Replies

1. 
   InMyOpinion | Feb 23, 2007 06:59am | #1

   Yikes!
   I'm in California, where many of us natives haven't seen seasons or basements; so I'll let others help you.

   Please, though, let me respectfully submit:
   a) If static electricity can cause a DC fire, then proximity to a flame cannot be ignored. (Granted a flame and spark are not synonymous . . . but close.)

   b) If you are doing finish work and/or have any liquid, saving water, in the shop, look out.

   I would think you would want to exhaust the basement big time.

   I look forward to learning from your discussion.

2. 
   Buster2000 | Feb 23, 2007 10:36am | #2

   In terms of daily use I don't think you'd be risking a dust explosion, if that's what you're worried about.  Contrary to the previous poster static discharge will not ignite a typical amount of dust in workshop, it doesn't have enough charge and you're unlikely to ever build up enough of a cloud to ignite.  There are some good papers on this.  Open flame though a little more dangerous is unlikely to cause an issue.  To prove a point many people use wood stoves in a workshop without any issues.

   The real issues I see is the dust that settles on the burner.  Enough of a buildup could be a fire hazard.  With the various shop heaters I've used I always take some compressed air to them every week or so to clean them up.  You may not have this option with the dryer.

1. 
   jeanlou | Feb 23, 2007 07:07pm | #3

   Buster2000

   Your point about blowing the burner clean of dust regularly is well taken and needs no elaboration.

   My thought about caknuts1's basement shop is that if he needs a heating system, then he will be keeping the windows closed in winter. I also would not worry about the dust in the air exploding...chemical fumes are another story. Basements have either finished ceilings (which lowers the ceiling) or are left unfinished, giving lots of room for lighter than air fumes to accumulate in the joist space. The heavier chemical particles will be floating at different levels from the floor. Here open flames are a serious problem and the sparks to start up the burner are also a problem.

   The shops that heat with a wood stove are most likely heated while wood is being worked, not a great danger if care is taken to control dust, particles and falloff. 

   I would not stay in a shop space with an open spark or flame while solvent based contact cement is being applied by some half-wit, because I have been witness to several fires involving this material. The same holds true for spraying finishes like sanding sealer, lacquer and other acetone,toluene, and lacquer thinner based finishes. Even brushing finishes containing highly volatile chemicals is a risk that is sillier than silly.  JL

1. 
   Buster2000 | Feb 24, 2007 04:07am | #5

   I meant to add a comment about finishing in these spaces.  Open flame and flameable vapour are two things taht don't go together well.  The OP asked about dust, but this is the real danger.

   I don't really think getting your dryer all dusted up is a very good idea anyway...  My wife would kill me.

1. 
   jeanlou | Feb 24, 2007 04:18am | #6

   Buster2000

   With so many wives ready to kill the Knotheads who track sawdust everywhere, it is a wonder that we are not yet an endangered species and still there are enough of us to keep a forum alive and well. :-)  JL

3. 
   joinerswork | Feb 24, 2007 03:49am | #4

   cak,

   A fellow decided to do a parachute jump to celebrate his 50th birthday.  As luck would have it, his 'chute failed to open, as did the reserve.  As he plummeted toward the ground, he was surprised to see, rising toward him, another gent.  As they approached one another, he shouted out, "HEY! You know anything about parachutes?"  The other guy yells back, "NO! You know anything about gas stoves?"

   Ray, of no help, whatsoever

1. 
   jeanlou | Feb 24, 2007 04:22am | #7

    

   Ray, of no help, whatsoever

   Don't under estimate the power of the story you told. It is probably going to be more help than anything else that will be posted on this issue, and may even save a life. What an image!  JL

4. 
   caknuts1 | Feb 24, 2007 05:26am | #8

   Thanks to all who posted. I also found some good stuff at Fine Homebuilding. The was a link to an excellent article, which supports the unlikeliness of a problem at : http://mywebpages.comcast.net/rodec/woodworking/articles/DC_myths.html

   As many stated, the real issues are:
   - fumes from finishing
   - dust gathering around any burners

   Thanks again to all.
   Charles

5. 
   glasswd | Feb 24, 2007 08:38am | #9

   Go to one of the dollar stores thats where I got a cover made especially for clothes dryers. It's made of the same stuff as a shower curtain. Mines been fine for about 4yrs now. One other very important thing. As a former plumber I urge you to pull the access panel off at least once a month and shove your shop-vac nozzle for a good cleaning. Also every six months do the same on the vent pipe. The lint is more of a hazard than anything else.  I've seen the results of more dryer fires caused by lint than I care to remember!