Wood Shop

The Wood Shop Area at Pikes Peak Makerspace (PPM) consists of

both Level 2 and Level 3 equipment.

Additional PPM training and then PPM certification is required to use any of our Level 3 equipment.

Our trainers are passionate about sharing their knowledge and ensuring a positive learning experience for all.

We are grateful for their commitment and dedication to our community.

Wood Shop Area hand tools should be marked with green tape, paint, or powder coating.

The SawStop in the PPM Wood Shop cannot be turned on without scanning the RFID card of a certified member in our T.E.S.L.A. Access system.

Contact Us if you cannot find your answer here on our Wiki or if you notice any information that is outdated.

 

Wood Shop Policy, Safety, and Orientation

All Wood Shop users are required to follow all Wood Shop Policies and Safety Procedures.

Members are required to pass the Wood Shop Safety Quiz with 90% or better before attending the in-person orientation.

Emergency Safety - Review the Wood Shop layout to know the nearest emergency exits, eye wash, first aid kits, fire extinguishers, and breaker box in case of emergency.

• By using Pikes Peak Makerspace (PPM) you are agreeing to the shop policies and to operate equipment and use the space safely. Personal safety is your responsibility.
• Damage to tools, equipment, the shop itself caused by your actions is solely your responsibility.

Impairment - The use of the Wood Shop equipment requires you to be alert, attentive and focused.

• Do not use the Wood Shop, any PPM work area, or any PPM tools, if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Likewise, ensure that you are well-rested and alert.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Safety Glasses - Safety glasses are required when you are operating hand or stationary powered tools in the Wood Shop. 
  • Additionally, safety glasses are required if you are in the Wood Shop, and someone else is operating powered tools. (ANSI Z87.1-impact resistant) safety glasses are required. These are rated for impact protection and have side shields to provide protection from objects coming from the front and sides. Most prescription glasses are not impact resistant or provide side protection. If you use prescription glasses, then put an ANSI Z87-1 goggle over them.
• Hearing Protection - Hearing protection is required when you are operating stationary powered tools, or someone else is operating machinery in the Wood Shop. There are two types of hearing protection
  • Soft Foam earplugs are available. To get the best protection roll the foam with your fingers to condense the plug. Pull the top of your ear up and back with the opposite hand, and insert the plug into your ear canal. Hold the plug with your finger for 20-30 seconds to let the plug expand and fill your ear canal. Your voice will sound muffled if the plug has a good seal.
  • Ear muffs are available. These fit over both ears and have sound attenuating material and soft ear cushion to fit around the ears.
• Respiratory Protection - Particulate filter respirator should be used when significant wood dust is being generated (when emptying the dust collector).
• Shoes - Closed toe shoes are required. If working with heavy lumber, consider safety shoes (steel or composite) to protect your toes if materials or tools are dropped.
• Gloves - Gloves should not be worn when using powered equipment (saws, jointers, drills, or other equipment). Leather gloves can be worn for handling materials, but not when operating machinery.
• Hair and Clothing - There are many moving parts in the Wood Shop that can get caught and pull you into mechanical equipment. Tie back long hair when operating machinery. Also ensure that sleeves, hoodie strings, and any loose clothing is secured.
• Jewelry - Remove rings, bracelets and any other jewelry that could get caught when operating equipment.

Hazards

The following are a list of hazards that should be considered while working in the Wood Shop.

• Wood Dust - Exposure to wood dust has been associated with a variety of adverse health effects including dermatitis, respiratory effects and cancers. Engineering controls include local exhaust ventilation which removes dust at or near the source. To be effective the dust collection system needs to be maintained. Check and clean the dust collection system to ensure they are working properly. Additionally, particulate filters, or respirators can be worn to protect personnel directly.
• Noise - The machinery in the Wood Shop can exceed 85 decibels in noise. This can impair hearing if you are exposed to it over a sustained amount of time. Noise levels can be reduced by maintaining motors and moving parts in top operating conditions, reducing the speed of operation, ensuring the equipment frames are rigid and isolating noisy equipment on rubber footing. Additionally, hearing protection (ear muffs, and ear plugs) can be used to reduce individual exposure to loud noises while working in this area.
• Electrical Hazards - To minimize the danger of electrical hazards, machines must always be grounded, circuit breakers and fuse boxes labeled, cords, cables and plugs must be in good repair, and outlets and switches must be covered. Report any unsafe condition found by using posting on #red-tags-issues on Slack and putting a filled out red-tag on the equipment to prevent its use until it is repaired.
• Machine Maintenance - Equipment needs to be properly maintained to function safely. If there is any indication that the machine is not functioning properly, don’t use it. Report any unsafe condition found by using posting on #red-tags-issues on Slack and putting a filled out red-tag and/or lock-out/tag-out device on the equipment to prevent its use until it is repaired.
• Fire and Explosion - Woodworking facilities contain large quantities of fuel in the form of woods, wood products, and sawdust, (and also paints, oils finishes, solvents, and other flammable liquids). Sawdust can ignite and burn far more easily than whole pieces of lumber. Regular maintenance must be done to ensure that dust is not accumulating in the area.

