Gym in garage, knife making in garage?

T

tastyninja

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Nov 20, 2012
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Would it be feasible to set up a shop in a garage that I work out in? I have no idea how bad the dust problem is; this will be my first time making a knife. No problems wearing a respirator while grinding, but that would be a pain when lifting weights. I was considering putting a tarp up to separate the grinding area (near the garage door, which would be open) and the weight lifting area (back): would this be adequate, or would I likely be inhaling particles while I squat? Any other suggestions?
 
I have my power cage(squat rack with a bench in it) in my shop along with a few other pieces of equipment. If you start grinding a bunch of handle material you might have to wipe things down occasionally but otherwise it's no big deal.
 
If you do shop work one night and then work-out the next then it probably won't be a big issue, in the beginning. If you do shop work and then work-out immediately afterwards in the same space, then it very well could be a big health hazard depending upon what was worked upon and how much air borne dust is present.

If you are considering a venture into knifemaking, don't let the restricted space discourage you. Just don't do weight lifting or aerobic activities in the same room after grinding metals, glass filled synthetics, or wood handles. I'd suggest letting the dust settle until the next evening.

Once you have decided that you enjoy knifemaking and it becomes a regular occurrence, than the areas of activity should be separated. Sooner than later.

Your suggestion of a partition is good. Consider a dust evacuation system.

Mike L.
 
A couple of grill covers will be the simplest way to keep the dust off the equipment. When done exercising, just drop over a cover and go make some knives.

As to airborne dust, it settles pretty fast. A fan at the garage door sending the air outside and a good vacuuming of the work area with a shop vac regularly will also help keep dust down.

Also, consider putting your dust making equipment on a rolling work table and rolling it outside when the weather permits.
 
Well, it may be OK for some folks. MY lungs and sinuses won't stand for it. I'm particularly weak in this area though. I've got to be very good about mask discipline. Plus the G10 smell would never work for me. I hate that smell.
 
Best suggestions are probably a rolling bench to take your work outside, a strong fan, and a good shop vac.
I have very limited space, a small outside utility room, so I do all my grinding under my carport. I use a strong fan to keep myself cool and also blow floating dust away from myself and the house, cars, bikes, ect. I also use a shop vac frequently to clean up dust that piles up. This setup works pretty well to keep the mess down.
If the weather isn't perfect, or you don't have shade outside the garage, just rolling your work station to the open door and putting a strong fan blowing out would help quite a bit.
 
Get a leaf blower and blow out the shop.

Works great.
 
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