5 Ways to Upcycle Planer Shavings

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Planer shavings: a versatile and often overlooked resource

Planer shavings are a common byproduct of woodworking, but many people don’t know what to do with them. In this article, we’ll explore some of the many uses for planer shavings, from fuel to compost to animal bedding. We’ll also provide tips on how to collect and store planer shavings so that you can make the most of this valuable resource.

So if you’re looking for a way to reuse your planer shavings, read on!

| What To Do With Planer Shavings? | How To Do It | Benefits |
|—|—|—|
| Use as fire starter | Dry the shavings and store them in a safe place. When you need a fire, simply add the shavings to the kindling and light it. | Planer shavings burn quickly and create a hot fire. |
| Make mulch | Spread the shavings around the base of your plants. The shavings will help to retain moisture and keep the soil cool. | Planer shavings are a good source of organic matter and will help to improve the soil quality. |
| Compost them | Add the shavings to your compost pile. The shavings will help to break down the other materials in the compost pile and will add nutrients to the soil. | Planer shavings are a good source of carbon and will help to balance out the nitrogen in your compost pile. |

Planer shavings are a byproduct of woodworking, and they can be a nuisance to clean up. However, they can also be a valuable resource. Planer shavings can be used for a variety of purposes, from composting to fuel. In this article, we will discuss the many uses for planer shavings, as well as how to store them properly.

Uses for Planer Shavings

Planer shavings can be used for a variety of purposes, including:

  • Composting. Planer shavings are a great addition to compost piles. They are high in carbon, which helps to balance out the nitrogen content of other compost materials. Planer shavings also help to aerate the compost pile, which allows for better airflow and decomposition.
  • Fuel. Planer shavings can be used as fuel for campfires, wood stoves, and pellet stoves. They burn hot and produce a lot of heat. Planer shavings can also be used to make biochar, which is a type of charcoal that can be used as a soil amendment.
  • Animal bedding. Planer shavings make excellent bedding for animals such as horses, cows, and pigs. They are absorbent and help to keep animals clean and dry. Planer shavings can also help to reduce the spread of parasites and diseases.
  • Mulch. Planer shavings can be used as mulch around plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. They also help to improve the soil structure and drainage.
  • Crafts. Planer shavings can be used to make a variety of crafts, such as birdhouses, wind chimes, and sculptures. They can also be used as filler in other crafts, such as wreaths and potpourri.

How to Store Planer Shavings

Planer shavings can be stored in a variety of ways, including:

  • Dried. Planer shavings can be dried in the sun or in a dehydrator. Dried planer shavings will last longer than wet planer shavings.
  • Airtight containers. Planer shavings can be stored in airtight containers, such as buckets or plastic bags. Airtight containers will help to keep the planer shavings dry and free from pests.
  • Pest control. Planer shavings can attract pests, such as rodents and insects. To prevent pests from infesting your planer shavings, you can add a few drops of peppermint oil or cedar oil to the shavings. You can also sprinkle diatomaceous earth on the shavings to help deter pests.

Planer shavings are a versatile material that can be used for a variety of purposes. By understanding the different uses for planer shavings, you can find ways to reuse and recycle this waste product.

What To Do With Planer Shavings?

Planer shavings are a common byproduct of woodworking, and they can quickly accumulate if not properly disposed of. While planer shavings can be used for a variety of purposes, such as mulching, composting, and fuel, it is important to take proper safety precautions when working with them.

Safety precautions when working with planer shavings

When working with planer shavings, it is important to take the following safety precautions:

  • Dust control. Planer shavings create a lot of dust, which can be harmful to your lungs and eyes. To avoid inhaling or getting dust on your skin, wear a dust mask and eye protection when working with planer shavings.
  • Fire hazards. Planer shavings are flammable, so it is important to keep them away from open flames. If you are working in a dusty environment, you should also have a fire extinguisher on hand.
  • Respiratory protection. Planer shavings can irritate your respiratory system, so it is important to wear a respirator if you are working with them for extended periods of time.

