This educational article has been developed to assist in the management of noise from buzzer/planers.
The buzzer or planer, is common throughout woodwork shops. Noise levels produced by the machine can exceed 85 dB(A) and hearing protection is normally recommended for the operator.
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- Have blades sharpened at regular intervals.
- Make sure that the dust extractor heads are firmly connected to the buzzer to eliminate rattles.
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- Use machine in separate machine room, away from quiet work areas.
- When a cutting blade rotates under no load conditions, air stream is chopped creating a 'siren effect'. The air cavity can be filled with silicone rubber to reduce the free running blade noise.
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- Dress timber in small increments, not taking large chunks out at a time. Allow blades to cut at their own speed not forcing the work through. Train staff in the correct method of feeding in timber.
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- Substitute softwoods for hardwoods, if it is found that the noise level is less on softwoods.
- Purchase pre-machined timber where possible.
Adapted from the Noise Control Manual for Schools with the permission of the Education Department of Western Australia.