• Electrical panels must be kept clear.
• Fire extinguishers and exit routes must always be accessible.
• It is important for every user to ensure that they perform effective clean-ups of the equipment and the area to reduce the build up of wood dust, the separation of flammable materials, the proper maintenance of equipment.

Reporting Issues

Injuries

If there is a personal injury requiring medical attention, dial 911 and obtain medical treatment.

Report any accidents or personal safety issues (including near-misses) as soon as possible with one of these methods:

• Call 719-445-MAKE(6253) and leave a detailed message including:

   ☐ Your name and phone number

   ☐ Who was injured and their phone number

   ☐ Describe the injury, part of body

   ☐ Detail what type of medical attention was sought

   ☐ Describe how the accident occurred

   ☐ Include the equipment that was being used

• Send a direct message to our Executive Director on Slack
• Use the form on the PPM website to Contact Us
  • Include all the same information listed in the checklist above

Equipment Issues

Red-Tag Equipment – If equipment needs repairs, place a red-tag on it and report it via the Pikes Peak Makerspace Slack, #red-tags-issues channel. This advises others on the malfunctioning equipment and ensures that actions can be taken to service/repair the equipment.

Red Tags

• Any damage to tools or broken equipment MUST be reported in a direct message to an Area Deputy or our Director.

• Use a Red Tag to designate the broken equipment.

• Additionally, report the issue in our Slack #red-tags-issues channel.

Equipment Information

Be knowledgeable about the equipment that you are using.

Laminated Placards

• There are laminated placards with detailed equipment information hanging on each of the large Wood Shop power equipment. These can also be found in the PPM Wiki under Wood Shop- Training ("PPM Jointer Safety and Operations", for example)
• More detailed information can be found on the PPM Wiki/Wood Shop page. Vendor supplied Operation, Instruction, and parts lists can be found as links on that page. Most equipment manuals have specific information on capabilities, maintenance, adjustments, and parts lists. Use the specific equipment manual for setup, changing blades, auxiliary attachments, alignments, and general maintenance.

Getting Help

• Use the #wood-shop channel on Slack to get help with specific equipment.
• Utilize tutorial videos on-line that provide general information on many of the Wood Shop tools, techniques, and safeguards.

Dust Collection and Air Handler

Woodworking creates wood chips, dust and fine dust. There are three reasons for dust collection.

• Fine particulate matter is a health hazard that can be a respiratory irritant in the near-term, and a more serious health condition with long-term exposure.
• Fire Danger – A Wood Shop without dust collection has combustible dust everywhere, floors, tools, light fixtures, machinery housing, furnaces, and electrical boxes. Dust increases the chance for a fire start or acceleration if in contact with heaters, hot fixtures, machine housings, and other sources.
• Annoyance – True craftsmen work to precision high quality standards. Chips and dust can impact accuracy, joinery, final finishes, and the quality of the final product. Dust in machinery means more maintenance is needed. Plus, people prefer to work in clean environments.

Reclaimed Materials Usage

Use Metal Detector

Scan the Wood for Metal - Use a hand-held metal detector wand on all reclaimed wood stock. It will locate remaining screws, nails and other metal parts. Any identified metal needs to be removed prior to cutting or shaping on woodworking equipment.

Upcycled Wood

Don’t bring any wood that has lead paint, bugs, or toxic materials to PPM Wood Shop. Paint must be removed prior to bringing to PPM for any up-cycled lumber project. Many pallets are treated with toxic pesticides, such as methyl bromide. Additionally, there can be residuals of toxic chemicals left on pallets, or bacteria from food shipments.

Here are some resources about reclaimed wood:

https://earth911.com/health/how-to-safely-use-pallet-wood/

https://rockinwoodusa.com/is-reclaimed-wood-safe/

Recycling wood has ecological and aesthetic value. But, only if it is not exposing you and PPM members to hazardous materials.

Acceptable Materials

The equipment in the Wood Shop is configured with blades and bits for working with the following materials:

• Solid wood
• Plywood
• MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard)
• Upcycled/recycled wood (see caution on use above)

Banned Materials

• Metals
• Composite decking material ("Trex", for example - requires a special blade and will quickly dull standard woodworking blades)

Plastics & Resin

It is important to research all materials before cutting and take precautions to ensure there are no harmful fumes released and no chips blocking the tool's functionality or the dust collection ability.

Paint or Solvents

Do not apply Paints or Solvents in the Wood Shop. There are too many combustible materials and the odor is bothersome.

