moldy drums

Hunterarrow

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Feb 19, 2013
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Hi all.
I have a recurring problem of sanding drums getting moldy and falling apart.
Do you have this problem? What would be the best solution. Thanks.
 
Throw some of those little silica (I think that is what they are called. The little moisture sucking packs that come in stuff you buy) in with them sealed in a zip lock bag or you can put them in the freezer.
 
You can try and fight mold all you want, but until you eliminate the cause of mold you will get almost nowhere.

Mold is a fungus that needs an organic material to feed on and moisture to allow it to grow. Keeping the amount of wood dust down will help somewhat with cutting down on the food supply, but eliminating moisture and water is the main Key.

A cabinet with a 25-75W light bulb in the bottom and a few small holes in the top is called a dry/drying cabinet. The size of the bulb will determine if it is to remove moisture ( 50-75W for drying) or just maintain a dry condition ( 25W to keep dry). Make sure there is air flow room from shelf to shelf by having the shelves stop 1" before the doors ( if the cabinet is 12" deep, use 11" shelves).

Removing sources of humidity is the main way to cut down on a moldy shop. Fix leaks in pipes, water heaters, and roofs. Seal windows and doors well. Don't leave buckets and pans of water sitting out ( slack tubs and dunk pans). If you use a water trap for your grinder sparks, put a lid on it when not in use.
 
Bring your drums in the house where temp and humidity is lower, dehumidifier. In order to get mold growth you need moisture, food source (drums) right temp, and it will grow more in darkness.
 
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