A cautionary tale about fiber board bench tops.

[orezok]

I salvaged a steel top lunch table from one of our school remodels. Made a perfect work table after I raised it to work bench height.

All the newer ones are fiberglass. I used the steel benches to make the side rails for my land plane.

 

[nyone]

Yes. it wasn't there at the time, is was underneth the bench and off to the side away from grinding. . .

Under the bench that cought fire right? Grinding sparks fly prety far and gas fumes spread real quick.

I think the fact that you keep gas in your garage at all should be looked at by your self.

 

[gstrom99]

I think the fact that you keep gas in your garage at all should be looked at by your self.

Who doesn't? Fire dept's know very well, the dangers of garage/shop fires. There are so many flamable/explosive cans of stuff in most garages. Paint, solvents, carb/brake cleaner, welding/torch tanks.

Does everyone (anyone) have enough large fire extinguishers? Anyone have their's serviced regularly? I check the gauges, but that's about it for me...

 

[LouNY]

Who doesn't? Fire dept's know very well, the dangers of garage/shop fires. There are so many flamable/explosive cans of stuff in most garages. Paint, solvents, carb/brake cleaner, welding/torch tanks.

Does everyone (anyone) have enough large fire extinguishers? Anyone have their's serviced regularly? I check the gauges, but that's about it for me...

That is for sure, my little shop has so much flammable materials in that if it ever got a good start it would be just step back and watch it go.
Between oils and solvents and yes fuel cans plus cases of aerosol cans, turn your back and walk away because there would be no saving it.

 

[big bubba]

also be aware that linseed oil soaked rags will spontaneously combust, same thing happened in my garage with linseed, like yourself, glad to have caught it in time. since then, installed multiple smoke alarms in my shop/garage. do you have any in your garage area?

 

[kenmbz]

When I had a fiberboard bench I sealed it so it would not absorb fluids.
Thanks for pointing out the issues with any surface that can absorb liquids.

Fumes are another danger, ventilation might seem ok, until you wake up on the floor.
I don't pour gas/diesel etc, in an enclosed space like a garage.
I have seen so many people do that.

 

[Jchonline]

You should keep all combustible (and probably flammable) compounds well away from any potential ignition sources. Good time to make some changes! I may just replace my MDF with steel. Thanks for sharing!

 

[nyone]

Who doesn't? Fire dept's know very well, the dangers of garage/shop fires. There are so many flamable/explosive cans of stuff in most garages. Paint, solvents, carb/brake cleaner, welding/torch tanks.

Does everyone (anyone) have enough large fire extinguishers? Anyone have their's serviced regularly? I check the gauges, but that's about it for me...

Me. I dont keep gas cans in my garage. And generaly the other highly flammable stuff isnt in a plastic container.

 

[Doofy]

also be aware that linseed oil soaked rags will spontaneously combust, same thing happened in my garage with linseed, like yourself, glad to have caught it in time. since then, installed multiple smoke alarms in my shop/garage. do you have any in your garage area?

My garage smoke detector is tied to the detectors in the house. An occasional false alarm is better than the alternative. Be safe!

 

[Doofy]

When working on the Sleds or mowers or snow blowers and I know there will be gas or gas fumes exposed, I kill the power to the furnace until done with the job and the garage has been thoroughly aired out.