Disposal of planer shavings

There are a few different ways to dispose of planer shavings. The best method for you will depend on the amount of shavings you have and your local recycling and disposal regulations.

  • Recycling. If you have a lot of planer shavings, you may be able to recycle them. Check with your local recycling center to see if they accept planer shavings.
  • Landfill. If you do not have a lot of planer shavings, you can simply throw them away in the landfill.
  • Burning. You can also burn planer shavings as fuel. However, it is important to burn them in a safe manner, away from any structures or vegetation.

Planer shavings can be a nuisance, but they can also be a valuable resource. By following the safety precautions outlined in this article, you can safely dispose of planer shavings and use them for a variety of purposes.

Here are some additional tips for working with planer shavings:

  • Keep your work area clean. Planer shavings can quickly accumulate, so it is important to sweep or vacuum your work area regularly.
  • Store planer shavings in a safe location. Planer shavings are flammable, so it is important to store them in a cool, dry location away from open flames.
  • Use planer shavings as mulch or compost. Planer shavings make an excellent mulch or compost material. They help to improve soil drainage and aeration, and they can also help to suppress weeds.
  • Use planer shavings as fuel. Planer shavings can be burned as fuel for stoves, fireplaces, and campfires. They burn hot and clean, and they produce a lot of heat.

    What are planer shavings?

Planer shavings are the thin, curlicue-shaped pieces of wood that are created when a planer shaves off a layer of wood from a board. They are often a nuisance, but they can also be recycled or repurposed for a variety of other uses.

What can I do with planer shavings?

There are many different things you can do with planer shavings. Here are a few ideas:

  • Use them as mulch. Planer shavings make excellent mulch for gardens and flower beds. They help to retain moisture in the soil, and they also provide a source of organic matter that can help to improve soil quality.
  • Add them to compost. Planer shavings can be added to compost piles to help them break down more quickly. They also provide a source of carbon, which is essential for the composting process.
  • Use them as firestarters. Planer shavings are a great way to start a fire in your fireplace or wood stove. They are easy to light, and they burn quickly and hot.
  • Make them into art projects. Planer shavings can be used to create a variety of different art projects, such as sculptures, collages, and jewelry.
  • Give them to your local animal shelter. Planer shavings make excellent bedding for animals in shelters. They are absorbent and comfortable, and they help to keep animals warm.

How do I store planer shavings?

Planer shavings can be stored in a variety of ways. Here are a few tips:

  • Store them in a covered container. This will help to keep them from blowing away or getting wet.
  • Store them in a cool, dry place. This will help to prevent them from molding or rotting.
  • Don’t store them in airtight containers. This could create a fire hazard.

How do I dispose of planer shavings?

If you don’t want to use planer shavings for any of the purposes listed above, you can dispose of them in a few different ways. Here are a few options:

  • Compost them. Planer shavings make excellent compost.
  • Burn them. Planer shavings can be burned in a fireplace or wood stove.
  • Take them to a landfill. Planer shavings can be taken to a landfill.

What are the safety hazards of planer shavings?

Planer shavings can pose a few safety hazards, including:

  • Fire hazard. Planer shavings are flammable and can easily catch fire.
  • Slip hazard. Planer shavings can create a slippery surface, which can increase the risk of falls.
  • Eye hazard. Planer shavings can get into your eyes and cause irritation or injury.

It is important to take precautions to avoid these safety hazards. Here are a few tips:

  • Store planer shavings in a covered container. This will help to prevent them from being exposed to open flames.
  • Sweep up planer shavings regularly. This will help to keep the work area clean and free of slippery debris.
  • Wear eye protection when working with planer shavings. This will help to protect your eyes from irritation or injury.

    planer shavings can be used for a variety of purposes, from mulching to fuel. By being creative and resourceful, you can find ways to use this waste product to your advantage. Whether you’re looking to save money or reduce your environmental impact, planer shavings can be a valuable asset.

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.