I just did a small woodburning project and really enjoyed it, including the cutting, shaping and sanding of the wood. I'd like to do more, but I want to make sure I'm working safely, as I have a one-year-old baby and a rental apartment that doesn't have a good workspace to use. (Though I do have a backyard, and can possibly work out there.)

I've poked through this website and looked at some postings on safety and wood toxicity, and done a google search as well on pyrography safety. I'm wondering if anyone has any resources they could point me toward with specific information on working safety?

For instance, I know I need a mask to work with, but I went to the hardware store and was overwhelmed by the choices -- I'm not really sure which one I need and how much I need to spend. And I know that I need to keep sanding dust out of my house and away from my child, but is the dust dangerous at small levels? (I sanded this first project by hand and with a dremel.)

If anyone could direct me toward a place to find answers like that, I'd be so grateful. I loved the project I just did, but I'm so bummed to read how dangerous woodburning/woodworking can be without a well-ventilated shop. I want to continue, but I must keep my baby (and myself) safe.

Thank you so much! It's so fantastic that this resource exists.

- Sarah

Good For You, Sarah, for thinking of safety of your child.

If at all possible I would hand sand as much as possible. Any electric sander is going to put the dust in the air, much more than hand sanding. You can take an old box fan, and tape a filter to the back of it and it will pick up a lot of dust, you can also mount the fan in a window and have blow to the outside, either way just be sitting next to when you are sanding.

If you stay with pine, maple, birch and fir you should not have any problems toxic effects. They are also light colored woods and will make the burn marks pop,

If you have a bench that you work at, you might consider
getting some of cement back yard pavers, I think the are 12" x 12" to keep your burner on and to work over.
an old skillet turned upside down also works
I'm sure others will also have suggestions.

Good luck and welcome

Joe

That's very helpful -- thank you!

By taping a filter to a box fan, is there a specific type or kind that I should look for when going to the hardware store?

Any kind that will cover the back of the box fan, the 2 that I use are the blue filters and the white micro type filters. If the filter seem to too porous you can always stack them.

Another advantage of useing a box fan in a window is that it will help remove the fumes from any finish products you use.

Thanks for sharing your experience. Take care when you do project and do woodwork.

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solid wood doors