Hearing Protection from Woodworking.com

Doing woodworking right, as we all know, means doing woodworking safe. That includes, but is not limited to, using tools power tools correctly -- and one of the things it includes is hearing protection, the subject of this discussion. - Editor

"I went to a garage sale this morning. An old codger was selling some of his tools. We (me and a couple other customers) had to yell so he could hear us. I heard him explain to one of the guys that he had been a machinist and woodworker all his life, and (his words) 'I wish that I would have worn better hearing protection.' I've been on the fence about shelling out $150 for Noise Busters, until this morning. They're on their way." - Dave

"I can vouch for the foam inserts. I have worked in factory settings most of my life and had yearly hearing tests during the last 10 or so years, after each one was advised to just keep up what I was doing. With good hearing protection, it is actually easier to hear how the machine you are working with is performing, as the background noises are filtered out. Learned from a musician friend that they also work great in a bar if you want to hear the band." - Frank C.

"I've heard it said that the best hearing protection is the one that you will actually use. Expensive earmuffs won't do a bit of good if you don't wear them. Same thing with safety glasses." - Dave

"The combination of earmuffs and safety glasses is completely uncomfortable for me, so I am more likely to not use them. I haven't used the roll-up plugs, but should give them a try. I've put my eyes and ears through way too much abuse over the years." - Valkyrie

"Wait. You mean the safety glasses that I keep in a drawer won't protect me?? Who knew?? But seriously, we all should be taking eye and ear protection seriously. After 20-some years in construction I NOW (after losing half my hearing) wear foam earplugs every day. Wish I had started sooner. I'm not very good about eye protection. I hate the dust that accumulates on the glasses. Thanks for the reminder, though. Maybe if I get kicked a few more times I'll start using them." -Jerry M.

How about you, eZine readers? What do you wear to protect your hearing when you're out in the shop? - Editor

Finding Hidden Biscuits from Woodworking.com

This woodworker had originally used biscuits for alignment in his panel. Now he wants to cut down the panel -- and he can't remember where they are. - Editor

"I have a cherry panel made up of edge-glued boards with occasional biscuits for alignment. Now, I want to cut it down to make a small table top. However, I no longer know where the hidden biscuits are. If I cut it to size and a biscuit shows at the edge, I'll have a problem. Does anyone know of any way to locate the biscuits? I thought of a stud finder that works by sensing density changes, but that didn't seem to help. Maybe a REALLY bright light? Any other ideas?" - sbmathias

The discussion quickly changed to design options for dealing with the biscuits remaining in the panel. - Editor

"As far as finding the biscuits, forget it. Nothing I know will locate them.If you are cutting it down to width, the question is how wide are the boards? If they are wide enough, try cutting some off either edge to balance the cuts deep enough in the boards to miss the biscuits. If you can't balance the cuts, simply cut the top a little narrow and glue the cut off back on, hiding the biscuits.If you are cutting to length, you don't really want exposed end grain anyway. You should incorporate a breadboard end to hide the end grain and account for top expansion." - valkyrie

"I am cutting to length. I hadn't thought of breadboarding the ends. I'd prefer to not have breadboard ends, but I guess that would be a good way to hide biscuits if I run into any. Seems like breadboard ends make the top expansion problem more problematic, not less." - sbmathias

"Properly designed, breadboard ends are a great way to hide end grain without any expansion issues. True breadboard ends are pinned mortise and tenon, with the pins being in elongated holes in the tenons. The top will tend to expand across the width, so the holes in the tenon are slightly elongated to the width. The pins can be set from underneath if you don't want them seen. Another alternative is [PressureSensitive Plyedge from Rockler]. It is pretty durable stuff, and takes a finish quite well." - valkyrie

The original poster has nothing particularly against breadboard ends; he just doesn't want to build them for this project. And he's still searching for a way to find those biscuits ... any ideas? - Editor

"I agree that properly designed and executed breadboard ends are fine, and can be quite decorative. However, not having to design and build them is much easier. For this small table, I don't really need them, unless to hide the biscuits that may show up unwanted." - sbmathias