This music door topper pattern is two layers thick. Each layer is 1/4" thick.
According to polls, how many people wish they had learned to play an instrument?
82%
85% of American believe that music is "a very important part of their lives." Of those Americans who have for whatever reason never been involved in playing a musical instrument, 82% wish they had learned to play a musical instrument, and 67% expressed an interest in learning to do so.
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Health concerns from exposure to wood dust.
I am not a doctor. I am a woodworker who would like to understand the health concerns of breathing wood dust. It is a difficult subject to research because there are different studies that don't always seem to say the same thing.
Most of the studies I have read suggest that there is an elevated risk of cancer from over-exposure to wood dust. Where the studies vary is the amount of exposure vs the increased risk of cancer. Risk tends to increase as the exposure increases. People who work in the industry and have hours of exposure per day to wood dust have an elevated risk of as much as 40% in one study.
The studies did look at hobbyist woodworkers and found the increased risk minimal in most cases. The way I look at it, a 1% risk is terrible if you happen to be that 1%er. We are all at risk of something bad every day. We just have to make our own decisions on which risks we decide to take. Walking across the street increases the risk of getting hit by a car but most of us are willing to take that risk.
You may be willing to risk crossing the street but would you do it with your eyes closed. Probably not. What that says to me is that we know there is a risk but we are intelligent enough to minimize that risk with common sense. We open our eyes and look in both directions, then cross the street.
The same holds true for exposure to wood dust. We have all made the decision to risk some exposure but we don't have to do it with our eyes closed. We can minimize the risk by wearing dust masks, using dust collection, and keeping our shops clean.
Cancer is not the only increased risk factor. Skin, eye, and lung irritation can all be of concern. Each person is different so be aware of any reaction you have after being in your shop.
Some studies suggest that exposure to hardwood dust is more of a concern than softwood dust. Don't be confused by the terms hardwood and softwood. Hardwoods are trees that lose their leaves every year. Softwood comes from trees like evergreens. Balsa is a very soft wood but is considered hardwood. Weight and density have no bearing on the classification.
Things to consider:
Consider wearing a mask while you are in the shop. I'll be honest, I don't wear a mask the entire time I am in the shop. I put on the mask when I am using tools that put out dust. I use the mask more often when I am using high dust tools. I don't always put on a mask to make a single cut on the table saw. If I am emptying my dust collector I wear a full face respirator because I know the dust levels are going to jump way up. I'm not suggesting that you do what I do. I have made my personal decision on risk.
Consider letting your doctor know that you are a woodworker. If certain symptoms arise he may be able to diagnose the cause quicker and make suggestions to help.
If you have existing health issues or are a smoker then take that into account when exposing yourself to further risk. The factors tend to add up.
Just like we learned during the pandemic, ventilation makes a big difference. If you have the capability to take dusty jobs outside then that may be something to consider. Even an open door or window can keep the air in the shop cleaner.
If you work as a furniture maker, cabinet maker, or in other high dust work environments then your employer should be demanding that you follow safety guidelines on dust exposure.
Stay safe out there.
Bear Woods has the 30" Pegas Scroll Saw in Stock and Ready to Ship:
I know that some of you have been waiting for the 30" Pegas scroll saw. I received an email from Bear Woods today that the saws have arrived and are ready to ship. As always the stock is limited so if you have been waiting now is the time to order.
Please consider using the code STEVEGOOD at checkout for a 5% discount. You save a little money and I make a small commission.
$12 per sheet of 12 coins plus $3.50 shipping
Inlay with a 1" Forstner Bit.
The perfect way to sign your work.
Email Newsletter Readers: Remember that the Newsletter is just a copy of the daily blog post. To see the post in its proper formatting click this link. If you ever misplace a pattern or any item you see here you can always find it on the blog. Everything stays on the blog forever.
Over 3,600 Digital Pattern Books. Many with multiple patterns.
Every Scrollsaw Workshop Pattern from 2007-2021 on DVD, USB drive, or Instant Download. Over 3,600 Patterns!
Purchase the entire Scrollsaw Workshop pattern catalog for offline access.You will never run out of fun patterns to cut.
Three delivery options.
After payment, you will receive an email with the download link. This is a large file. You should not attempt to download it on a tablet or smartphone. It is a compressed file that will need to be extracted to your hard drive. Basic computer skill are necessary to extract the file.
The USB drive will be shipped to the US only first-class mail. Shipping time varies but you will get a tracking number. I normally ship within three days. USPS shipping normally varies from three days to a week.
The DVD is manufactured and shipped by my distributor. They ship to several countries but not all. Check their shipping list to see if your country is supported.
Here is a quick video showing you what you will get when you purchase the offline Scrollsaw Workshop Catalog
Want to create beautiful wooden vases on the scroll saw?
My two "Wooden Vases on the Scroll Saw" books make it easy.
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