Maintenance Day: Dave Popejoy, Scott Lebsack, and Mike Lock working on the bandsaws
Lorraine Wilson
Once a month, a unique transformation takes place in the woodshop. For two days, the usual hum of machines and the chatter of woodworkers fades away, replaced by the sound of cleaning equipment and careful maintenance. This monthly ritual ensures that the woodshop stays safe, functional, and enjoyable for everyone who uses it. It begins with “Blow-down Day,” a task that is essential to keeping the workspace clean, followed by “Maintenance Day,” which keeps the equipment in top condition. Together, these days underscore the importance of teamwork and volunteerism, with each person playing a key role in maintaining a space they cherish.
On Blow-down Day, volunteer woodworkers gather to tackle a seemingly simple but vital task: clearing out dust. Over weeks of heavy use, wood dust accumulates in every corner, crack, and piece of equipment. While the woodshop has dust collection systems, they don’t capture everything, especially in tight spaces and around larger equipment. Imagine the amount of dust generated from continuous use of saws, planers, and sanders. In a woodshop, dust isn’t just a cleaning concern—it can become a fire hazard, clog up machinery, and even affect the air quality.
Blow-down involves using compressed air to clear out every nook and cranny, from workbenches to ventilation ducts, and especially within the machinery itself. Volunteers meticulously move around the shop, making sure that all the sawdust, chips, and fine particles are removed. They cover every surface and tool to prevent buildup that can interfere with the equipment’s performance. This process can take hours, but it is invaluable to the woodshop’s safety and longevity.
Maintenance Day begins the next day with another group of volunteers to take on the essential upkeep of each machine. The focus of this day is thorough inspection, cleaning, and adjustment of every piece of equipment. Volunteers clean and lubricate the machinery, tighten any loose components, and replace worn-out parts. This is also the time to address any repairs that may be needed, such as changing a dull blade on a bandsaw, replacing sandpaper on a drum sander, or adjusting a loose belt on a planer.
These maintenance tasks are critical to ensuring that the equipment remains safe and reliable. Regular maintenance extends the lifespan of the machinery, reduces downtime due to breakdowns, and helps to prevent accidents that could result from faulty equipment. The volunteers’ attention to detail means that each machine is ready for use when woodworkers return, ensuring the shop operates smoothly for everyone.
This monthly routine fosters a strong sense of community. Volunteers work side by side, sharing knowledge, learning from each other, and building connections. For new members, it’s a great opportunity to get involved and learn more about the machinery they’ll be using. For long-time woodworkers, it’s a chance to give back to the space that has supported their craft over the years.
Ultimately, these two days each month go far beyond just cleaning and maintaining equipment. They represent a commitment to keeping the woodshop safe, efficient, and welcoming for everyone.