• Use the ventilated room, outdoors, or other location for applying paints or solvent-based finishes.

Check-in/ Check-out form

All woodshop users are required to use the Check-in/ Check-out form when using the shop areas.

Project Storage

Project storage is extremely limited and therefore must be carefully managed. Keep your project out of the way, and do not leave it unattended for multiple days or it is subject to removal.

All projects left in the woodshop must be labeled with green Project Storage tags.

Clean-up

If you do not have time to clean up, you do not have time to build it.

Woodworking projects tend to have 3 parts:

“Plan it. Build it. Clean up after it.”

☐ Clean up the area and equipment that you used.

☐ All equipment should be ready for the next member to use right away.

☐ Return all hand tools to their proper location after use. If you don't know where it goes, ask an Area Deputy. This rule applies to all areas of our Makerspace.

☐ Go to the Cleaning Sequence sheets hanging on the Wood Shop door:

Cleaning Sequence (Required)

To ensure that the deep cleaning of the space is maintained, all members are required to do a cleaning task from the sequence flip chart.

If you have comments about the cleaning sequence, leave a note on the Check-out form.

Classes

Woodshop Orientation & SawStop Certification:

A combo class designed for new-to-woodshop members is offered twice per month on Saturday mornings.

Sign up for upcoming classes on Meetup! Upcoming events, including classes, on Meetup

PPM Training

If you need help with a tool or technique, use the #wood-shop channel on Slack.

Woodworking terminology

Introduction to Woodworking‏‎

Tips

Links to external sites:

POWERMATIC MANUALS

Fine Wood Working Magazine Shop Tips

Our wood working-related books — on LibraryThing.com

Equipment Lists

POWERMATIC Equipment List

Picture	Item	Manufacturer	Model Number	Power Requirements	Resources
	Woodturning Lathe, 18" extension, swing away tail stock, ONEWAY bowl chuck		POWERMATIC 3520B	Single Phase, 220V, 60Hz, 6.2A	Operating Instructions and Parts Manual
	14" Woodworking Band Saw, rip and cross-cut fences, 5" riser		POWERMATIC PWBS‑14	Single Phase, 115V, 60Hz, 11A	Operating Instructions and Parts Manual
	15-inch Planer, 4" Dust Port		POWERMATIC 15HH	Single Phase, 230V, 60Hz, 15A	Operating Instructions and Parts Manual
	6" Belt/ 12" Disc Combination Sander		POWERMATIC 30B	3-phase	Replacement Parts

• 

  Lathe chuck

• 

  Lathe tools

Sharpening and Sanding Equipment List

Picture	Item	Manufacturer	Model Number	Resources
	8" bench grinder, blue and white grinding stones, Wolverine and Veritas sharpening devices, buffing wheel and compounds	JET	JET JWBG‑8
	variable speed buffer and buffing wheels		DeWALT DWP849
	sanding belts, disks and sheets		3M
	precision ground granite block, 12"x18"x3"

Do not store tools, or anything, on our granite block to avoid damage to its surface.

Wood Shop Equipment List

Picture	Item	Manufacturer	Model Number	Power Requirements	Resources
	8" Jointer, 2 HP Motor, with SHELIX cutting head	JET	JJ-8CS	single phase, 110 Volts, 15 Amps, 60HZ	JET
	12" Sliding Compound Miter Saw, dust hood & RIGID vacuum		DeWALT DW708	single phase, 110 Volts, 13 Amps, 60HZ
	wood tool sharpener	WORK SHARP	WS3000	single phase, 110 Volts, 2 Amps, 60HZ
	Router and Shaper with bits on rolling carts	DELTA		single phase, 110 Volts, 9 Amps, 60HZ
	Floor drill press	PORTER-CABLE		single phase, 110 Volts, 8 Amps, 60HZ	PORTER-CABLE
	6" Disk 4" Belt Sander	WEN	6502T	single phase, 110 Volts, 4.3 Amps, 60HZ	WEN 6502T
	1" x 30" belt & 5" disk sander	Dremel		single phase, 110 Volts, 3 Amps, 60HZ
	AIR FILTRATION SYSTEM with remote	BAILEIGH	AFS-2400	single phase, 110 Volts, 14 Amps, 60HZ	BAILEIGH AFS-2400
	Box fan, 20", 3-speed	LASKO
	Dust Collector 1.5HP 6" inlet	DELTA			DELTA

• 

  Cable Management
  by Nick Hopkins
  (11/06/22)

