mike's response in mid-December and then post it to this page for other members to view. You never know...someone else may have the same question
IF YOU HAVE A PRODUCT RELATED QUESTION, PLEASE USE OUR CONTACT US FORM FOR AN IMMEDIATE RESPONSE. THIS SECTION IS RESERVED FOR GENERAL WOODWORKING RELATED QUESTIONS.
Listed below are questions and answers that have already been submitted.
Questions
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9/9/2009
Picking a Router Lift
Answer provided by Mike Heavey
| Q. |
I am thinking of buying a router lift - specifically a Benchdog. Do you have any recommendations on lifts or cautions? |
| A. |
There are many good router lifts out there to choose from, so make a list of what important to you, then find a lift that matches that. If you will be doing extremely precise work, and repeating that cut if important ( like making piece part for projects) consider a router lift that has that precision, such as the Incra system, or the Woodpecker. Happy hunting. |
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9/9/2009
Safety on Cutting 4 Plywood Sheets
Answer provided by Mike Heavey
| Q. |
For efficiency reasons we cut 4 sheets of plywood at the same time on a bench saw. Plywood is 1/4'' thick. Is this procedure recommended? What safety measures should we take? |
| A. |
The one and only thing on my mind when working is safety. There is no short cut that is worth not being safe. I would one sheet at a time, regardless of how long it would take. |
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2/18/2008
Planer Safety
Answer provided by Mike Van Pelt
(Please refer to your owner's manual.)
| Q. |
I
am a high school shop teacher and a situation has come up in our shop. Many websites are stating that when a board
gets stuck in the surface planer, the safe procedure is to turn the planer off
and lower the table when the cutter head stops.
My very experienced colleague says that this is not the correct procedure.
He says that the machine should be left running and the table should be lowered
until the blade is no longer in contact with the material, then turn the machine
off. Which is the correct procedure? |
| A. |
You
and your colleague both have good points.
In a school situation I believe that turning the planer off FIRST is the
safest method. I am afraid that an
inexperienced student might have a piece thrown out of the machine. As an experienced user and using and knowing my
machine that I use just about every day, I would lower the table FIRST. I do not like putting that extra strain on
the motor. Great question and one that
can be debated on both sides. |
[ Back To Main ]
2/14/2008
Safety Advice
Answer provided by Scott Phillips
| Q. |
With
your experience in wood working you must have some important safety advice
about woodworking. What are the top ten
safety tips you could offer beginning woodworkers? |
| A. |
Thanks for this question! It is my favorite one!
1) Always read, understand and follow the instructions that come with the
tools and products you use! Work Safely!
2) Wear Safety Glasses
3) Wear Hearing Protection
4) Wear a Niosh 95 dust mask when in dusty situations
5) Remove all rings when woodworking. My wedding band is never worn in
my shop.
6) Never work tired or distracted. Go fishing or take a walk.
7) Have a properly lighted and ventilated shop. Finishing vapors can
hurt you!
8) Set aside a sharpening day where you replace dull bits and blades
and tune up tools. Never touch a blade, bit or cutter when the tool is plugged
in.
9) Install great dust collection. Including an ambient air cleaner.
10) Keep an ABC fire extinguisher by the main shop door.
11) Always use the tool guards as instructed! Keep all guards tuned up
and in proper working condition.
12) Seek out professional advice when challenges arise.
Wear Safety Glasses |
