Recently I tried a tip from Knots for wood prone to tearout in the planer – wet it first to soften the fibers. the tip suggested using either water or mineral spirits., It worked pretty well with water at that time.
Today I had to reduce the thickness of some curly cherry, which was chipping in both directions. I sponged hot water on both faces, let it soak in for a few minutes, and ran the boards thru the planer. Of course, the iron surface of the planer, in the presence of water, caused black iron stains on the cherry. Fortunately the stains were shallow, and removed by the next pass.
I’m wondering about the use of mineral spirits in this way. There is always going to be some static electricity in the central dust collector, and mineral spirits is flammable. Is this a fire risk?
Replies
not exactly OSHA
From time to time I've passed this bit of info on, but only because I know I'm far beyond the reach of OSHA inspectors. The old-timers used kerosene for this. It works very well, leaves no residue, and doesn't rust. Anyone who has ever tried will know that it's surprisingly hard to ignite it - only an open flame will light kerosene. Just for your info. But I have no doubt that OSHA would not approve...
static electricity may be the least of it
The motor on the planer, if it has brushes, could be a big time ignition source.
A side, side, side, note . . . I was using this wetting thing , with my hand planes, just last night and I always use water. Partly for taking down with heavy cuts to prevent the odd chunk coming out but makes easier work of a large hard to reach across slab. I don't have windows in the shop and only the big garage door so not much ventilation. Hey I didn't build it I just rent it. Any way I stayed away from solvents until now because I don't want the fumes to breath.
Last night I tried alcohol and didn't like it. It soaked in so fast I didn't have time to brush it all over. Took a lot of solvent. Some how the water stays on top long enough to brush it all over. I have taken to pump spraying the water on but seems like I will be breathing even more fumes if I do that with solvent. Heavy breathing while planing this thing and all.
Tell me again how do I get this in the thickness planer ? Just yoking.
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