• 

  AFS-2400 nameplate

• 

  Bench grinder

Power Tools

'A Tool Is Just An Opportunity With A Handle' ~Kevin Kelly

Picture	Item	Manufacturer	Model Number	Resources	Owner
	COMPACT ROUTER M18 FUEL		Milwaukee 2723-20	2723-20 OPERATOR'S MANUAL
	JIG SAW M18 FUEL D-Handle		Milwaukee 2737-20	2737-20 OPERATOR'S MANUAL	PPM
	Circular Saw, 185mm		Makita 5007NB	5007NB product detail on makita.com
	Router		Makita 3601B	INSTRUCTION MANUAL
	RECIPROCATING SAW		DeWALT DW304P
	JIG SAW		DeWALT DW331
	Jig Saw	BOSCH	BOSCH 1590EVS
	AIR NAILER/ STAPLER	CENTRAL PNEUMATIC	64269	64269
	Biscuit Joiner	Craftsman		Craftsman
	Circular Saw	Craftsman		Craftsman
	Orbital Sander	PORTER-CABLE	Quicksand
	Mouse Sander/Polisher		BLACK&DECKER FMS50
	Belt Sander (handheld)	Craftsman		Craftsman
	Belt Sander (handheld)		RYOBI

Clamps

Item	Manufacturer	Model	Quantity	Owner
6" Wooden Handscrew Clamps	ROCKLER	Wooden Handscrew Clamps	2	PPM
8" Quick Clamp	Irwin	Irwin Quick Grip	2	PPM
12" Quick Clamp	Irwin	Irwin Quick Grip	2	PPM
36" Quick Clamp	Irwin	Irwin Quick Grip	1	Bill Epperson
30" Pipe Bar Clamp	Bessey	BESSEY Tools North America	4	Bill Epperson
48" Pipe Bar Clamp	Bessey	BESSEY Tools North America	2	Bill Epperson
60" Pipe Bar Clamp	Bessey	BESSEY Tools North America	2	Bill Epperson
36" Quick Release Steel Bar Clamp	Jorgensen	CABINET MASTER 8036	5	PPM
6" Quick Release Bar Clamp			2	Bill Epperson
12" Quick Release Bar Clamp			0	PPM
18" Quick Release Bar Clamp			0	PPM
24" Quick Release Bar Clamp			2	PPM
30" Quick Release Bar Clamp			0	PPM
36" Quick Release Bar Clamp		ITEM 60539	6	PPM
60" Quick Release Bar Clamp		ITEM 60673	2	PPM
50" CLAMP & CUT EDGE GUIDE		ITEM 66581	1	PPM
6" Ratcheting Bar Clamp			0	PPM
12" Ratcheting Bar Clamp			6	PPM
24" Ratcheting Bar Clamp			0	PPM

Hand Tools

Picture	Item	Manufacturer	Owner
	Dead Blow Hammer		PPM
	Wood Clamps		PPM
	10 Million Dollar Stick		PPM
	Forstner bit set (16 bits)		PPM

Wood Shop Area hand tools should be marked with green tape or paint or powder coating.

Return all tools to their proper location after use. This rule applies to all areas of our Makerspace.

Benefits

PPM members enjoy discounts at the following local merchants:

(bring proof of membership)

Company	Website	Benefit	Directions to
	Woodcraft of Colorado Springs	10% discount	4438 Austin Bluffs Parkway
	CO Lumber Specialties	10% discount	3636 Stone Avenue
	GENERAL AIR	10% discount	3031 N Nevada Ave.
	ACE Hardware Uintah Gardens	10% discount	1830 W Uintah Street

Map of stores that provide PPM member discounts

Map of helpful local resources curated by our makers

At home LightBurn subscriptions can be purchased at a discounted rate for being a PPM member.

The discount code is saved as a Pinned Message in our 'laser-cutter' channel in Slack.

Donate for Materials and Consumables

Donated materials are available for member use, but should be compensated for by making a donation through one of the following methods:

Donate via PayPal: bit.ly/ppmstuff

Or, leave donations in a black payment box.

Related Pages

Links to related PPM Wiki pages:

  Wood Shop — SawStop  

  Wood Shop — Festool power tools  

  CNC Router Table   - make a reservation

  Metal Shop  

  Vented Room   - make a reservation

  Shed  

Autodesk Fusion Tips

VCarve Tips

Inkscape Tips

QR Codes

Hand-Curated Links

Links to member-recommended external sites:

Colorado Woodworkers' Guild — learn and share information about woodworking

Stumpy Nubs Woodshop — on YouTube

Old Woodworking Machines (OWWM)

For Additional Help

Use the PPM Slack channel #wood-shop

List of all PPM Slack channels

Note that we have a Slack channel (#job-board) for members to post, discuss, or accept job opportunities either within PPM or from the community.

Search the PPM Wiki — include Content pages as well as Multimedia.

Contact Us if you cannot find your answer here on our Wiki or if you notice any information that is outdated.

Pikes Peak Makerspace (PPM) is dedicated to supporting our maker community in their creative processes by providing shared space, shared tools, materials, software, and a knowledge base to turn their ideas into reality.