Band Saw cover

[dusty]

:confused: Why do we cover our equipment with dust covers? What are we really protecting the equipment from?

I have covers for everything except my belt sander. When I bought covers I didn't have the belt sander. I use covers, except for the 520, all the time but I am not sure why.

Is the real requirement regional? Here in the desert southwest the climate is completely different than say on the coast or around the lakes. Are the covers of more value in humid areas where surface rust is a real problem?

I've been looking at all the videos and photos that originated in Shopsmith work areas. I don't see evidence of covers there. Does the crew at Shopsmith run around every night and cover everything up?

[Ed in Tampa]

:confused: Why do we cover our equipment with dust covers? What are we really protecting the equipment from?

I have covers for everything except my belt sander. When I bought covers I didn't have the belt sander. I use covers, except for the 520, all the time but I am not sure why.

Is the real requirement regional? Here in the desert southwest the climate is completely different than say on the coast or around the lakes. Are the covers of more value in humid areas where surface rust is a real problem?

I've been looking at all the videos and photos that originated in Shopsmith work areas. I don't see evidence of covers there. Does the crew at Shopsmith run around every night and cover everything up?



Dusty
I don't think the covers do anything for humidity or rust prevention. I do believe they protect the machines from dust, dirt and bangs and nicks. The covers also tend to stop people from piling things on to the machine.

In my case here in Florida I battle bug droppings. Which is include spiders and lizards that control the other bugs. Their droppings can make permanent stains on unfinished wood and machine table tops. Therefore I cover everything each evening.

I have tried spraying, fogging, vaccuming, smacking them with sticks, pest strips, poison, bait, toxic chemicals, magic, small explosions, fire and water, however no matter what I do if a I leave a perfectly sanded piece or an uncovered machine overnight in the morning I will find evidence of a visitor.

So I use machine covers and cover everything I'm working on.
Ed

[alancooke]

In my case here in Florida I battle bug droppings. Which is include spiders and lizards that control the other bugs. Their droppings can make permanent stains on unfinished wood and machine table tops. Therefore I cover everything each evening.

I have tried spraying, fogging, vaccuming, smacking them with sticks, pest strips, poison, bait, toxic chemicals, magic, small explosions, fire and water, however no matter what I do if a I leave a perfectly sanded piece or an uncovered machine overnight in the morning I will find evidence of a visitor.

Ed

Hope you don't sleep with your mouth open!:eek:

It's pretty much like that in my town too!:)

[charlese]

:confused: Why do we cover our equipment with dust covers? What are we really protecting the equipment from?....

Is the real requirement regional? Here in the desert southwest the climate is completely different than say on the coast or around the lakes. Are the covers of more value in humid areas where surface rust is a real problem?


I think it is a regional thing ! I kept the dust cover I got with my "Crafters Station" when I traded it for a Mark V. It fit my jointer just right! I think they are the same covers.

When I was in South TX, there was dew almost 365 days a year. All machinery was always in the attached garage. The humidity was always high. I believe the dust cover was effective in keeping rust from the iron tables of the jointer. I had to fight weekly to keep rust from forming on the belt sander tables. Also there is rust on the little collar that is part of the bandsaw table tilt assembly. This rust just appeared on this iron piece, and I didn't notice. However I never had trouble with the jointer tables because of the cover (I surmise).

Since moving to the desert there is no such rust concerns. We don't allow humidity. (Today is 6% RH) (Dew point is 16 degrees)

BTW we also don't have flying bugs - they aren't allowed. Just ants, snakes, a few partridges and some jack rabbits.;)