how should I clean up after sanding G10? safety tips needed!

sogflash

sogflash

Joined
Aug 28, 2011
Messages
1,600
I've finally ordered some G10 to make knife scales from. I do have a respirator, and I'll find some goggles that sit tight around the eyes.

I have to do the work outside, and that's probably best.

when I'm finished I'm thinking that I should hose down the area I worked in. is it enough? if I work in a yard with soil and grass.

I might even submerge the piece I'm working with in water when I use sandpaper or a file. how should I dispose if the leftovers in the water?

I'm fucking scared of G10 after hearing some nasty stuff about it.
 
I havent had THAT much experience with it personally, I have made about 5 pairs of knife scales from g10. I dont think its that bad, yeah a dust mask and glasses are a must but other than that I think you are good. I wouldn't necessarily say a respirator is needed either, the particles should be large enough to be caught with a dust mask unless you are talking about working with the stuff on a industrial level. I think the above stated measures are more than enough. As far as disposing of the left overs i don't think any extraneous measures need to be taken. To my knowledge at least. I hope I was of some help.
 
The fine particles are probably worse for you than the actual composition. Even sand, which is fairly inert, can do bad things to your lungs if you breath enough of it. Chemicals aren't good for you but I doubt solid G10 particles break down much or release many chemicals. Still, it's better to be safe than sorry and a good respirator is something I would wear. If you don't have one then sanding under water will keep the particles from going air born though if you are sanding a lot that probably isn't feasible for the whole process.
 
The two hazards I've heard associated with grinding/sanding G10 are the fiberglass dust, and the chemical vapors given off by the resin when it's heated by grinding. As mentioned, the fiberglass can be dealt with as can any other fiberglass. The biggest danger is inhalation; it'll stay in your lungs forever. Just contain/control the dust, and use a respirator (or at least a dust mask). Some eye protection would also be a good idea; I wouldn't want that glass dust in the eyes. I'm thinking sanding it wet would be the best way to contain the dust; then wipe down as much as you can from all your work surfaces, so the dust won't dry and get stirred up later on. Wash your clothes afterward, too. The vapors given off by the resin will dissipate on their own, but working outside would definitely help with that. If you're just sanding by hand, and not doing any powered grinding, I doubt the vapor generated by heat would be an issue anyway.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top