Trade education and workforce development are two initiatives we value highly here at Dunn Lumber, so it should come as no surprise that we have close ties with Seattle Central College's Wood Technology Center (WTC). With roots dating back to the early 1900s, WTC's history intersects with ours at Dunn Lumber at various points (our very own Ed Dunn Jr. took some classes at Edison), and we're proud to be connected with such an exemplary educational institution.
Throughout the episodes in this series, we'll be speaking with Dave Borgatti, a long-time faculty member at the WTC, about the center's history, program offering, and various topics in woodworking education. Dave got his start in woodworking as a boat builder in Portland, Oregon, for Schooner Creek Boat Works, and ended up at WTC as an instructor in 1992. Since then, Dave has helped countless students—from boat builders to carpenters and cabinetmakers—learn the woodworking craft.
In today’s conversation, Dave covers what you should consider when planning your job site setup for home remodels. While specific setup considerations heavily depend on the type of job, location, and how long you’ll be working onsite, there are several things you should be aware of for all projects. Watch the video above or keep reading for a detailed recap.
Safety considerations
When thinking about setting up your remodeling job site, you may first think about what tools you’ll need to have on hand. While that’s certainly important, Dave suggests that the site's safety aspects come first. You should always have a general Accident Prevention Plan and a more specific Job Hazard Analysis (learn more for Washington State requirements here). For example, you may want to consider:
- Heights—Will you need planks or staging?
- Holes or landscaping—How will moving in and out of the work area affect the job site’s exterior and vice versa?
- Power lines—Will you have any issue getting vehicles, materials, people, or gear where they need to be based on the existing power line placement?
- Limiting harm in or access to the finished space—How will you contain the work area, such as with a curtain wall, and not affect other spaces?
Hazards like these can add up to become a major problem when not thought of proactively.
Job site setup goes beyond prepping the space so you can work safely, effectively, and efficiently. It also can help strengthen the relationship with your client—they’ll appreciate your expertise and preparedness. Proper set up for the job site also allows for accessibility for other tradespeople, like electricians or plumbers, coming in.
Tool considerations
Depending on the type of work you're doing, such as framing walls versus finishing moulding, your tools and workspace setup will be different. That said, here are two key points Dave says to consider:
Using dimension lumber
If you’re using dimension lumber, which comes in standardized sizes, you may regularly need to size it down. In this instance, Dave says he may bring a small planer to the job site, in addition to the typical table saw and miter saw.
Containing dust
Regardless of which tools you use, you need something to help contain and remove dust—likely either a shop vac or dust extractor that attaches to your tools and connects with a HEPA filter.
Looking for more woodworking insight? Check out past episodes of our Wood Technology Series or find more safety-related tips like how to control dust on your job site and why fall protection is an essential part of every job site.
